Wednesday, January 4, 2012
New Years Resolutions... Here's hoping.
So, every year I make a few resolutions for the coming year. It is the optimist in me trying to overpower the ever present pessimist. So, here goes. It is worth a shot, hey?
1. Read More.
I am pretty sure this was on the list last year as well. I easily read about 15 books a year, by and large due to a daily 40 minute train commute and being one half of a child-less couple. Well that all changed. Since I acknowledge I spend waaaaay too much time on social networking sites I can at least incorporate a little reading time into each day. Even with a toddler. I think. I have several books on the shelf at home waiting to be devoured and I would also like to read/re-read the Dark Tower series by Stephen King.
But first up; a refresher with Ina May.
2. Take my vitamins and drink more water.
Thrilling stuff, really.
3. Work Out.
I will be honest and say for once in my life the vow to take more physical exercise has little to do with vanity and weight loss, well, that is probably about 10% of the reason.
I swear I have such low energy and also do not sleep well. I can only partly blame Motherhood for that one and the rest is purely not taking better care of myself. I am hoping that by getting out in the fresh air and pounding the pavement I will feel a little better and have a little 'me' time as well. Possibly looking better will be a by product.
4. Get back to nature.
As a lead on from resolution No. 3, I am going to aim to spend more time (particularly on weekends) enjoying the great outdoors with my family. I don't think we do it enough, and I mean PROPER walks, of the mile(s) variety. We always have a great day out together when we do and live in such a beautiful part of the country, with so many amazing trails and national parks on our doorstep it seems silly to waste that..
5. Be more assertive.
For those that know me this may seem like a laugh. For those that TRULY 'get' me will know I struggle badly with this. When I am bothered by something, I let it eat away at me, consume me (Hello? Insomnia?!) and that is far from healthy. There are a couple of people in my life that I struggle with finding the words to stand my ground (they are also people I MUST have in my life.)
Here's to finding the right words to not get walked over, and most importantly, feel that I have said what needs to be said in a constructive way.
I think that is it?
Best keep it short and sweet.
Wish me luck.
Home is where the heart is and my heart is in...
We are happily nestled in our new home in Surrey. It feels so good to put the move behind us and focus on the coming year. It is pretty safe to say that we are starting to feel more settled in general; G in his new job and the three of us in our new digs.
We are still without broadband (what is up with that, 'customer service'?) and will unfortunately remain that way until the end of the month but am stealing a few minutes at work to catch up on my favourite blogs and tell you about our home.
Our house is cosy and has fantastic views over the town (am I starting to sound like I am in real estate agent?) It is only a rental but we are easing into the new surroundings and making it 'ours'. It covers all our needs; 3 bedrooms, garage, storage, walk to train and town, great location and most importantly, is within budget.
A's bedroom is huge in comparison to the last and adequately fits her too many toys, clothes, dolls house and other what not she has accumulated in her 21 months.
From our living room and bedrooms we can see Farnham Park and the castle, a far cry from our old view of multi storey car park and Burger King.We have moved a mere 10 minute drive from our old place yet in a country like England it is not surprising that we have passed into another county. We couldn't be more excited to be in Farnham as it is a place we have grown to love over the past 4 years of residing in the UK. Many a Saturday had been spent wandering the boutique stores, charity shops, dining in the restaurants and spending time in the park. It is such a truly beautiful town; cobblestone streets, lush parks, streams, Victorian buildings and old world charm. I feel much safer living here and also generally much more positive as it is a wonderful place to have our children and the schools are bar none (well, so I hear.)
Even the cat seems impressed.
Being able to walk to town is a huge plus for us with a toddler and an even shorter work to the train station which G uses every day. A direct line to London will always be a plus in my book when we seek a little hustle and bustle.
As we settled in over the Christmas period we spent many a day moseying down to Gostrey Meadows Park with the girl, grabbing a take-away coffee from Morello's and whittling away several relaxing hours in the playground. We also took the opportunity to do all our Christmas shopping locally which was so easy and felt great to support local business.
Twice we have walked along the North Downs Way, for us a 2 mile circuit which includes a drink or two at the pub and feeding the horses , much to A's delight. I will blog more on this later once I can upload my own photos.
The town has some great places to visit and I look forward to dropping in and saying 'hello' over the next year; The Barn, the ceramics cafe, The Maltings, scrummy restaurants and our new 'local' The Mulberry which serves the most delicious gourmet burgers. We were regulars of the monthly Farmers Market and now have the advantage of walking there.
Most importantly, feeling excited about making some very happy memories in our new home and enjoying the company of visiting friends and family. Things just seem to be getting better and better.
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