I Solemnly Swear: New Years Resolutions 2012

So its the last day of the year and its time to get reflective - on the year past and on whats ahead in the year to come. Its also the time when bazillions of people around the world choose to set themselves those very special New Years goals that we call resolutions - and i am one of those people. And because i'm also a blogger i get to share!

( I know i used this pic last year bit i love me some Calvin and Hobbes! )

The Conceptual Goal: as i explained last year this is the goal that has no real, measurable outcome - its more of an intangible. I've had a think about the what i've experienced this year, things i have seen and done and learnt that can be done in a better way in 2012 and i've come up with this as 2012's goal: to find the ability to trust, and to share of myself more readily with those whom i can accept into my circle. Ooh, all deep and meaningful. Basically, i have trust issues - that is, i trust very few people which means i can quite often be misinterpreted as being cold, or boring. I'm neither of those things, i've just been very badly burnt in the past when i've given wholly of myself and found that that trust has not been reciprocated. So this year i want to find it within myself to take that chance at trusting people, which means i will be able to open myself up to the opportunity of friendship more easily. And that can only be a good thing right?

The Physical Goal: So where the conceptual cant be measured, the physical of course is the one where everyone will be able to see whether i pass or fail. This year i actually have two: #1 to have a baby and #2 to establish a successful business. The first is kind of self explanatory. The second is what i hope for the business that Mick and I have bought ( and that we start running as of January 3rd - nervous! ) - i hope that we can at least match the finacial forecast that was given to us by the previous business owners, and establish a comfortable relationship with the existing clients. That to me would mean a " successful " year, and would give us the confidence to proceed as small business owners into the future.

How about you? What is on your agenda for 2012?

11 in "11 Linky Post

My family has left the house!  That's right, friends- I can think in peace without feeling the need to be the cruise director/ social director/ wife & mommy!  I love my time off from work and the ability to spend time with my family, but.... a girl needs some space after 10 days together :)  While stalking some of my favorite blogs, I stumbled upon a Linky Party with some of my favorites.  I LOVE getting in everyone elses business (Ha! Ha!).  So in the spirit, I'm linking up with Hadar @ Miss Kindergarten and Kristen @ Teeny Tiny Teacher .

11. Favorite movie you watched:

Sad, but true!  My friend and I went to the midnight showing when it opened.  We were laughing like crazy and feeling especially naughty since it was a "school night".  Was it the best movie?  No, but Edward is really HOT!  Mostly, I enjoyed the company of my sweet friend :)

10. Favorite TV series:

Keeping on the vampire theme... my favorites are True Blood and the Vampire Diaries.  However, I am so in love with Suburgatory and The Big Bang Theory right now (watching past episodes as I blog).

              

9. Favorite restaurant:

I am huge fan of Mexican food and Italian food!  I prefer local spots, rather than chain restaurants.  My Mexican pick is in Utica (also a Detroit location):

Mexican Village

My Italian pick is in Rochester:

Georgios Pizza & Pasta

8. Favorite new thing you tried:

Teaching first grade!  I was scared at the initial thought, but am trully LOVING it!  I never imagined that I would fall in love so quickly and completely.

7. Favorite gift you got:

I actually got 2 of them this year.  I got a beautiful sterling silver stamped necklace with my kids' names on it (from my boys).  It is so sweet (and exactly what I wanted- gave hubby the link before Thanksgiving- hee, hee!)  My other.... Ta-da!

It is quickly becoming my new best friend (this from a die-hard "real book" girl.

6. Favorite thing you pinned:

31 Days Gift

5. Favorite blog post:

When I forgot to "pre-read" the book before teaching about Diwali.  Pay attention to the book...

4. Best accomplishment:

I made it through the first three months of having a son in middle school.  Can I get a witness?  AMEN!  It has been a whole new world for my husband and I (and dare I say our son?).  I never expected the emotional rollercoaster or hard hard it would be to let go an have him take on his learning responsibilities (and consequences on not listening to mom and dad).

