Crossing Over

 For me there are two New Years, kind of how Chris and I celebrate two anniversaries. Two kinds of fresh starts and passages. I still measure my years in school time that ends in August and starts over in September. This is the mark of aging and completion, of new pens and blank notebooks waiting for new ideas and doodles and letters. And then there's the calendar year that ends in the flurry of holidays and celebrations and starts in the gray incubating days of true winter. If small green changes are sprouting, it's under that bare quiet ground.

Some times it seems that I make the same resolutions every year to little avail but when I look back on it, I've been able to accomplish a lot of them since I've been home with the kids full time. I know it's not for everyone but for me it's really been a blessing. I cook 70-80% of the meals in our house now, I exercise at least once a week, I quit the commitments that felt draining and put my energy towards stuff that feels nourishing. I do fun creative projects with the kids, socialize with friends, have occasional date nights with Chris, worship with a great Meeting. The house is pretty clean most of the time, and we make donations to organizations we believe in. Staying home has been really good for getting organized and following through, making our home a better place for all of us. I loved my work at Real Change and sometimes I miss it, but I really love this.

So with that in mind, here are some 2012 resolutions.

1. Make writing a priority.
One of the things I've learned is that scheduling really helps me. My weekly meal plans help me grocery shop so we don't waste food and don't worry about what's for dinner every night. I want to take an honest look at my daily routines and see how I can make writing a regular commitment, not just for a month but for long term.

2. Get my drivers license. (yes, I don't have one. It's a long story.)
I'm really close, have my drive test scheduled so we'll see. I don't plan on driving a lot but there are a few times and places that it will really make a difference.

3. Explore my peace testimony.
Maybe this means taking some alternatives to violence classes or listening to speakers from peace making teams. I don't know for sure but it's something I want to give some intention to.

4. add weights to my workouts.
I keep reading about calcium and bone structure and being 30 something, and I was vegan for 4 years
so this is something I should really work on.

5. Update our emergency supplies.
We have our 3 days kit and First Aid kit but I need to get the water supplies ( 1 gallon per person per day) and maybe update some of the other stuff.

6. a regular technology Sabbath.
ahhhhh. combined with a walk in the woods- even better.

7. Keep a book journal.
I want an accurate list of all the books I read for the year, with maybe a sentence or two review. Seems do-able right?

Happy 2012! I hope it's off to a lovely start.