It’s funny that at the same time of year we are most self-indulgent is the exact same time of year many of us resolve to do it differently next year. I usually don’t fall into the trap of the New Year’s Resolution, unless you count in my youth the resolution to party more. That one was easy to stick to! This year, perhaps because I’m in a reflective mood or maybe because I have more time to think about random things than I did one year ago, I’ve decided on a few things I resolve to do differently this year.
My first resolution is to make more time for myself. To that end, I’m getting a head start – I’m currently sitting in Starbucks, coffee in hand, and writing this post. I might even write this month’s article! And what’s my dear husband doing? Cleaning the house! I’m so excited about going home to a clean living space. At nearly 37 weeks pregnant, it’s getting tough to clean, and so I actually told him I needed his help. This is a big step for me: even bigger, I left a list of what needs to get done today. Clear and concise instructions and expectations; I would say I’m off to a flying start!!
Next is going to take a little more time. My husband gave me a book on living green for Christmas. This is something I’ve been considering for some time, and taken the plunge in certain respects (energy efficient light bulbs, lecturing the dear husband about his water usage, no chemicals or unnecessary water in our gardens), but now it’s time to pay the piper. First of all, I want to get rid of all the toxic cleaning chemicals in our house and use environmentally friendly ones. This is scary, because let’s face it – those “bad” chemicals work so well! I’m not sure baking soda, vinegar and essential oils will do the trick the way I like. But I feel a certain measure of guilt each time I use the bad/good stuff because though I love the results and the smell of clean, I feel as though my son and pets shouldn’t go into that area until the vapours have dissipated. That tells me something. I’ll definitely keep you updated on how goes – I’m still in the research phase, but also running out of some of my cleaners so I guess I’ll have to try something out. I fear soap scum in the shower the most. Oh scum, thou art my nemesis!
And my last resolution is to begin more creative writing. This one might get put on hold – you know keeping this site up and running with delicious content for everyone, new baby any day now and a four year old boy – these things might keep me busy for awhile. Having lived a life as a scientist and seeing it get me nowhere I truly wanted to be was difficult – mostly because it means to me that I need to pick a new path. Stay at home mom is wonderful but my life needs a little more fulfillment on a personal level. To that end I’m going to try freelancing and short story writing. It was either that or a Masters’ degree in Zoology – I think the former, while requiring commitment is less so than the Master’s degree and therefore might be a good place to try first, don’t you? At least for the next few months.
Well, that’s my list! Let’s see how I do, shall we? I’d love to see what your lists are! In fact, I’ve put a Mr. Linky up for you to link your posts regarding your resolutions (not to be confused with Patience Therapy carnival!).