Two Thousand and Ten

2010 is here. Two Thousand and Ten. For some reason, whenever I hear people say Twenty-Ten, I cringe. Not sure why, but I do.

Most people set resolutions around this time. I usually do, but this year I think I am just going to work on refocusing. Refocusing on family, refocusing on friends, refocusing on frugality, refocusing on health and refocusing on happiness.

Family
~We spend a lot of time together as a family, but we have decided that twice a month we will have family night. We generally have family night 1-2 nights a week, but it usually just involves watching a movie or the males in the family playing video games. Twice a month we will do something as a family that does not involve either of those things.
~ I really need to keep in better touch with my grandma. She is in her 90s, so at this point, every day is a gift. I hate to think that I am squandering that gift just because I live so far away. There is no reason I can't send more cards or call more often.

Friends
~ I have decided that I am going to initiate a "Mom's night in" once a month. Basically, I will invite everyone to my house for dinner and a movie, dinner and a game, snacks and a craft... whatever. If something local is interesting, I will invite friends to that instead (for example, the art museum has an event.)

Frugality
~Let's face it... most of us know how to save money. Most of us have achieved our goals, or are on our way to achieving them. The other day I joined a frugal Yahoo group, and it only took 3 hours worth of emails to realize that it wasn't for me. I guess it is the same reason I really don't go to homeschooling message boards any more. It is kind of a "been there, done that" feeling and I really don't need to hear the same frugal tips over and over. I just need to recommit to doing what I know how to do.
~ My kids have grown up in a frugal household and have really never known anything else. Now that they are older, I am trying to make sure that they have the information that they need to continue being frugal and smart about money. I don't want them to just be cheapskates who never spend money, but instead I want them to realize that frugality is a practice and there is something to be learned each and every time we practice, both in our successes and the things that continue to challenge us.
~I would like to learn more about canning food. I have canned food before, but it was with a friend and I just did what she told me to. I know how to can, but I am not confident in my ability to not poison my family. I have found an online class that I will tell you about after I look in to it more, and plan to read every book I can get my hands on about the subject.

Health
~ Not much here - just continue to lose weight safely and stop eating the foods that are poison to my body.
~ Help Alex understand how to read labels and find foods that are ok for him to eat, so he is confident in his choices, and has the tools needed to continue to make the right choices.

Happiness
~ I really need to start doing things for myself. I have been a mother for the last 18 years, and all of my energy, strength and talent has gone in to being the best mother I could. Now is the time to take care of myself, and maybe even spoil myself a little. *Gasp* Not sure how I am going to accomplish this, but I am sure I will figure it out.
~Still decluttering. We don't necessarily get new stuff, I think I just get more sick of the stuff we have. I would be perfectly happy living in a house with 100 items... but I am afraid most of those 100 would be kitchen equipment. I am really loving my new streamlined kitchen, though. More on that later, though.