We rang in the New Year with barf. Apparently eating nothing but raw sugar snap peas and peppadews, chocolate ganache cake, and a sip of champagne doesn't sit well with 5-year-olds. Things seem to be fine now.
I'm not usually one for resolutions, but this year I'm feeling pretty good about getting a jump start on making some changes thanks to Jessica and our Project: Life Change plan (implement small, manageable changes, even just one). The things I've done so far include: quitting my full-time job to spend more time with my girls, joining a gym and going regularly, trying to "shop and eat local," reorganizing my blog, and seeking out a spiritual foundation for my family.
The job decision was tough. I miss the money aspect, but wouldn't trade what I've got going on for the world right now. While the kids are still small, I want to be able to volunteer in their classrooms and drive carpools and be a Daisy troop co-leader.
I'm the kind of person that needs a destination (and the comraderie of other disgruntled, barely-motivated participants) to workout. I also need childcare so I have no excuses. That I have found, and since Thanksgiving, you can find me there almost daily once the kids are at school.
Eating and shopping local is easier now that a year-round farmer's market has opened up within walking distance of us. Though the purse-strings are tighter without me working as much, I'm trying to sacrifice in other areas so that we can continue this life change.
The blog redesign, a year in the works, was also a life change for me. My focus is on recording the memories that are important to me as CityMama transitions from baby book to "life book with recipes." My criteria for blogging is and always has been: "Is it an authentic representation of me and is it worth remembering?" Nothing more. I write for me. That people happen to read is a happy accident. I also plan on focusing half my blogging effort on MOMocrats.com this year. I'm personally excited about how things will evolve here and there.
Spiritual connection? Check. I've found a welcoming home for myself and my girls, especially. You may have heard me call it hippie church, and I refer to it that way with love. At Christmas, my girls were formally welcomed in to the fold with the words:
May your mind always be open, may your lips speak truth, may your heart know love, and may your hands make miracles.
That seems a good enough sentiment for the New Year, and I wish that for all of you.
Peace,
Stefania
