Amazingly, I seem to have actually completed most of the resolutions I wrote for 2011. Okay maybe not the exercise part, but that one seems to be perennial. I think it's because I had a tiny baby, so I felt safe in keeping things small. M made a resolution last night that he would floss at least once in 2012, so that maybe carrying the low bar thing a bit far. Anyway, here's my list:
1. Exercise at least 3 to 4 times per week
2. Send cards or letters every month
3. Judge less
4. Garden more
5. Read "serious" books
6. Organize house and get rid of stuff
7. Eat less sugar and fat
8. Be more grateful
9. Go on at least one date with M per month
10.Play Nicely wit the other children
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Monday, January 02, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Christmas '11
A slow great time was had by all. For the first time in many years, it was just a few of us on the big day, and I think that actually worked out really well for Delphinium. She took her time with each phase of events, and I'm pretty sure that allowed her to enjoy things rather than having her get overwhelmed. As far as I can remember she didn't even cry once.
We got up when she did, eat some breakfast, and did stockings once Daddy woke up. That alone was exciting since there were so many little goodies in there! The look on her face was unforgettable as she pulled out wind-up babies, kaleidoscopes, animals, and even a chocolate coin. She would have cheerfully stuck with that for the rest of the day, but no, no there were bigger things in store. The stockings were hung in our family room near the fireplace. However, in our living room lived the tree and the presents.
We'd been working hard all morning to keep her out of the living room, so she wouldn’t see the major, unwrapped gifts from Santa. Once breakfast and stockings were accomplished, we could finally turn her loose. Speaking of expressions, the one she made for the bouncy cow was particulary interesting. "Cooooooow! Moooooo!" and then bouncybouncybouncybouncybouncy as she figured out its use.
The cow was eventually displaced by the glory of a tray of wooden food which could be "cut" by a wooden knife (think Velcro). A new baby doll came next "New baby! New baby!" which was very much loved and petted until it was literally thrown aside for a train booster pack (more track and goodies for her beloved wooden train). Things continued in this vein for some time, and that is why, at about noon, we had a break for lunch and naps. This meant leaving a good portion of the presents still wrapped under the tree, but what's the point in rushing?
A pesimist would say that this is proof of the crass commercialism of our age. A kid gets so many gifts that she can't even open them all, and when she does they just get thrown aside in an instant when the next thing appears. I have to disagree. Each of her new presents will be rediscovered in the weeks ahead as she takes the time to really appreciate what she has. Some things, like the baby doll and the trains, are already fixtures. Other items will take more time to make an impression.
On the whole I'm really happy with our Christmas experience. Of course it would have been nice to have our uncles, aunties, cousins, and grandparents there for the holiday, but since they couldn't come, it was good to find the silver lining in a small holiday. Who knows what next year might bring.
We got up when she did, eat some breakfast, and did stockings once Daddy woke up. That alone was exciting since there were so many little goodies in there! The look on her face was unforgettable as she pulled out wind-up babies, kaleidoscopes, animals, and even a chocolate coin. She would have cheerfully stuck with that for the rest of the day, but no, no there were bigger things in store. The stockings were hung in our family room near the fireplace. However, in our living room lived the tree and the presents.
We'd been working hard all morning to keep her out of the living room, so she wouldn’t see the major, unwrapped gifts from Santa. Once breakfast and stockings were accomplished, we could finally turn her loose. Speaking of expressions, the one she made for the bouncy cow was particulary interesting. "Cooooooow! Moooooo!" and then bouncybouncybouncybouncybouncy as she figured out its use.
The cow was eventually displaced by the glory of a tray of wooden food which could be "cut" by a wooden knife (think Velcro). A new baby doll came next "New baby! New baby!" which was very much loved and petted until it was literally thrown aside for a train booster pack (more track and goodies for her beloved wooden train). Things continued in this vein for some time, and that is why, at about noon, we had a break for lunch and naps. This meant leaving a good portion of the presents still wrapped under the tree, but what's the point in rushing?
