2012

Morningk!

So 2011 is coming to a close.

My 2011 resolution was short and sweet,

"Dwell less, do more"

I can safely say I have dwelled less this year, and I have been doing more of the things I love, which is to be present body and mind whenever I'm with my loved ones, especially Soph. my ipad and social networks are the biggest cause of distraction for me but alhamdulillah with conscious self-reminders, I have been able to stop myself from surfing pointlessly on the ipad at worst, and not even think about picking it up in the first place at best.

This year, my resolution is to continue with my 2011 resolution, along with some new, more specific goals to add to that:

1. Have more initiative to plan for activities my little family would enjoy. More swimming, more exploring places and the environment, and more laughing. My challenge is to find out what other activities could the 3 of us find enjoyable. Hubby and I unveiled our interest in archery a few years ago, now we think of shooting arrows as a type of activity we would fit into a day out, just like a movie at the cinema. Read: WOULD. archery isn't very appealing to do on a day out with Soph since we can't include Soph in this activity, and on the rare occassions we get to date just the 2 of us, we'd rather get some errands or postponed shopping done. And I have only been to the cinema once since Soph. I could get someone to babysit for me for a few hours, though guilty I would feel, not because I'd be leaving Soph at home, every mom needs a break now and then, but because of taking time away from the babysitter. Plus, the idea of enjoying myself, hanging out with my kid beats a movie any day. There (of course) have been times when I feel like I need a break, but alhamdulillah, a break in the form of a peaceful shower or a peaceful meal or simply getting an errand done without Soph's weight in one arm is enough to rejuvenate this tired mom.

2. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Limit: let's start with twice a week. by the end of the year I aim for twice a month. sugary drinks are easier to cut down than sugary food for me. I love dessert and cake. boo!
I read that you need to be more specific to increase the chances of achieving your goal. Instead of 'eat healthy' you should be telling yourself to aim to eat how many portions eg. how many servings of fruits and veg a day, and to limit your portion eg. 1 cup of coffee per day/per week

3. More cardio. Include dancing with Soph in my definition of 'exercise'. lengthen dance sessions with Soph to 30 minutes or at least 20. I can continue even if she's done ;P Aim: 20 to 30-minute bursts of energy at least 3 times a week on top of my weekly 1-hour Zumba.
I can also work out to one of my fitness DVDs and get Soph to dance and play in the same room. Have to be careful though, wouldn't want to accidentally bang into her. Pretty easy I think, all I'd have to do is make sure she's in front of me.

4. Dress better at home. I tend to get lazy, wearing my oversized t-shirts and pants. There's a danger in that. You don't realize when you're overeating. I should make a point to wear my corset if i'm wearing stretchy/loose pants at home. Hair is always in a mess too, should be like my Nanny, she wears lipstick at home and is always prim and proper from the time she wakes up.

5. Taking my Nanny's advice, wear lipstick even at home. It doesn't have to be Xtina red! This way I'll make better use of my sticks of lip colour. Especially those in shades I would usually never choose to wear when out and about.

6. When it comes to shopping, when in doubt, PUT IT DOWN!

7. When it comes to procrastinating trivial tasks that I usually dread like filing, JUST DO IT!

8. When it comes to dealing with people's attitudes and bad behaviour, just do what I always do, WALK AWAY!

9. Learn to cook 10 new dishes/food by heart.

10. Just get one of your sewing 'TO DOs' done before the year-end will you??!