Happy New Year!

 

I haven’t heard many New Year’s resolutions cross my path, either on-line or in person.  Has everyone given up?  Maybe the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas was too short and you are still in shock having to produce two magnificent holiday celebrations so close together.  I know I feel it has all been one big blur.  I have to admit that I didn’t even stay awake until midnight this year to assure myself that the world will indeed go on in 2014. 

Every January I like to set goals for the coming year.  It doesn’t hurt to look back at the previous year and evaluate your life: where you’ve been, what you’ve done and your attitude along the way.  I find it’s easier to adjust my path on an annual basis while the memories are still fresh.  Besides, some habits are really hard to break and I have to renew my commitment to keep trying.  Diet and exercise are always at the top of the list.  I’m not sure I’m doing any better with these two but I think about it a lot! I have some crazy fitness goals for 2014 so I’ll really have to step up my game.

My new goal for 2014 (drum roll please) is to perform an act of charitable giving each month throughout the year.  I normally give to the United Way throughout the year, the Salvation Army at the holidays and a smattering of donations to other organizations here and there.  These donations are surely helpful to the recipients but not very personal for me.  There are so many local not-for-profit organizations that are in need of simple supplies and volunteer hours.  We hear their pleas at Christmas and give, but what about the rest of the year?

 In a nutshell, I am pledging to choose an organization each month and make a donation of money, supplies and/or time.  This exercise is sure to be very eye-opening for me and I look forward to the challenge. Putting this goal in writing is my way of making me accountable to me, but please feel free to prod me along if you find me slipping.  Phew, let’s see how I do!

Mommy and Me

So a whole month has gone by without a project or a post from me. That’s not to say that I have had a lack of inspiration or challenges to overcome. My projects have just been piling up all around me! Spring always brings a flurry of activity trying to get the yard in order as well as an increase in my travels. My paid job has been a challenge lately too as I just try to keep up. It saps up a lot of my energy and that’s just not right!

Speaking about traveling, while visiting my mom this week-end I came up with a joint challenge. I thought this time around I would choose a partner to keep myself motivated. Have you ever heard of up cycling? It means to change an item either old or new to give it a new use or purpose. I have been intrigued by some of the ideas I’ve seen floating around and want to give it a try. My mother is the queen of upcycling. She can take just about anything and turn it into a work of art. I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up with her but I’m going to give it a try.