I am aware that New Years resolutions are basically for suckers, but I’m a Type A person, so the idea of coming up with a list of anything gets me all giddy. With that in mind, here is the mantra of 2012:
Please see the video below for explanation:
And yes, while “fine leather goods” and “mimosas” sound amazing, I’m talking about treating myself better in every way possible. Some examples:
1. I will treat my body better – I started off 2011 with a body that had just done a pretty fantastic thing (created and housed and birthed a baby), and I feel like I spent the rest of the year in recovery from that. I have taken some major steps in treating my body as it needs to be treated, but there are a few things I’m severely lacking. My number one concern is I must make sleep a priority. I tend to have such crazy days, that begin at 6 a.m. and end around 8:30 p.m., with me constantly taking care of others. Unfortunately, that means after the kids are tucked in to bed, I stay up way too late trying to “wind down” or do things that are important to me personally. This lack of sleep is affecting every aspect of my life, and I need to get it under control. This may mean pictures won’t be edited for weeks or the DVR will be 100% full or my inbox will be overflowing…but that’s going to have to be okay.
2. I will treat my heart and soul better – Pre-2011 was a roller coaster for me emotionally and intellectually. My dad had cancer and lived with me, I got pregnant with Tate, and I went through some major issues that are too personal to be discussed here. Much of 2011 was spent just trying to survive and keep my head above water, getting used to my doubled parenting role and become a working mom of two, so I really want 2012 to be about personal growth. My main focus is going to be my relationships with others and how I let them dictate how I feel about myself. For too long I have let people who don’t have my best interests at heart be a part of my life. I have always been “Mama Megan,” trying to help people in my life and pulling in those who seemed wounded and needed a shoulder to lean on. I don’t want to completely lose that, as it’s a part of me that I actually am quite proud of, but I need to learn that it’s okay to say “enough.” I started this last year, and it was a game changer for me. I need to appreciate those in my life that bring goodness and welcome more people like them, and that is what I intend to do.
3. I will treat my brain better – Although 2011 was an incredible year, I feel like my brain was not very well exercised creatively. I’m not sure if it was the start of a new year or Tate turning one, but all of a sudden I have a need to create something new. I’m not yet sure how this need will be fulfilled, but I have tons and tons of ideas. Many of which involve super glue and paint, so help me (and my poor husband).
4. Just plain ole’ treating myself – 2011 was a year of constant financial stress. Having a baby holds all sorts of financial uncertainty, from hospital bills to doctors appointments to daycare costs to wages lost during unpaid maternity leave…it’s all extrememly overwhelming. But this year, as daycare costs will drop significantly (yay for toddler versus infant costs and Lucy being in first grade so no more daycare wheeeeee!) and (hopefully) salaries will rise, I’m hoping to finally get to do some things I’ve been putting off for ages. Like, say, a honeymoon? Decorating my house? Buying a washing machine that uses both hot and cold water or a refrigerator that’s pieces don’t fall off every time you open it? I feel like Kayne, people! Bring on the bling!
I know, I’m a few days past the new year. But I was driving many hours with two little kids and then my husband had surgery and now my eyes are about to close……what?! I’m up!
New Years Eve weekend was a fun one for my little family, as we packed up the whole crew and went on a roadtrip to Boulder, Colorado to celebrate the many birthdays we have in the next few months. While we were there we took Lucy ice skating for the first time! We also saw movies, ate cake and drank a bucket or two of wine. I even carried and tapped a keg with my brother-in-law (to be), the first time since I was about 20! The family kept joking about how they have finally discovered my talent.
2011 was an incredible year for me, filled with mostly highs, with a few lows sprinkled in to make things interesting. We started off in a sleepy haze, still getting used to Tate joining our family. I spent most of my early days of 2011 tucked into my bed surrounded by babies and children and guests. Lucy cut her own hair and I cried because I was a hormonal mess. Then I cried because my website was down for weeks.
Every year I make a little playlist for all of you (see past years here and here and here and here) and this year is no exception. I tried to vary my selections a little bit this year so your ears won’t bleed too much from indie band whining, and also included some pop hits that were the soundtrack to my year. Beyonce? Yes, Lucy loves that song. Jay and Kayne? Yeah, sometimes we all need to shake it a little.
And of course, there are some songs you’ve never heard of and probably will make you want to jump off a bridge. But give it a chance. Goodbye 2011, you were awesome. Here’s to 2012!
(To hear the full and more amazing version of this playlist [some songs I loved couldn’t be found via Playlist.com], get it on Spotify. Do it, trust me.)
Resolving
/3 Comments/in Blond, Happiness /by MeganI am aware that New Years resolutions are basically for suckers, but I’m a Type A person, so the idea of coming up with a list of anything gets me all giddy. With that in mind, here is the mantra of 2012:
Please see the video below for explanation:
And yes, while “fine leather goods” and “mimosas” sound amazing, I’m talking about treating myself better in every way possible. Some examples:
1. I will treat my body better – I started off 2011 with a body that had just done a pretty fantastic thing (created and housed and birthed a baby), and I feel like I spent the rest of the year in recovery from that. I have taken some major steps in treating my body as it needs to be treated, but there are a few things I’m severely lacking. My number one concern is I must make sleep a priority. I tend to have such crazy days, that begin at 6 a.m. and end around 8:30 p.m., with me constantly taking care of others. Unfortunately, that means after the kids are tucked in to bed, I stay up way too late trying to “wind down” or do things that are important to me personally. This lack of sleep is affecting every aspect of my life, and I need to get it under control. This may mean pictures won’t be edited for weeks or the DVR will be 100% full or my inbox will be overflowing…but that’s going to have to be okay.