A pesimist would say that this is proof of the crass commercialism of our age. A kid gets so many gifts that she can't even open them all, and when she does they just get thrown aside in an instant when the next thing appears. I have to disagree. Each of her new presents will be rediscovered in the weeks ahead as she takes the time to really appreciate what she has. Some things, like the baby doll and the trains, are already fixtures. Other items will take more time to make an impression.
On the whole I'm really happy with our Christmas experience. Of course it would have been nice to have our uncles, aunties, cousins, and grandparents there for the holiday, but since they couldn't come, it was good to find the silver lining in a small holiday. Who knows what next year might bring.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Happy Happy Christmas '11
"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! "
~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836
~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836
Monday, December 19, 2011
Advent House
Goodness, gracious we are so lucky to have our fabulous advent house! Auntie C. gave it to us a few years ago (B.B. or Before Baby) and we always liked it and appreciated it as holiday decor. However there is no way M or I could possibly enjoy the house as much as Delphinium does. Now that she understands the idea behind it we are inundated with requests for "house?! house?!" every day. We lift, we show the correct drawer, and then the baby does the rest by herself. She pulls the tiny knob, peaks inside, and then uses her little hand to pull out the prize. Sometimes it is a sticker (which is pretty good) sometimes it is a tiny animal (which is quite good) and sometimes it is a chocolate coin in a gold wrapper (which is REALLY REALLY good). Thanks Auntie C!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Christmas So Far
I'm happy to report that we have a Christmas tree in our living room. Not only that, but it's been standing there for several days, and Delphinium has not pulled it over even once! Even better, she actually leaves the ornaments in place as well. She has actually been better about it than the cat who has tried more than once to make low-hanging ornaments into toys. A few times every day, the baby toddles to the living room, announces "tree!" and does a little giggle of appreciation.
The process of getting the tree was quite exciting too. Grandma and MD piled in the car with us, and we all set out for a lot near our house. Last year we went out to a farm in the country, and walked up and down the rows, but this year we were much more in a lot frame of mind. Delphinium did not mind at all. She played peek-a-boo around the trees, and then watched in awe as they wrapped our tree and put it on the roof of the car. Perhaps the most exciting part was going inside to pay because they had a selection of ornaments, and do you know what kind they had? Butterflies! Ever since the incident at the science center, Delphinium is obsessed with them, so we picked out a red "hop hop" to take home.
These days I can tell which activities mean the most to the baby because she wants to talk about them at bedtime. The tale of butterflies on her head is a near constant favorite. However, the tale of the Christmas tree is running a close second. Who knows what might happen when there are actual presents under that tree! What fun.
The process of getting the tree was quite exciting too. Grandma and MD piled in the car with us, and we all set out for a lot near our house. Last year we went out to a farm in the country, and walked up and down the rows, but this year we were much more in a lot frame of mind. Delphinium did not mind at all. She played peek-a-boo around the trees, and then watched in awe as they wrapped our tree and put it on the roof of the car. Perhaps the most exciting part was going inside to pay because they had a selection of ornaments, and do you know what kind they had? Butterflies! Ever since the incident at the science center, Delphinium is obsessed with them, so we picked out a red "hop hop" to take home.
These days I can tell which activities mean the most to the baby because she wants to talk about them at bedtime. The tale of butterflies on her head is a near constant favorite. However, the tale of the Christmas tree is running a close second. Who knows what might happen when there are actual presents under that tree! What fun.
Monday, December 06, 2010
To Gift or Not to Gift
Our extended family is currently going through a crisis. Okay that might be over-stating things just a tiny bit, but at least we're engaging in a debate. The issue? Christmas. Not the holiday as a whole, I think everyone is pretty much in favor of that, but the question of gift-giving. The brothers and I (and M too actually) all grew up with the idea that Christmas was, well, a time of plenty. In other words, there was always and excess of special treats, an excess of decorations, and an excess of presents. We (I hope I can speak for them) enjoyed things to the hilt. Christmases were absolutely magic.
As a grown up I have always wanted to recreate such feelings. Now that I have a child I would very much like for her to have a holiday as wonderful as mine. However, not everyone in our family feels this way. Some point out that the crass commercialism of it all is neither healthy nor charming, and that if we want to truly appreciate each other on Christmas we would do it without so many (any?) gifts. I can absolutely understand the point, but I still can't pry myself away from the desire to shower people with goodies. I still love the pile of beautiful presents underneath the tree, and that is a pale shadow of how much I loved the scene when I was a kid.
