I always envy those of you that don't make resolutions. It speaks to me of a confidence and comfort with your life just as it is. I wish I had that certainty. Instead, turning the corner into a new year fills me with ideas about what I might do differently or better. Right now my head is swirling with ideas about what I should change, everything from baking more bread, to walking every day, to drinking more bubbly wine (borrowed from my sister). All excellent ideas.
But one idea, based on this Chronicles of Momnia post, keeps coming back to me. I'd really like to slow down and be still enough to take in what is happening around me while it is happening. I am by nature a multi-tasker (I was so glad when they coined that term with its positive connotation), always thinking what I can do at the table next to my children while they do their homework or on the sidelines of baseball practice. Too often, I don't really absorb the events until afterwards, when I stop to fully appreciate my children's experiences.
I know it will be difficult for me to change that, but I want to soak in this time in my children's lives. With Olivia in her tweens, I am watching those teenage years emerge and realizing how fleeting the childhood years are. Now that I've committed here, in this public space, I am hoping that I will work harder to make it happen.
As far as food-related resolutions, in 2010, we had our family meal project and, last year, we started doing Sunday suppers. I thought I'd be able to continue the Sunday suppers throughout the kitchen construction, whipping up delicious soups and stews on our hot plate. But that has been far from our reality. This year's food resolution, then, will be to get those suppers back on track. And I think I should be able to mix in some more homemade bread and glasses of bubbly.
What about you? Any resolutions you're willing to share, or are you not a resolution maker?
I wish you all a healthy, peaceful, and delectable 2012.
Bonne Annee!
I'm torn on the new years's resolutions. In priniciple, I don't like to make them. I find Jan 1 to be a very arbitrary date. I am much more likely to make resolutions on my birthday which feels like a more signficant date for me. I also like to make fresh starts at times of transition- when school starts in the fall and so yes, now, as the holdiays end on twelfth night (so not really Jan 1). Maybe it's just semantics, but it feels more natural.
For me I always include eating healthier, moving more, getting outside more, spending more time with friends and family. Being more conscious of the choices I'm making in all areas of my life. And a goal from last year with which I still struggle- eliminate the word "should" from my vocabulary. Trying to look at all of life as choice instead of should.
This winter/spring I'm also going to try to be more serious on my attempt to learn French (hence the French New Year's greeting) My son is in the French Immersion and is now able to truly communicate in a language I don't understand. Could be dangerous in those teen years.
I've also resolved to write more. Last year I attempted to start my own blog but I didn't tell anyone nor did it last more than two posts. This year I'm trying again with a promise to myself to tell people about it. If you want to check it out it's at nomoreshould.blogspot.com. I can't promise that it will be great, only that I will do it, and that's enough.
Looking forward to new recipe at hidethecheese
Happy New Year to all.
Posted by: Nancye | January 05, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Nancye, and welcome to the blogging world! NoMoreShould is an inspiring idea, and I look forward to reading regularly.
Posted by: Margy | January 10, 2012 at 09:43 AM