New Year's Resolution Update

Now that February is here, I wanted to reflect on my New Year's resolutions and see if I've been holding true to the commitments I've made myself. Overall, I think I'm doing pretty darn good. 2011 is off to a fabulous start and I'm optimistic that the year is going to be a great one!


Resolution #1 Be a better wife.

Ha ha ha! Man is that loaded. As Marty and I approach the celebration of our first decade together, I looked back at the years we've spent as a couple and I came to the conclusion...wait for it...this is not easy for me to admit...ok, here goes...

I'm spoiled. I know, I know...you all already knew that, but its taken me a bit to realize just how good I have it. My husband is an incredible human being, the greatest friend, phenomenal father and the love of my life. (enough with the eye roll please) Over the last 2 years, I have really noticed just how much he does for me and how much he thinks about me and ways he can make my life more enjoyable.

I made a list of all the things he does to show affection. I was unable to complete the list because every time I thought of something, it occurred to me that there were ten more things to add to the list. It just never ended. It wasn't the fancy cars, jewelry, houses, vacations, etc. Those are nice and we are very fortunate, but it was the little things; silly things; personal things; non-tangible things that really stood out. How he makes sure I have all the right spices in the kitchen to make my favorite meals. He folds the laundry because he knows how I hate to do it because the heat of the clothes dries my skin out. He always hangs a white towel up for me in the bathroom because I hate using the red ones (funny quirk I guess). He goes through all my piles of things around the house and puts them away for me so that in my moment of panic when I can't find something he knows exactly where it is and saves the day. He organizes and updates my playlists and always adds my current favorite songs and I'm pleasantly surprised when I plug in my earbuds (that I actually forgot, but he remembered to put in my gym bag). He knows me. He takes care of me and he thinks its absolutely adorable that I'm frazzled and rushed and manic...and me.

So 2011, I'm doing little things to show him I love him too. For example, I have been starting his work truck in the morning so its nice and toasty for him when he leaves for work; although we quickly learned that he burned more gas with the truck sitting in the driveway than it actually used driving the 3.5 miles to work. Hey, I'm new at this stuff, cut me some slack! I often times feel like Amelia Badelia always messing things up, but I know he appreciates the thought.

In all seriousness, I think I'm going to earn an A+ on this resolution. I hope he knows how much I love him and how hard I'll work to be a good wife to him every day for the rest of my life...

#2 Adventurous Clean-Eating Cooking

This is going amazingly well! I am loving all the new recipes I've found. I'm cooking more and more, finding new ways to prepare veggies, seafood and chicken. I'm experimenting with healthier alternatives to my old ways of cooking and I'm very much enjoying the results! The family is happy and is eating well and that makes me feel good! You can check out my blog http://www.aaloftus.blogspot.com/ to get a peek at some of the recipies I've tried.

#3 Getting the Kids and Family More Active

This has been a really fun one! We've done Ice Skating, Bowling, playing outside more, exercising, swimming and visiting indoor gyms. I'm sure as the weather gets nicer we'll be doing even more. Marissa starts lacrosse this spring and Christian will hopefully get into a sport, although I think he's too young for anything organized yet. I love this quality time I'm spending with the family and I think we're setting an example of how to be fit and healthy!

#4 Do things myself that I would normally pay someone else to do

This really only applies to Housekeeping. I've had housekeepers on and off for the past several years and eventually something happens that makes me shake my head and say, "this would just be easier if I did it myself." I actually love to clean. No ones cleans my house as well as I do and it makes me feel so good to see my house organized and clean (especially when I've done it myself!) Also, its great exercise.

Unfortunately, I haven't been so successful with this resolution. I haven't broken down and paid anyone yet to clean the house, but my house also isn't staying in its best condition. Marty helps with the laundry tremendously, but I absolutely LOATHE putting it away. I hate laundry. period. Since my mom has been staying with us, she helps a lot too, but that makes me feel guilty. I wish I had more hours in the day or an extra day in the week that I could just devote to housekeeping...however, there isn't and I'm usually left carving any spare time I can find to get house chores done.

Yesterday, my mom, my daughter and I spent the day scrubbing, washing, vacuuming, dusting and steaming just about every surface we could think of. The house looks fabulous today; let's just hope I can keep up with it!

I suppose, overall, I'm doing ok with all my resolutions. The year is still young, but I'm optimistic that I'm making some changes in the right direction and I'm on track to keep up with my commitments and goals for 2011.