Couldn't we all agree to bump up or charitable giving, buy nothing in January, or do some volunteering to contribute to the greater good? That way we could still have our Christmas and eat it too. I know the one thing does not cancel out the other, and I also know that I'm starting to sound whiney and shrill, but this is an issue that causes me a certain amount of angst. If you celebrate, where does your family fall on the festive vs. frugal spectrum?
As a grown up I have always wanted to recreate such feelings. Now that I have a child I would very much like for her to have a holiday as wonderful as mine. However, not everyone in our family feels this way. Some point out that the crass commercialism of it all is neither healthy nor charming, and that if we want to truly appreciate each other on Christmas we would do it without so many (any?) gifts. I can absolutely understand the point, but I still can't pry myself away from the desire to shower people with goodies. I still love the pile of beautiful presents underneath the tree, and that is a pale shadow of how much I loved the scene when I was a kid.
Couldn't we all agree to bump up or charitable giving, buy nothing in January, or do some volunteering to contribute to the greater good? That way we could still have our Christmas and eat it too. I know the one thing does not cancel out the other, and I also know that I'm starting to sound whiney and shrill, but this is an issue that causes me a certain amount of angst. If you celebrate, where does your family fall on the festive vs. frugal spectrum?
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
Usually around Thanksgiving time I make a list of on hundred things for which I am thankful. This was always part of an assignment for my English students, but this year I do not have a class. That is actually fine because this year I am not collecting the huge list. It's not that I don't appreciate all those wonderful bits and pieces. It's just that this year I am so especially thankful for Delphinium that she eclipes everything else.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Twilight Action Figures
Before it gets too long gone, I just had to mention one cute Christmas story from '09.
It's become more challenging, in the last few years, to buy Christmas gifts for the nieces because they have gotten so sophisticated and mature. You cannot simply buy them fun books and toys. Now it's a matter of finding the perfect novel, the perfect art supplies, or the perfect article (this is REALLY hard) of clothing. They will, however, help you out if you ask. In fact, the older they get, the more specific their Christmas lists become.
This year Elder Niece was really, really specific in asking for dolls. No, not just any old dolls (which are stupid and awful and she has NEVER enjoyed them) but Twilight dolls. Yes, I know what you are thinking, but it's no joke. This Christmas, there were two, TWO, different varieties of Twilight dolls from which to choose. Elder Niece was also very clear that she DID NOT WANT the Barbie Doll kind. Instead, she was after the action figure version.
Thus on Christmas morning Grandma came through. The best present of the day (for Elder Niece anyway) was a matching Bella and Edward action figure set. They were beautifully detailed and very much resembled the actors, but I really wondered what the heck one would do with Twilight action figures. Elder Niece had no problem in this regard. She put the figures in the pockets of her jacket and carried them with her wherever we went.
She put on mini versions of the movie while walking in the park. She got them out and stood them on the table while we ate brunch in a restaurant. More than one waitress complimented her on their innate fabulousness. With tongue somewhat in cheek, she used them to do commentary on all sorts of passing people and places. In other words, they were thoroughly enjoyed. It's nice to see that eleven is not too grown up to still play with toys sometimes. As long as they're super cool action figures anyway.
It's become more challenging, in the last few years, to buy Christmas gifts for the nieces because they have gotten so sophisticated and mature. You cannot simply buy them fun books and toys. Now it's a matter of finding the perfect novel, the perfect art supplies, or the perfect article (this is REALLY hard) of clothing. They will, however, help you out if you ask. In fact, the older they get, the more specific their Christmas lists become.
This year Elder Niece was really, really specific in asking for dolls. No, not just any old dolls (which are stupid and awful and she has NEVER enjoyed them) but Twilight dolls. Yes, I know what you are thinking, but it's no joke. This Christmas, there were two, TWO, different varieties of Twilight dolls from which to choose. Elder Niece was also very clear that she DID NOT WANT the Barbie Doll kind. Instead, she was after the action figure version.
