Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Resolutions

I never really make resolutions. I used to make them and then forgot about them by the end of the first week of January. This year, however, I'll attempt the following:
  • Reduce portion sizes. Currently, I have no self-control. If a dish or dessert is good, I could eat every last morsel in the pan (and it shows on my fat arse). I recently read a tip I'll try: Serve your meals on a smaller plate (small salad plate) and don't go back for seconds.
  • Eat more fish. We live on the Portugal coast. Why we don't eat fish on a weekly basis is beyond me and a bit shameful. There are fresh fish markets everywhere. Partially, it's because I don't really know how to cook fish well (I'm determined to take some fish-related cooking classes) and my husband is picky about fish. Especially since living in Alaska and consuming some of the best fish in the world.
  • Continue to reduce and eliminate the amount of foods we consume with hydrogenated fat, artificial flavors, preservatives and coloring.
  • Do more art and creative projects with my kids. Including building more sandcastles down at the beach!
  • Aid my husband in financial management. Currently, Matt manages all the finances and that's really shameful on my part. While finances and investing are passions of his, I need to do more in watching what I spend and being aware of where we are at financially.
  • Exercise!! Not easy to do here when all the gyms that have daycare are WAY beyond our budget and our double stroller is WAY too wide for any streets in our neighborhood. But, I am determined to at least get out most days of the week with Lila on my back, Liv in the stroller and walk for a full hour.
  • Commit to planning two weeks of meals and stock up at the grocery store twice a month instead of twice a week (this would not include fresh ingredients and fruit).
  • LEARN MORE PORTUGUESE!!!! I know enough to somewhat get by. But, it's a beautiful Latin language that I need to commit more time to!
  • Spend less time on the internet! I'm blogging and browsing addicted!

What are your resolutions?

6 comments:

Angie said...

Oh, those are good. Currently, I'm just stealing resolutions. Really, they were already on my list, but I hadn't put them as resolutions, just things that needed to be done.
1. Organize photos
2. Exercise (in 2 months)
3. learn more German (I'm a bit embarrassed my lack of language skills.)

Unknown said...

I also need to organize photos. But, that's been a goal for a couple years and I haven't done a thing. I need to back-up photos, order photo's, place in albums, etc.

Learning a language is such a pain to do with kids. Classes are either too early in the evening or too far away or too expensive. The US Military, unlike other international branches, gives no money to further language skills. Rosetta Stone does not help enough. Getting out in the local community with two small kids and limited language skills is stressful, to say the least. I'm determined to leave here knowing 50% more of what I know now. But, I'll try not to feel guilty if I don't accomplish that. If I didn't have kids, I'd be fairly fluent by now as they have PSL classes in Lisbon for free, free English conversation teas, etc. Getting a sitter for these classes and teas is beyond my reach. And, to be honest, taking evening classes twice a week after watching kids all day and then driving an hour round trip is too hard right now. Call me lazy, I guess. I know some moms take evening classes every weeknight. Guess I lack the drive.

I stole some resolutions myself.

Anonymous said...

You can get Rosetta Stone for free on your hubby's AKO...I am currently learning French. My resolution is to yell less. I find myself yelling more now that I have THREE kids. I am also trying to be happier with what I have.

The Dunns said...

Ew, I don't make resolutions. Those are for people with time, motivation, hope... ;)

OK, I'll make one ...

I resolve to only let the boys stay in pjs 3 days a week instead of all 7. ha-ha (OK, I guess I'll get dressed, too.)

Good luck with those. Personally, if I don't make resolutions, then I have nothing to fail at!

Unknown said...

Brenda, I forgot to add the less yelling part and being happy with what I have! I just ordered, "Scream Free Parenting." I'll let you know if it helps. I comes recommended.

House Dad said...

I gotta lose the weight. If I don't do it now, I never will. And I have to get organized. We've been here over 6 months and there are still unpacked boxes in the garage.