2012.

Happy New Year!!

I know, I know.  I'm a week late with my greetings.  Hopefully that's not any indication of the year to come...  ;)

The world is abuzz with new year's resolutions being made for 2012.  Personally, while I should go with the standard stuff like exercise more and eat healthier, I know, like everyone else secretly knows, that it's easy to stick to those resolutions for a few weeks and then, disappointment.

Since calling them resolutions doesn't really work for me, this year I'm going to make a manageable list of some things I'd like accomplish - things that will challenge me and things that I might actually enjoy making time for.  So, for the record, and because putting it to paper will hold me accountable, here's a list of some things that I'd like to try this year:

*  I'd like to take a photography course.  (Maybe a class, maybe one-on-one, maybe learning on line.  Just something to help me spend more quality time with my camera.)

*  I'd like to run a 5k with one (or both) of my kids.

*  I'd like to keep the piles off my dining room table.

*  I'd like to start a "12 on 12" blog post - twelve random photos taken on the 12th day of every month for 12 months.  (Can't start that until January 12th though.)

*  I'd like to see more live music.  And more movies in the theatre.

*  I'd like to be a better listener.  (Which, to clarify for my children, does not mean that I'm going to stand around listening for an hour while you debate your latest consequence or to try to change my mind from a 'no'.  It means that I want to be a more present, focused and patient listener when I'm really needed.)

*  I'd like to celebrate birthdays on time.

*  I'd like to go on a holiday with my husband.  (Or a weekend.  Or a night.)

* * *

On an even more personal note, I'm ever so grateful for all the encouragement and truly nice things that people say about reading my blog and I'm excited about all the little things to come in 2012.

Happy New Year to all.  From me to you.