Thus on Christmas morning Grandma came through. The best present of the day (for Elder Niece anyway) was a matching Bella and Edward action figure set. They were beautifully detailed and very much resembled the actors, but I really wondered what the heck one would do with Twilight action figures. Elder Niece had no problem in this regard. She put the figures in the pockets of her jacket and carried them with her wherever we went.
She put on mini versions of the movie while walking in the park. She got them out and stood them on the table while we ate brunch in a restaurant. More than one waitress complimented her on their innate fabulousness. With tongue somewhat in cheek, she used them to do commentary on all sorts of passing people and places. In other words, they were thoroughly enjoyed. It's nice to see that eleven is not too grown up to still play with toys sometimes. As long as they're super cool action figures anyway.
Monday, January 04, 2010
New Year's Resolutions 2010
In the past, I've made many new year's resolutions. Some of these have fallen by the wayside almost immediately, but others have had a lasting impact on me. I know they say you should stick with clear, measurable goals, but I find it's often the more intangible ones that work best for me. For example, last year I resolved to engage in less needless chatter at work, and I've really had great success with that one.
This year, I thought I'd look around for a little help to get inspired. Several articles offered the top ten most popular resolutions based on various polls and quizzes. If you think people are reporting these things truthfully, then:
Top Ten Most Popular Resolutions of 2010
1. Spend more time with family/friends
2. Get fit
3. Lose weight (I like that these are two separate goals)
4. Quit smoking
5. Cut drinking
6. Enjoy life more/be more appreciative of what we have
7. Get out of or manage debt
8. Learn something new
9. Help others/be a good citizen/volunteer
10. Get organized
Now not all these apply to or work for me. Some of these, like smoking, have never been on my plate, while others, like getting fit and cutting drinking are out because of my pregnancy. Nevertheless, I have shamelessly stolen the ones that I could, and replaced the ones that didn't work for me.
My New Year's Resolutions for 2010
1. Spend quality time with husband and baby
2. Remain active as much as possible before and after baby arrives
3. Eat healthy foods before and after baby
4. Wrap up school responsibilities in preparation for a year off
5. Drink plenty of water
6. Enjoy life more/be more appreciative of what we have
7. Cut spending on luxury items/dining out
8. Learn how to be a mom
9. Help others/be a good citizen/volunteer
10. Get organized
This year, I thought I'd look around for a little help to get inspired. Several articles offered the top ten most popular resolutions based on various polls and quizzes. If you think people are reporting these things truthfully, then:
Top Ten Most Popular Resolutions of 2010
1. Spend more time with family/friends
2. Get fit
3. Lose weight (I like that these are two separate goals)
4. Quit smoking
5. Cut drinking
6. Enjoy life more/be more appreciative of what we have
7. Get out of or manage debt
8. Learn something new
9. Help others/be a good citizen/volunteer
10. Get organized
Now not all these apply to or work for me. Some of these, like smoking, have never been on my plate, while others, like getting fit and cutting drinking are out because of my pregnancy. Nevertheless, I have shamelessly stolen the ones that I could, and replaced the ones that didn't work for me.
My New Year's Resolutions for 2010
1. Spend quality time with husband and baby
2. Remain active as much as possible before and after baby arrives
3. Eat healthy foods before and after baby
4. Wrap up school responsibilities in preparation for a year off
5. Drink plenty of water
6. Enjoy life more/be more appreciative of what we have
7. Cut spending on luxury items/dining out
8. Learn how to be a mom
9. Help others/be a good citizen/volunteer
10. Get organized
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Most Wonderful Events of 2009