2. I will treat my heart and soul better – Pre-2011 was a roller coaster for me emotionally and intellectually. My dad had cancer and lived with me, I got pregnant with Tate, and I went through some major issues that are too personal to be discussed here. Much of 2011 was spent just trying to survive and keep my head above water, getting used to my doubled parenting role and become a working mom of two, so I really want 2012 to be about personal growth. My main focus is going to be my relationships with others and how I let them dictate how I feel about myself. For too long I have let people who don’t have my best interests at heart be a part of my life. I have always been “Mama Megan,” trying to help people in my life and pulling in those who seemed wounded and needed a shoulder to lean on. I don’t want to completely lose that, as it’s a part of me that I actually am quite proud of, but I need to learn that it’s okay to say “enough.” I started this last year, and it was a game changer for me. I need to appreciate those in my life that bring goodness and welcome more people like them, and that is what I intend to do.
3. I will treat my brain better – Although 2011 was an incredible year, I feel like my brain was not very well exercised creatively. I’m not sure if it was the start of a new year or Tate turning one, but all of a sudden I have a need to create something new. I’m not yet sure how this need will be fulfilled, but I have tons and tons of ideas. Many of which involve super glue and paint, so help me (and my poor husband).
4. Just plain ole’ treating myself – 2011 was a year of constant financial stress. Having a baby holds all sorts of financial uncertainty, from hospital bills to doctors appointments to daycare costs to wages lost during unpaid maternity leave…it’s all extrememly overwhelming. But this year, as daycare costs will drop significantly (yay for toddler versus infant costs and Lucy being in first grade so no more daycare wheeeeee!) and (hopefully) salaries will rise, I’m hoping to finally get to do some things I’ve been putting off for ages. Like, say, a honeymoon? Decorating my house? Buying a washing machine that uses both hot and cold water or a refrigerator that’s pieces don’t fall off every time you open it? I feel like Kayne, people! Bring on the bling!
Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012
/1 Comment/in Blond, Family, Fun /by Megan{Photo via Flickr}
I know, I’m a few days past the new year. But I was driving many hours with two little kids and then my husband had surgery and now my eyes are about to close……what?! I’m up!
New Years Eve weekend was a fun one for my little family, as we packed up the whole crew and went on a roadtrip to Boulder, Colorado to celebrate the many birthdays we have in the next few months. While we were there we took Lucy ice skating for the first time! We also saw movies, ate cake and drank a bucket or two of wine. I even carried and tapped a keg with my brother-in-law (to be), the first time since I was about 20! The family kept joking about how they have finally discovered my talent.
2011 was an incredible year for me, filled with mostly highs, with a few lows sprinkled in to make things interesting. We started off in a sleepy haze, still getting used to Tate joining our family. I spent most of my early days of 2011 tucked into my bed surrounded by babies and children and guests. Lucy cut her own hair and I cried because I was a hormonal mess. Then I cried because my website was down for weeks.
Later Justin Bieber almost killed me and Lucy joined a soccer team called the Beaver Girls. Both of these things are true. My wonderful friends threw me a sip and see baby shower. I went back to work after a blissful maternity leave and missed napping almost more than I missed Tate (I said ALMOST!). I made “to do” lists and shared my working mom must haves.
In late spring we surprised Lucy with a trip to Disney World for her birthday and she danced in her first real recital. Lulu turned five and Tate grew and grew and grew. I took my annual sabbatical from the Internet, despite grumbles from my adoring fans.
Lucy and I went shopping for school supplies and ended up making an advertisement for Target. We said goodbye to my favorite person ever, our summer nanny. I became a lunch box packing MACHINE and turned 29-years-old.
I wrote about beauty and in turn was quoted by one of my blogging idols. I was asked to curate a slideshow for Kirtsy featuring fall weddings. I decided to run ads on this site, after a four year hiatus. I started riding horses again. I dressed my kids up as Star Wars characters for Halloween.
I ran my first race, a 5K with my dad. My BFF, Abbie, wrote candidly about the Penn State scandal and the real issues behind the abuse of children. We took some incredible family photos and spent Thanksgiving in Rigby, Idaho, where I met the real life Ranger Joe from Full House.
I shared my holiday gift guide and wasted time on Pinterest. We visited the Christmas House (twice). Tate turned one and Trent turned 30. I petted a stuffed bear wearing a sombrero at a holiday party. We rolled credits on 2011.
Roll Credits 2011
/1 Comment/in Fun, Happiness, Tunes /by MeganEvery year I make a little playlist for all of you (see past years here and here and here and here) and this year is no exception. I tried to vary my selections a little bit this year so your ears won’t bleed too much from indie band whining, and also included some pop hits that were the soundtrack to my year. Beyonce? Yes, Lucy loves that song. Jay and Kayne? Yeah, sometimes we all need to shake it a little.
And of course, there are some songs you’ve never heard of and probably will make you want to jump off a bridge. But give it a chance. Goodbye 2011, you were awesome. Here’s to 2012!
(To hear the full and more amazing version of this playlist [some songs I loved couldn’t be found via Playlist.com], get it on Spotify. Do it, trust me.)