A New Journey Begins - Bring it on 2012

I have been reading back through my blog posts, and what struck me most was how "angsty" everything was.  I think I need to rename my blog "Angsty Pants".  

So............. with that in mind I thought it was time to re-evaluate why I want to write a blog and start to re-frame it.  Less angst and more joy - a la Nathalie at Easy Peasy Kids.  She always has great advice and happy comments and words of wisdom to pass on.

From here on in, this blog will be (mainly) about the joyful, fun and happy moments in my life.  Life is too short for angst and sad reflection. There may be a couple of posts that sneak past me, but I will try my best.

I have read lots of "mum blogs" this year, and some of my favourites are Daisy Roo and Two, The Imperfect Mum and A Little Space Like Home.  These women all have inspiring stories and are "keeping it real" out there in the blogging and FB world.  Thanks girls!
And of course I love Sunny Mummy.

In fact this is what I am going to try and be in 2012 - a Sunny Mummy!

Forget "yummy mummy" - that is just not a realistic proposition for those of us who live in the real world, with floors to wash, dinners to cook and children to look after.  I am going to start looking after me first.  If I am not happy, how can I be happy and in the moment with my children?

Last year, 2011, was not a great year for me personally in some ways.  I was misjudged by some people for caring and branded "toxic" for venting my frustrations over some "inadequacies" in the educational institution my son attends.  MY OPINION PEOPLE - MY OPINION!!!!  Let it go and move on.

I was however blessed with a beautiful new friendship - one that I know will last.  As cliched as it is, when one door closes, another one opens.  How true, one door was certainly slammed shut, but the one that swung open is so great.  Thank you - you know who you are.

So instead of resolutions - here are my goals for 2012

Be kind to and look after myself.
Worry less about what other people think - and more about what I do.
Love my children to bits and play with them more often
Live in the moment
Drink less wine
Exercise more
Learn to love me for me
A pretty big list - but there it is out there in the universe for everyone to see.
Judge me - or don't.

I am very good at putting things in balloons and letting them go.  Thanks mum for teaching me that.

So here is to the beginning of another chapter.

2012 will be whatever I make it - and I intend to soak up everyday!

Happy New Year

All Because it's Christmas Time

"It's time to decorate the tree.... dress it up all sparkly..... shining and shimmering, glistening and glimmering, all because it's Christmas time" (thanks Hi-5).  This is what my M2 (daughter 3.5) has been singing since December 1st this year and is still singing.  It is beautiful (well except for the Hi-5 bit).

So, how was your Christmas.  Ours as a family was great.  We spent two days (one for each side of the family) feasting, exchanging presents and watching the kids.  That is what Christmas is all about.  Or is it?

As I sit down and reflect (and warning - I am not trying to be a downer here, but let's live with "first world problems" for a while) all I could think was how much I dislike the excess.

I went to the shops on boxing day (I KNOW - silly, but needs must, apparently) and there was line ups of kids exchanging their presents and buying more.  

Now before I get all judgemental, maybe some of the presents were gifts of money being spent 

but still..... first world problem.

While I sit here in my (old and shabby) but perfectly acceptable house I think about how lucky I am.

How lucky am I to be able to throw away food that I think "might be off".

How absolutely spoilt am I to think "I would have preferred something else" to what my children carefully chose out and gave to me.

Like I said people - First World Problems.

We spent $75 this year giving presents to World Vision and the K-Mart Wishing Tree Appeal.  

This is nothing. 

I would spend at least that much a month on wine and beer. 

But, in the scope of things, I have to think that every little bit counts.

I have read posts this Christmas about people who have lost friends.

Who have buried their husbands.

Who are missing their mums.

My life is good.

I urge you this festive season to embrace what you have around you.

Currently I am planning for 2012.

I am planning to get fit.

I am planning to try and get my house in order.

I am planning on loving what I have around me, everyday just that little bit more.

Happy Christmas Everybody. 

Here is to 2012.