10. Baby!
9. Baby!
8. New Orleans for C's birthday
7. Baby!
6. Oregon Country Fair before the rain came
5. Visits and holidays with family
4. Baby!
3. Our first anniversary
2. Baby!
1. Baby!
9. Baby!
8. New Orleans for C's birthday
7. Baby!
6. Oregon Country Fair before the rain came
5. Visits and holidays with family
4. Baby!
3. Our first anniversary
2. Baby!
1. Baby!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas 09
Merry Christmas to all our friends and family near and far. I hope your day is full of good food, great companions, and plenty of holiday cheer in whatever form you enjoy most. My little companion keeps wiggling to remind me that by next year, our holiday will be completely different. I think we're ready for the change. Have a lovely day everyone!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Holiday Rush
Today I am getting my proverbial ducks in a row. I took my car to the tire place this morning to have the three seasons swapped for the winter ones. While it was there, I ran over to the mall and bought the last few gifts I need before Christmas actually arrives. Next up, I'm taking the car over to the mechanic to have a regular service plus a tune-up. Last, but certainly not least, I need to head to the grocery store to stock up on the goodies we will want for Christmas dinner and the holiday weekend. I wish there had been time to fit in a hair cut somewhere in there, but I just couldn't cram that in. On the plus side, being on vacation is allowing me to do so many more things than I could in a normal work day. On the other hand, this is not exactly my idea of relaxation. Nevertheless, by the time the holiday actually rolls around maybe I will be ready to sit back and enjoy.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Needless Markup Christmas
Not long ago, a town near ours acquired a new store. Normally this would not be such a big deal, but the store that opened its doors only a short drive from our house is Neiman Marcus (or Needless Markup as my brother likes to call it). Now don't get me wrong, I would never actually set foot in such a silly place (I have an allergy to certain kinds of conspicuous consumption). However, driving by recently made me remember the existence of said store. I had to do an internet search to see if my prejudice would be confirmed. I was NOT disappointed.
Here is a sampling of some of the "indulgences" offered by the gift section. Were I to win the lottery, my friends and family could suddenly find themselves getting much more exciting gifts! For example, I could buy my brother a $2200 folding bike, or perhaps my mom needs a $3500 cashmere robe? I'm sure my Auntie D. would just love a $4800 elephant clock. Have these people not heard of the "new modesty?" Or perhaps this IS their version of restraint. Maybe the fur trimmed cashmere cloak is meant to make up for the fact that you aren't getting a new Beemer?
Here is a sampling of some of the "indulgences" offered by the gift section. Were I to win the lottery, my friends and family could suddenly find themselves getting much more exciting gifts! For example, I could buy my brother a $2200 folding bike, or perhaps my mom needs a $3500 cashmere robe? I'm sure my Auntie D. would just love a $4800 elephant clock. Have these people not heard of the "new modesty?" Or perhaps this IS their version of restraint. Maybe the fur trimmed cashmere cloak is meant to make up for the fact that you aren't getting a new Beemer?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Ten Stupid Holiday Ideas
M and I had the misfortune to watch a holiday decorating program on TV the other day. The premise of the show was that two professional designers would offer tips in between segments of viewer suggestions. I thought it might inspire us to do a little holiday decorating of our own, but I should have known better. All we did was laugh and groan during the entire thing. Here's a helpful list of wonderful decorating ideas:
1. Instead of a real tree, make one out of pillow stuffing.
2. Instead of a real tree, make one entirely out of teddy bears
3. Instead of a real tree, cover a Styrofoam spike with candy using a hot glue gun.
4. Instead of a real tree, hand a branch upside down from your ceiling
5. Instead of a real tree make a green triangle on the wall using strings of lights
6. Get an old metal gate, hand it on your door, use it to hang all your Christmas cards
7. On a bare table-top make an "arrangement" of branches and candles. Light candles. One assumes you then have to buy a new table when finished.
8. Cover every inch of mantle with ribbons and bows such that you cannot actually have a fire.
9. Fill your bathtub past the top with mounds of round glass ornaments.
10. Make a ten foot high Star of David, and use it as the entry way to your party. Also, make a menorah costume for you (the host) to wear.
1. Instead of a real tree, make one out of pillow stuffing.
2. Instead of a real tree, make one entirely out of teddy bears
3. Instead of a real tree, cover a Styrofoam spike with candy using a hot glue gun.
4. Instead of a real tree, hand a branch upside down from your ceiling
5. Instead of a real tree make a green triangle on the wall using strings of lights
6. Get an old metal gate, hand it on your door, use it to hang all your Christmas cards
7. On a bare table-top make an "arrangement" of branches and candles. Light candles. One assumes you then have to buy a new table when finished.
