My Word for 2012

I was never any good at resolutions.  Case in point:  my 2011 resolution was to do something about this closet:

Friends, I'm sorry to tell you that it looks exactly the same today. 

So, this year, instead of coming up with a big list of resolutions, I'm coming up with a word that will {hopefully} define my year, guide my day-to-day, and move me along to bigger and better things.  Perhaps, (dare I say?) it will guide me towards organizing this closet?  I've seen this idea floating around the web, and it seems to be much more intentional and much less stressful than choosing specific resolutions.

My word for 2012 is presence. I'm going to try really, really hard to be present; to live in the moment within all of my relationships.  To really listen to what people are telling me, and allow myself time to reflect and ponder.  Aren't good listeners hard to come by?  I find that sometimes I'm thinking more about what I have to do later, or what on earth I'm going to make for dinner, or how I'm going to improve my students' fluency than listening to what my companion is saying.  2012 is my year to be more present with my children, my husband, and my friends.

What about you?  What's your word for 2012?

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New Year's Goals

I hate New Year's Eve.  I always have.  Everyone in the world views December 31st as a new, fresh, beginning....but I see it as an ending.  I don't know why.  I have tried and tried to change that mentality with no success.

Two years ago at this time, this little guy was born:

We spent the first moments of 2009 alone, getting to know each other in a hospital room.  And I decided that I finally had a reason to like New Year's Eve, at least a little, since I can celebrate his birthday.

I've also never been one to make sincere resolutions for the New Year, particularly because I'm always making goals and resolutions for myself year-round.  But there are definitely a few things I'd like to accomplish in 2011.  Hopefully you'll keep up with me on this blog to see my progress and keep me in check!

1.  PLAY MORE
Whenever I have a spare moment at home, I find ways to fill it:  laundry, dishes, wiping countertops.  The moments are few that I actually get down on the floor and play "princesses" with Charlotte, or Batman with Gavin, or cars with Nathan.  I need to do more of that.  It became very apparent the other day when I said to Charlotte, "What toy do you want to play with?" and she said, "I want to play with you, Mommy!"  Melted my heart.

2.  STOP USING AUTO MODE ON MY SLR CAMERA
I take crappy pictures, and I love and appreciate beautiful ones.  I want to take more of the beautiful ones.  I have a Nikon D60 -- a birthday gift from Michael right before Nathan was born.  I was under the impression that with a good camera, I would take better photos.  I was wrong.  I'm learning, but it's s-l-o-w going.  I practice a lot.  Hopefully you'll see improvement in 2011!  Here's a practice shot from just this morning.

3.   DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS CLOSET

I'm not kidding, we have NO other closets in our entire house other than this one and the bedroom closets.  No linen or storage closets at all.  How we didn't notice that before we bought the house, I'll never know.  Clearly something needs to change here.

Do I even need to go into all the other resolutions?  Eat healthier, exercise more, lose 10 pounds, blah, blah, blah.  We all have to start somewhere.

And what about you, readers? Any resolutions you're willing to share?