Yummy Mummy? Really? Yes. If I can keep my New Years Resolutions!

I like making new years resolutions. 

I like taking the time to think about the year gone by; to enjoy the successes again; to reflect on the non-successes (it's not a real word, but I prefer it to failures, after all, what is failure but a successful discovery of what not to do); to think about what I want to achieve in the coming year.

Being a good mum

At the start of 2011 I wanted to try and enjoy quality time with my children as often as possible. Whilst I have some great memories of the year, I don't feel that I invested enough.  I haven't sat down quietly with the eldest to talk through the topics they are covering in school much, it's been the odd question between tea and bath time.  I haven't sang songs with the youngest in any structured lengthy way.  I feel like I have stumbled through the year 'mothering', spending  time raising my voice (more than I'd like) just to be heard. 

 

But then, the eldest has been suffering from glue ear and has 20% hearing loss at the moment, and probably didn't hear me half of the time.  The youngest gets far too over excited to listen, and is frankly only just 3 years old.

Do I really expect them to listen to me nagging at them to brush their teeth when playing "sports day" up and down the landing is far too much fun.

 

So in 2012 I aim to relax.  To not have such a 'organised' view of what quality time should look like, but to enjoy each moment as it happens.  

Being a good wife

It goes without saying that I love my husband to bits.  But in 2011 I don't think I've shown him that.  In fact he probably feels quite neglected.  Partly because life is so busy and I have a million and one things to think about and do, but mainly (since the busy bit is just an excuse) because I have taken him for granted.  

So in 2012 I aim to relax; to enjoy every moment in his company that I can, and to arrange date nights and baby sitters and family days and sitinfrontoftheTV pizza nights.  To write him notes to hide in his wallet; to buy him his favourite cereal; to recognise when he needs me to shut up. 

 

Writing

At the start of 2011 I resolved to finish the science fiction novel I started writing at the age of 21 and which I have never completed.  The story is planned, but I just never got all the words onto paper (or screen).  

At the end of 2011 I had retyped the part of the novel I'd already written and had added possibly 200 words.  But I had developed, and improved on my blog (I hope), and I had completed a children's picture book story which I have been sending to various publishers (no luck so far, but fingers crossed).  Although the writing target hadn't been met as originally intended, I was pleased with progress made.  But I still mentally beat myself up about my failure in this specific task. 

So in 2012 I aim to relax.  To not mentally beat myself up; to get that children's story into print; make strong inroads into the novel; and continue to build on, and improve, the blog.  I'm on to a decent start with the inclusion of my Flash Fiction piece "On the Ledge" in a new ebook for charity. (Click here to read it and find out more.)

Spotted the pattern yet?  All the relaxing should keep the frown wrinkles at bay at any rate!  Let's put the kettle on: it is National Hot Tea Month!.

Happy New Year!

Unsurprisingly, I didn't get two minutes in December to update the blog. December was chaos, but fun. For the first time in years we put our tree up at the start of December. It was lovely. Just by being there the tree gently eased us into the Christmas spirit.

And wow - we got a white Christmas! I can't remember the last time that happened. I might be old fashioned, but a layer of snow on the ground makes Christmas day just about perfect.... along with that glass of sherry of course. (Yes I am really an 80 year old trapped in the body of a 30+ year old)

The only down side of December was the constant illness that we seem to have had in the house. Both children just haven't been sleeping. Runny noses, coughs, teething pains, and night-time potty training, have all contributed to sleepless nights. So if anyone has any advice on night-time training, I could do with the help. The elder wants to do it, and doesn't like pull-up nappies anymore. But she also doesn't want to get out of bed when it's really cold at night. Help!

As far as the looking 'yummy' task is concerned. Christmas did help. I now have a fabulous new dress and new boots. My next task is too make more of an effort to get fit. Although I don't feel particularly fat; I know I am a good two stone heavier than I was when I was dancing full-time. And I definately don't have the energy I used to. So it's about getting healthy. Yes.... I know it's a huge cliche - a new year dawns and everyone hits the diets. But for me, I think it's more about hitting the dance floor. So I need to find a good dance class that is aerobically difficult, technically difficult, and not miles away. Hmmm. I guess I'd better start the research then!

Happy new year everyone!