8. Cover every inch of mantle with ribbons and bows such that you cannot actually have a fire.
9. Fill your bathtub past the top with mounds of round glass ornaments.
10. Make a ten foot high Star of David, and use it as the entry way to your party. Also, make a menorah costume for you (the host) to wear.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Modern Christmas List
Recently I asked both nieces to write a Christmas wish list. This is nothing new, I ask them to do this every year, and this time, like always I received a hand-scribbled note with very cute spelling. After they left, M and I had a great time deciphering their wishes. What do they want? Toys, video games, art supplies, and "books, books, books." Nothing very new there either.
The surprise came the next day when I received an email from Younger Niece. It was an invitation to share a Google doc with her. What do you think was on that doc? You guessed it, a perfectly typed and spelled copy of her Christmas list. This is a person who knows how to maximize her opportunities.
The surprise came the next day when I received an email from Younger Niece. It was an invitation to share a Google doc with her. What do you think was on that doc? You guessed it, a perfectly typed and spelled copy of her Christmas list. This is a person who knows how to maximize her opportunities.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Halloween 09
Halloween '09 was a very good one indeed. I got to spend the whole weekend with a zombie soccer player and a carton of milk. The soccer player costume came about because Dad, being Dad, brought the wrong soccer jerzy home from Europe. Instead of Elder Niece's favorite German team, he purchased one from an opposing Spanish team! Horrors! Luckily, it was realized that turning this player into a zombie for the sake of a costume was really a slam. Whew! Day saved!
The milk carton came about because Younger Niece planned to go trick or treating with a friend, and they wanted their costumes to compliment. Thus they decided on milk and cookies. Unfortunately, at the last minute, the cookies had to cancel, but the carton of milk still went. Her costume was another Grandma original, and it was quite fabulous. Younger Niece herself had the brainwave to put an expiration date of 1492 on the carton, so that she could be sour milk. The response to her costume was HUGE. People were leaning out of car windows to congratulate her.
Next year: baby costumes!
The milk carton came about because Younger Niece planned to go trick or treating with a friend, and they wanted their costumes to compliment. Thus they decided on milk and cookies. Unfortunately, at the last minute, the cookies had to cancel, but the carton of milk still went. Her costume was another Grandma original, and it was quite fabulous. Younger Niece herself had the brainwave to put an expiration date of 1492 on the carton, so that she could be sour milk. The response to her costume was HUGE. People were leaning out of car windows to congratulate her.
Next year: baby costumes!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Beethoven's 9th
I've been meaning to post this for a month now and just haven't had the chance. As part of our New Year celebration, we were lucky enough to hear Beethoven's 9th symphony. Musically educated friends tell me that some of the people playing instruments did only a fair to middling job of performing. However, the choral part more than made up for any other deficits. I've always enjoyed this piece on cd, but somehow the power of actually being there was something altogether new. The music really does swell up and wash over you just as music fans have always claimed. If you ever get the chance to here the 9th in person with a live chorus, be sure to take it. Also, big thanks to R who makes our little symphony club possible, and to M who is my musical sugar daddy. Hooray for men who like the symphony!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Year of the Ox
Happy Chinese New Year! According to one story, The Buddha invited all the animals to join him for a party, and twelve of them answered his call. The Chinese zodiac represents the order in which the animals appeared. Having tricked the kind and generous ox, the rat arrived first as they all raced to cross the last river. The poor ox was second, the rooster third, and so on down the line.
Having left the year of the rat behind, we are now entering the year of the ox. According to the Chinese zodiac, ox people are supposed to be "unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint." Unfortunately, many of the predictions, both zodiac and real world, are saying that this will be a year filled with hardships. The good news is that these are supposed to be hardships of the economic, and not personal, kind. Supposedly, the ox's greatest pleasure is spending quiet time at home with family and friends after a good day's work. Maybe this is just the ticket to finding happiness and success in 2009.
