I am back from a wonderful winter break. Spent Christmas in Paris, and New Years in Barcelona. Saw a lot, ate a lot, and talked a lot with my lovely spouse. Also read four books! I also ate so much gelato and drank so much espresso. What a beautiful trip.
So when I returned home, I made some family decisions with said spouse on life in 2012. I guess they could be “resolutions,” but maybe just things to consider after spending time in another culture, and away from daily routine.
1. Eat more meals together. Often we eat in the same room, but watch TV or use our computers. We need the time to talk, to be together, and to establish some type of end to our day.
2. Choose books over TV. We all know the exception to this is anything on HBO. But we both felt like we were ‘together’ more when we read books side by side than when we watched tv together.
3. Buy only what we need at the store, and buy quality. This is a hard pill to swallow. It is so easy to go grocery shopping and stock up for 2 weeks. But neither of us end up eating half that food, and it either sits around uneaten or rots. Also the quality piece. A bit more pricey than I’d like, but a simple meal of quality ingredients is better than a complex meal of terrible things. So far we bought a few veggies, a nice piece of fish, some great bread, and a small thing of cheese. Shockingly, we’ve had plenty to eat and make meals. So, a happier, easier diet.
4. Dress nicer. This s just for me, really. And it’s not even “nicer” - just wear complete outfits. I used to accessorize, I used to layer, I use to be versatile. I think what happened was exhaustion from 2 years of craziness. I don’t think it requires a wardrobe change, I have everything I need. Just take more in getting dressed. Make “dressing” an event, not a chore.
We talked a lot about our future…a possible move, future education, future travel plans, etc. I just hope I can continue these things over the next year and make them habits.