3. Favorite picture:

Each summer, we rent a cabin on Tawas Bay for a week.  I LOVE to sit and read while the kids play on the beach or in the water.  My husband joins us for a long weekend.

Tawas Bay Lighthouse (by Lake Huron).

The view of Tawas Bay from our porch.

Sunset on Tawas Bay (view from our porch).

My boys and I sitting by the lighthouse.

2. Favorite memory:
Because I go to work so early, I rarely get to put my own children on the bus or pick them up from school.  My favorite memories are simple- not vacations or special events.  I like taking my boys to school and being "the mom".  I love it when they wave me over from across the parking lot and give me that first hug (not until my middle schooler is in the car- PLEASE).

1. Goal for 2012:

I want to create balance in my life.  This has been my goal since the summer when I was thinking about the transition in responsibilities and job placement.  I always want my family to know that they come first in my life.

Polly Dolly - Catch Up Week

So you may have noticed that Polly Dolly has been M.I.A around here lately.... and believe you me, i've missed her! So i was happy to see that Dani from Danimezza is playing catch ups this week posting a new Polly Dolly theme every day. Here are my first 3 for the week:

Hello Polly Claus! I tried to recreate what i wore on Xmas day but i couldnt find the right cut of dress ( mine was an empire waist with spaghetti straps ) so i went with this one instead. I swapped my casual sandals for something a little dressier and found a gorgeous little pendant which i would love to own in real life...

Both myself and Polly love to be comfortable in bed so for those hot summer nights i've found a cute little nighty, some comfy pillows and some soft cotton sheets. Music is an essential for falling asleep and a bottle of water beside the bed so i dont have to fumble to the kitchen in the dark in the middle of the night...

And lastly, Polly as a Bali beach babe. I thought we have to go with a huge pop of colour for a tropical holiday so i've gone with a bright orange kaftan, some beaded flat sandals ( swap for some wedges for night time cocktails ) and a big tote to take to the beach!

Dear Flynn, Aged 2 Years - Happy Birthday!

To my dear Flynn,

You crazy little fluffy-nut - happy birthday! Mama ( yep, just lately you almost always call me " Mama " instead of " Mummy " ) can't believe you turned 2 yesterday and you can NOT be called a baby anymore. As Daddy and I keep telling you, you are most definately a big boy now - a funny, (mostly) well-tempered, smart little boy who loves being outside, wrestling with his dad and pretty much anything with wheels.

When you're not being all rough and tumble, you  do enjoy reading a book or five. This is something i really love about you. I love that you've taken an interest in books and even if Daddy or I can't sit and read to you, you are more than happy to sit on your bed with CharlieBear and Hoot and your teddy bear Bruce and flip through the book yourself. You also love music and ask me to put your music on for you in your room at least once a day ( Justine Clark and the Wiggles are you favourites ). And then you dance and sing and a few times i've even caught you just lying back on your bed listening, just like a teenager would. That kind of made me smile even though it kind of reminded me of how fast your growing up...

You've conquered so much this year - you started walking just after your first birthday, then running, and then climbing up anything you could get to. You talk constantly and your speech is developing rapidly ( methinks this is because you know a lot of children older than yourself, and you spend a lot of time chitty-chatting with them ) and you've even starting counting to 10 ( although apparently the number 6 doesnt exist.... ).

That binky you have in your face there is going this year too....

This coming year i've got one major thing on your to-do list, little man - potty training. Mama would love for you to learn to go to the " potty " so that we can throw away the nappies. We've already started - slowly - and though we had one morning where you successfully went in the potty most times when i ask if you need to go you shake your head and say " No mama no! Dont want it! ". No matter - slow and steady and i'm sure by this time next year we can say you're nappy free!

I know i say it all the time but - Mama loves you! I'm so proud of the way your are growing, the personality you are developing, the little person you are turning into. I love that you use your manners 99% of the time, that your pretty fast and loose with your kisses and "huggles" and that you love to laugh. Daddy and I couldnt love you anymore if we tried!
Keep up the awesome sleeping and you're pretty much the perfect kid,
Love you millions,
Mama