18 for 2018

We’re a few days into the New Year, so firstly, I guess this is as good a place as any to wish everyone a happy and healthy 2018. For the first time in my adult life, I was in bed before those bells chimed, but one of my delightful neighbours was kind enough to let off a cacophony of fireworks to ensure I didn’t miss 2017 ending! Which in turn let Frankie know, who decided she was hungry.

I hope your celebrations were more successful than ours.

Anyway, I digress.

It’s been a while since I opened up this site and wrote. Life got in the way in the last few months of last year and I just didn’t find the time or the energy to blog, so when I saw some posts popping up about 18 goals for 2018 and the lovely Amanda invited me to join in, I thought it would be a great way to start writing again and to begin on a positive, forward-thinking post.

I ended 2017 frazzled. That’s the only word for it. I was overtired, stressed, I hadn’t looked after myself, I looked and felt a mess. So I took the last ten days off and focussed on feeling better (as much as you can with two under three in your care). I realised I am no good to anyone around me if I let myself get like that – not to my children, my husband, my family, or friends. And so I’m setting some goals to try and ensure I don’t head straight back there now that I’m back to juggling kids, work and our home while Mr M is at work.

Without further ado, my 18 for 2018 are as follows:

1. Drink more water – I’m starting with the same as Mrs Warburton. I do think it helps in every area to make you feel and look your best. And I’m dreadful at it.
2. Worry less – I’m the world’s worst worrier. Mr M does not worry. He’s right that it’s a worthless exercise, and I need to do my best to keep it to a minimum. I definitely get more anxious when I’m tired, so sleeping better is probably part of this too.
3. Exercise more – Other than walking with the buggy and mucking out every morning, I don’t do any exercise. With our lives the way they are at the moment, I’m never going to be at the gym every day, but I’m going to try and incorporate some short workouts or longer walks into my life.
4. Snack better – I’m dreadful at snacking on rubbish and I’m sure it’s where the majority of my calories come from. So my fruit bowl is full and I’m going to aim for healthy snacks.
5. Blog more – Or actually, just blog. I love this little corner of the internet and writing is like therapy for me. It also makes me take more photos and document our lives and I love it for that.
6. Give the blog an overhaul – I need a new theme, new logo and a fresh look.
7. Be kinder – Sometimes when your tired and busy, it’s easy to snap, or nag, or think the worst of someone. I’ve got into a snappy habit sometimes and it’s not me. I’m also planning to offer a bit of time to charity this year, but I need to investigate this further. I also plan to be kinder to myself and pamper myself from time to time.
8. See my friends – I have some of the best friends a girl could wish for and I see so little of them since I had kids. That’s changing this year, girls. I miss you.
9. Start riding again – I’m ashamed to admit I’ve not sat in my saddle since I was about four months pregnant with Frankie. Mr M has a new job, with more time off, so I’m going to take back some stables time. It’s good for my soul.
10. Do something new each week with Lottie – When Frankie naps, Lottie and I will bake, or colour in, etc and she just loves the one to one time. We had loads of lovely crafty things for Christmas, so I’m going to try and do a new activity with her at least once a week.
11. Put my phone down – I’m really conscious as a work at home mum, that my iPhone is rarely far from my hand, so I want to try and put it aside more and watch my children instead. My phone will be there long after they have moved out.
12. Be a host – we had my mum and dad to ours for Christmas day and it was so nice. I’m quite nervous about cooking for guests, but do you know what, nobody is expecting Michelin-starred meals here, so if we can provide something edible and a glass of something, I think that will do.
13. Lose weight – about three stone!!
14. Do up my front garden – It is currently just shingle. So boring and so crap next to all the other lovely gardens on our street.
15. Get off auto settings on my DSLR – I dabbled into this during maternity leave with some lovely results, I have books, blog articles etc etc, I just need to read and implement them for better photos.
16. Go on holiday – Our Centre Parcs break was so so nice and I’d love to book another at some point. It’s great to have that time away as a family.
17. Spend more time with Mr M – We haven’t been out on our own together since January 2017!!
18. Plan Christmas better – This year was much less last-minute than previous attempts, but there was still room for improvement.

What are your 2018 goals?