Hello, friends.
If you are a fellow cold-weather dweller, I hope that you are finding nice ways to keep yourself warm and well. If you are in a more temperate climate, well…I don’t know if we can be friends anymore. Kidding, kidding! All are welcome at Warm as Pie. (Just don’t tell me that 40 degrees is cold, okay?) Speaking of staying warm, this morning I enjoyed a big cup of Lipton’s Vanilla Caramel Black Tea. Let me just say YUMMY. I used a little of Trader Joe’s Organic Blue Agave sweetener and my newest teacup–a gigantic clear cup. This cup makes every sip seem like a special treat. I love it, and I loved the price: $2.99 at Target. Next, I would love to get a clear teapot to match, but that will have to wait.
I simply love this time of year. The start of the new year feels exciting and promising and very motivating. My sister teases me for making a hundred resolutions each January. I’m actually taking a different approach this year. I’m dividing “resolutions” from “goals,” and I am really excited to share some of them with you. I’m defining resolutions as overarching intentions without firm deadlines or boundaries. Goals are narrow, defined plans with specific steps. So here goes…
Resolution #1: Be more fun! I’ve been in a major funk of trying to “do things right.” I’ve forgotten how to just be and DO fun.
Resolution #2: Send more snail mail. I love to send and receive mail. I bet others do to!
Goal #1: I’m declaring 2015 to be THE YEAR OF CLEAN. I am working toward starting next January with a cleaner, more organized, well run home. I have a list of mini-goals for each month, and I am trying hard to not expect a quick fix. I have a whole year to reach this goal step by step. Although I have always been very organized in my student/professional life, I have struggled with organization my whole life. I can remember spending hours in my room, trying hard to clean it–but instead I was looking at old photos and ancient school papers, reminiscing instead of truly cleaning. Now, I have four little people who can be excellent picker-uppers, but they are equally skilled at making messes. This year, we are getting our act together.
Goal #2: I will return to playing the violin. This is in line with my fun resolution. I am going to begin by practicing every day, even if it is only for 10 minutes. I plan to increase this time through the year. Last month, I bought new strings and fine tuners. I had my bow re-haired, and I am really enjoying my music-making…even if it is a bit (okay, a lot) squeaky.
Goal #3: I will work on the DONA (Doulas of North America) reading list, and I will register for a doula certification workshop) through a recognized certification agency (TBD). THIS needs a post of its own! Here is the short version. Shortly after Charlotte was born in the summer of 2011, I started thinking about becoming a birth doula (professional labor support person). Then I met some lovely doulas in Florida. Hi, Emily! Hi, Elizabeth! I learned a lot from them. Although we didn’t spend a lot of time talking about doula business, I admired them and their work. I’m still not certain how or when a doula business will fit into my family life, but on my birthday in 2014, I made a promise to myself to pursue certification in earnest.
Goal #4: I will take my blog seriously! You will hear a lot more from me in 2015. I love this blog, and although life is hectic, I am committed to this little spot on the web.
Leave me a comment. What tea are you drinking? Do you have goals for 2015?
Warmly, Erica G.
Warm as Pie 