New year, new house, new resolutions?

I did at least start the new year getting a new hair cut for Ai -  it'd been needed for a long time!  We went to a nearby, one-roomed hair salon where a bunch of funky Filipino ladies were watching Tagalog pop videos (which the girls loved).  They've set a high standard for future haircuts by showering the kids with candy- it was hard to stop it from happening!

Ai was very resistant to the whole idea of a haircut, poor guy.  The pain was all erased when he saw the new boy in the mirror.

For some, we have to see the change to have enjoyed the process, for others the process is all no big deal.  A is like that - just goes along so well with most things.  But still for others, we have to have an external prize in mind to motivate us.  Iz is more geared that way - doing so with her unique style, she keeps the prize on the eye instead.

Now when it comes to resolutions, I've never been one to make them or keep them - especially since I've become a Mom.  I still have to finish A's baby book, not to mention the other two!  I do feel, however, that having made such a significant move and having a fresh start of sorts in a new place, there are some major changes in my life I'd like to see happen.   One of the great things about transition is that it can create the space needed to make changes that may be harder to do otherwise - shaking us out of routines, out of friendship patterns, causing us to scramble to re-create a sense of order.  If given the right thought, it can be a good time to leave a few things out of the settling or to fit a few things in.

I'm still feeling a little too overwhelmed or tired, however, to make some changes happen.  In preparation for change, I started with the small step of ordering a book on how to get organized in a year, week-by-week (ha!).  Now to read it . . . another hope for 2012:  to read books - a passion that got buried when I got married, for whatever reason.  I think I was just time-challenged already back then.  To kick off the entry into the new year, I compulsively picked up a book I'd just been given, "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls.  It's a 2005 New York Times bestseller, but, hey, I'm always behind on what's current . . . A very good read if you haven't read it already.  Reminded me why, with kids,  I don't read often.  I kept staying up too late to make time to read, then was grumpy in the day until it was finished.

Anyway, I'd like to enjoy the process of change, but in regards to the one about exercising more - or just exercising period - I may need some external help to make it happen.  I know I'd like the end result if I did!  I also hope to make some healthy diet changes, as in the chaos of 2011, I prepared far too many processed food items for any of our good.  This one doesn't excite me too much, either, but perhaps I'll be surprised if I try?  Living more environmentally aware is another big one on the list - not that I have an official list yet.  Just a general sense that change is needed and now's the time to get at it, regardless of it being a new year or not.

Life only provides so many opportunities - I've been given some in the upheaval of the past year.  The unformed, as yet, resolutions are big 'to do' items, but its really in the desire to change the 'to be' aspect.  Life passes by so quickly.  I'd like to be many things - a patient Mom, a kind partner, a person able to help others in the community, a caring friend.   I want to enjoy the process, the lollipops and the end result of life as conscientiously as possible.  Better make sure to read that book and make some lists I can stick to!  That one about getting to bed by 11:00 isn't happening today.  Maybe tomorrow . . .