Lately, I can't help but think of Jay Gatsby. Toward the end of the novel (The Great Gatsby), Nick Calloway (the narrator) discovers Gatsby's self-improvement list. On it he included various items to make him more appealing to the love of his life (Daisy). Recently, I have been thinking about (self) improvements that I should make (though I'm not doing so to impress my husband).
Since adjusting to Hunter's presence and being the mom of two, I have managed to implement one change: I'm actually getting dressed each day. (Pretty sure I wrote an earlier post on this topic, but in case I didn't, here's a short recap.) Okay, so I get dressed every day anyway, but my usual outfit of choice constitutes workout shorts and a t-shirt. As for hair and make-up? Well, those were definitely neglected... until recently. Now I actually get up in time to make myself look decent, presentable. My motive for doing so was to set a good example for Leah, though I now realize that I feel better when I do so, too. So, check one for this item on my list.
The next item on my list? Being a better friend. Once again, I've had an epiphany: I could be a better friend. I realize that I say "no" quite a bit when friends ask me to do something (in the evening, or out of Woodbridge). During one of my envious moments (probably when I was checking FB), I realized that I need to make more of an effort to say "yes" or to initiate get-togethers (either singly or with the hubs, though I'd probably be more successful singly). Granted, I enjoy my family time, and with Scott playing hockey, we have fewer evenings together. But hockey is coming to an end soon (hooray!), and I still need to strike a balance between time with him and the kids, and time with my girlfriends... just the girls. A recent sermon intro also reiterated the importance of spending time with my girls. The pastor asked people to identify what they're fans of; I looked at my girlfriend sitting next to me, and, sadly, admitted that I'm not a fan of anything. I mean, there are some things that I enjoy (reading, Sudoku, scrapbooking), but I don't feel like I'm passionate about anything. How depressing! Maybe by reconnecting with friends, I'll also rediscover my interests in the process. So girls, here's to me (trying) to get out of the house once or twice a month (again... I have to strike a balance).
A third item? Getting outside, just a little, each day. You'd think this would be easy with a toddler and living in a house with a yard, yet, I have a hard time doing so. This might be because we tend to take it slow in the morning, when really that's the best time to get out, especially if Hunter is napping. There have been some days when I haven't ventured out of the house at all; ugh. I hate that feeling/ realization at the end of the day. It makes me feel like such a slug. Plus, how can I teach Leah (and Hunter) good habits about being active (outside) if I don't do so myself? So, somehow, I hope to get out for just a bit on a daily basis (and no, running errands doesn't count).
3 comments:
Those all sound like noble goals! Don't fret, it'll be easier to get outside when Hunter doesn't need so many naps. I often feel bad that I'm not out taking advantage of the beautiful weather, but sometimes its SO much work because of the age Sammy is at right now and I just am not up to it. I figure it'll be much better as each year passes. I'm still trying to get dressed in a timely fashion each day! Perhaps if I liked more of my clothes that would be more motivating.
I love that you're making a list! I have mental lists of things I could do better, but it's so much better to act on it! Good for you.
Just a thought--kill two birds with one stone...could you take a walk with a girlfriend with Leah in the stroller and Hunter in a sling/carrier? That way you're outside and spending time with a girlfriend...
Enjoy your process of self-improvement...:-)
Just getting around to reading this now. My heart is soaring on so many levels. I LOVE this post. Those things are on my list too. I MISS you friend, even though you are just down the road. YOU are on my list! ;-)
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