Resolutions

Ahh, a new year is upon us, and with it comes resolutions (or should that read, "with it come resolutions"? You'd think I'd know for certain after having taught English for ten years). Usually I don't make resolutions. After all, when I notice something I'd like to change in my life, I usually try to make the change then (I can be rather impatient about some things). This year will be different, though.

I've realized that I often neglect two hobbies that I really enjoy, writing and scrapbooking. At one point I was rather diligent about maintaining my photos, but then there was a period of time where I never had a chance to maintain them, thus I'm now a bit behind (though I'm sure my friends would laugh about what I consider to be "behind"). Thinking about this, I'm going to try and restructure my weeks so that I can commit one day a week to each task.

I know this won't be easy, especially with an almost ten-month old and a (thankfully) busy schedule, but I feel like it's important for ME. After all, too many moms lose themselves once they have kids, which I can totally understand. Some days (like yesterday) are so consumed with being mommy that I don't have a chance to breathe. Still, if I can plan time into my schedule, I'm more likely to stick to these resolutions.

I've decided to devote Tuesdays to all computer-related tasks (writing, uploading photos, emailing, checking Facebook). I figure that I can do so during Leah's two naps. Granted, I'm not sure how much I'll be able to accomplish, but at least that guarantees me a chance to write even just a little. That doesn't mean I'll be on FB all that much; after all, if you haven't figured out already, I rarely check it/ post status updates. I briefly check for photos (and sometimes scan the status updates of others) and then logout. I just have too many other tasks I'd like to accomplish.

One of the problems with writing regularly is that I don't always have a topic. I'm trying to combat that by compiling a list (they're posted right next to the computer monitor), but even that won't guarantee that I'll write. Funny how when I actually have time to write, I don't feel like it. Maybe by writing regularly, it'll be easier to overcome the temporary writer's block.

As for scrapbooking, that's reserved for Thursdays (don't worry, Ann; it won't interfere with our regular get-togethers!). If I can work on just a few pictures at a time, then I can catch up on Leah's album. Plus, like the writing, maybe I'll have a better chance at surmounting any sort of creativity block that pops up.

This doesn't mean I'll limit myself to the computer and/or scrapbooking to those days only; I'll still try to do both on other days, too, but I won't feel guilty about not getting to those on my "off" days. (That does mean that I might not check my email as frequently as I used to, but know that I'll get to it at least once a week.)

So why tell everyone? Well, for accountability, of course! If I were to tackle these on my own, they'd easily fall by the wayside, but by letting everyone else know, well, I have plenty of people checking up on me. Plus, maybe it'll encourage others in their own resolution endeavors.

Wish me luck!