Looking ahead...

Here is my list of resolutions, which may or may not actually come to fruition. That's my disclaimer.

1. Say yes to less. -- I made that up myself, thankyouverymuch, and I think it needs to be on a t-shirt or tattooed to my forehead, either one. I have the tendency to put way too much on my plate in terms of projects, groups, volunteering, etc, etc., and I've said this before in the past that I would like to stop, but this year, it will stop. It will. If I have to tell you no on something, please know that it goes against every fiber of my being to actually tell someone no and {gasp} risk disappointing them and risk them not liking me (horrible thoughts for a people-pleaser like myself). However, if I end up getting my house and clutter completely under control, get rid of all of the distractions, then I reserve the right to decide whether or not to take on something. So don't hold me to it, I guess. Regardless, I will try to live a more balanced life.

2. Focus on my husband and my son. This is the year of the little family unit. We may be a small family of three, but we are a crazy tight-knit little bunch, and I intend to put even more of my focus this year on those two lovable guys.

3. Finish up unfinished projects. Oh, Lordy, if I am not the queen of unfinished projects. I do not want to be the queen any more. Please take the crown away from me. Please.

4. Throw away, give away, purge, purge, purge! -- By year's end, I am going to be organized and less cluttered. Believe it, sister.

5. Keep up the cooking. 2009 was a great year for me in terms of finally embracing my inner Rachel Ray (who am I kidding, I am not quite to that level), but I hope to try even more new recipes and techniques this coming year.

6. Improve my photography skills. I took the class. I've got the camera (albeit an older version of this one). The new lens should arrive on my doorstep any day now. All of these factors should add up to better photos if I would just stop and practice, practice, practice!

7. No more deadlines, but quilt for fun. Although I have immensely enjoyed the swaps and online quilting bee I've participated in, it's time to finish up projects, and start new ones with no looming deadlines. Quilting is supposed to be fun, but sometimes those deadlines tend to steal my joy, especially since I am well-versed in the art of procrastination.

8. Be CREATIVE more often. Take the time to make something at least once a week, whether it be a tiny project or a big one. I have umpteen bookmarks on my laptop of cool tutorials I have seen, but there are only one or two that I actually attempted last year.

9. No more comparisons. I like you. You like me. I don't wish to care or worry about what anyone thinks of me anymore, or play the comparison game, or keep up with the Joneses or whatever. This year, no comparisons. Period.

10. Buy more handmade, less from the big box money-suckers. Less plastic. More natural. Less toxic. More healthy. Less quantity. More quality. This one encompasses it all -- from food to gifts.

There is a reason there are ten resolutions. Aim high, my friends, and surely I can accomplish at least one of those goals. See? By writing up ten and only looking to accomplish one, I am still keeping things simple, and thus will be even more thrilled if I accomplish more than one. Oh yes, that's how my quirky little mind works.

And since I've done this in the past as well, I am picking a word to represent what I would like to see in 2010. Last year's word was "content" -- and looking back, I do feel like I am moving more and more in that direction. I've thought about this long and hard, and I think my word for 2010 is going to be possibilities (plural since I'd rather have lots of possibilities than just one). I think 2010 is full of possibilities in many different facets of my life, and I'm going to keep my eyes open so when they appear, I will recognize them and take advantage of the opportunities before me.

Happy New Year, my friends!