Having left the year of the rat behind, we are now entering the year of the ox. According to the Chinese zodiac, ox people are supposed to be "unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint." Unfortunately, many of the predictions, both zodiac and real world, are saying that this will be a year filled with hardships. The good news is that these are supposed to be hardships of the economic, and not personal, kind. Supposedly, the ox's greatest pleasure is spending quiet time at home with family and friends after a good day's work. Maybe this is just the ticket to finding happiness and success in 2009.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
New Year's Resolutions 2009
In 2009 I resolve to:
1. call or get together with at least one friend or family member per week.
2. sit down with each Basic Block student at least once per week.
3. find at least one fun new activity to do with M (get your mind OUT of the gutter Dear Reader!) each month.
4. work on one significant garden project every week from March through October.
5. travel to Pittsburgh, C's birthday, and DISNEYLAND!
6. keep my door closed and my mouth shut at work.
7. write at least five times per week (projects for school, blog entries, letters, etc.).
8. work on one significant house project each week.
9. eat fewer foods that have extra sugar, extra fat, or more than five ingredients.
10. exercise for a total of at least four hours per week.
1. call or get together with at least one friend or family member per week.
2. sit down with each Basic Block student at least once per week.
3. find at least one fun new activity to do with M (get your mind OUT of the gutter Dear Reader!) each month.
4. work on one significant garden project every week from March through October.
5. travel to Pittsburgh, C's birthday, and DISNEYLAND!
6. keep my door closed and my mouth shut at work.
7. write at least five times per week (projects for school, blog entries, letters, etc.).
8. work on one significant house project each week.
9. eat fewer foods that have extra sugar, extra fat, or more than five ingredients.
10. exercise for a total of at least four hours per week.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Goodbye 2008
What a year it's been!
On a national level this has been a very mixed twelve months with many ups and downs. For the first time in a long time, I feel like there might be hope for us as a country. Our economy is in tatters, but at least 50% of the country cared enough to vote for something different. I sincerely hope we're not too late.
Professionally, well, one just keeps on keeping on (if you know what I mean). It's hard to think in calendar years when you're on an academic schedule, but I realized that the whole bad business of the last school year really only happened in spring of 2008. I'm happy to say that things have largely died down. This is partly because feelings have actually cooled, and partly because I avoid putting myself in certain situations and interacting with certain people. Three things I am learning to keep: a low profile, my door closed, and my mouth shut. Work life may not always be this way, and for now at least I have achieved a tenuous peace.
Luckily, at the same time that work has been less than fun, I've had many events at home to be thrilled about. On a personal level it's simply been a wonderful year. Planning our wedding was fantastic, frustrating, exhilarating, and exhausting. Actually having the wedding was pure happiness. Married life has been a very enjoyable experience (oh Costa Rica!), and I'm really looking forward to many more years. One more heartfelt thanks to all our family and friends who've helped us out in so many different ways.
And so goodbye to 2008! I hope your year was at least good and possibly even great. I hope that next year treats you at least as well and possibly even better. New Year’s resolutions to follow in the new year.
On a national level this has been a very mixed twelve months with many ups and downs. For the first time in a long time, I feel like there might be hope for us as a country. Our economy is in tatters, but at least 50% of the country cared enough to vote for something different. I sincerely hope we're not too late.
Professionally, well, one just keeps on keeping on (if you know what I mean). It's hard to think in calendar years when you're on an academic schedule, but I realized that the whole bad business of the last school year really only happened in spring of 2008. I'm happy to say that things have largely died down. This is partly because feelings have actually cooled, and partly because I avoid putting myself in certain situations and interacting with certain people. Three things I am learning to keep: a low profile, my door closed, and my mouth shut. Work life may not always be this way, and for now at least I have achieved a tenuous peace.
Luckily, at the same time that work has been less than fun, I've had many events at home to be thrilled about. On a personal level it's simply been a wonderful year. Planning our wedding was fantastic, frustrating, exhilarating, and exhausting. Actually having the wedding was pure happiness. Married life has been a very enjoyable experience (oh Costa Rica!), and I'm really looking forward to many more years. One more heartfelt thanks to all our family and friends who've helped us out in so many different ways.
And so goodbye to 2008! I hope your year was at least good and possibly even great. I hope that next year treats you at least as well and possibly even better. New Year’s resolutions to follow in the new year.
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