No resolutions

I find that making resolutions on this day doesn't really work for me. I have made a few lifestyle changes, such as walking everyday, but these were made when I reached the point when I felt things were getting out of hand and therefore had better incentive to change than a simple date on a calendar.

I thought I'd give a little retrospective, however, to sum up the year and how we are doing as a family right now. So, 2005:

Physically: J.'s Crohns is manageable right now. My mom's health isn't that great but there's nothing life threatening going on. She's going to have surgery next month on her bladder. Max has shot up and is currently v. healthy (knock wood, knock wood). My OCD and SAD don't seem to be such a problem this year as they have been in previous years (and particularly last year). R&R are slowing down a little, and R2 is having rotator cuff problems which will require surgery. But, again, nothing life threatening. I'm grateful that right now we all have our health.

Mentally: See above re: OCD/SAD. R2 has had a really good year and has remained on track the whole time. Max has been a very good incentive for her to reign in some of her more dramatic mood swings. J. currently has a little bout of the winter blues, but he'll make it. V. is a little stressed out about selling her house and so, so ready to be done with her M.L.S program, but she'll make it too. Overall, it's been a good year.

Emotionally: Max is healthy, happy, and well adjusted. True, he freaks out at toys that move on their own and doesn't like to play in the magic treehouse at the mall (possibly related to the motion phobia he seems to have with toys as it's a zoo there with all the kids running and screaming), but overall, he's good. He's totally bonded to us and over the past year has formed a real attachment to his Bumpa, his Tante, and A2. J. and I have remained close despite the rigors of parenthood. I feel positive about our relationship. Things are much better with R&R in general. As for me, I've settled into becoming a SAHM and feel good about my life even though there are days when work seems like a piece of cake compared to being consistently positive yet firm with a toddler. I love taking my naps in the afternoon, and I love having real control over my schedule. I love not looking at a calendar, and I love being at home. Yes, we are a little hermit-like and tend to socialize almost completely with family, but, hey, it works for us.

Financially: We spent a lot of money on cars this fall, and it looks like we'll be hemorrhaging a little more, but at the end of the first year with me home we were fine financially. We hadn't touched our core savings at all (knock wood), our tax return enabled us to spend down our mortgage, and R&R were generous this Christmas, so we will be able to put more money down on the house, thus furthering our goals. Basically we live without a lot of frills. We don't have cable, cell phones, TIVO, or any other subscriptions services except for cheap dial-up internet. I bought almost all of my clothes and Max's clothes used at garage sales and thrift stores. We don't go to movies, plays, or the symphony, and our vacations are to see family so we didn't have to spend a lot of money there. But I'm perfectly fine with all of that. As long as I can bargain hunt and buy used books, that's enough for me. Max will get more expensive over time, but right now, we're okay without me working.

Aesthetically: I have only a few (plucked) gray hairs, and my weight was the same this November as it was last November after I lost 12 pounds. I picked up a couple over Christmas, but am confident I can take it off, and, anyway, my jeans aren't tight yet. Physically I'm in better shape than I was in my twenties. I hate running, but can actually sustain a short (25 minute) run without feeling wrecked. I'm not wearing so much make-up these days, but I don't much need it in my current incarnation or really miss it at all.

Creatively: The year was something of a loss. I wrote nothing - except reviews, of course - and I didn't quilt at all. Craft projects were just not a priority, and I still haven't really learned to cook.

Spiritually: I went to confession twice this year, started reading up on matters of faith, and have been praying the Rosary at least several times a week while on my walks. I'm in a much better place as re: God than I was this time two years ago. I feel good about that.

Anyway, having summed that all up, I have to say 2005 was good to us, and I'm very grateful for all of these blessings. I hope 2006 continues this trend and pray that, if it doesn't, we have the strength and grace to get through what it holds.

God bless, everyone, and Happy New Year!!!