13 in '13

I like thinking of multiple resolutions at the beginning of every year.  The logic being that I'll accomplish at least one.  And I always do.  Here's what I'm thinking for this year:

1. Be a better dog mom.
I am a great mom to Henry but a terrible mom to Gus, our 5(ish) year old dog we rescued 3 years ago.  Exhibit A: Ever since Henry started eating finger foods, (and Gus started getting presents from Henry), he's gained almost ten pounds.
2. Plant an herb garden.
I'd like to eat cilantro every single day.  Kidding.  Maybe?

3.  Lose 5 lbs. (and maintain it).
I'm practically at my personal ideal weight, just need that final push.
4. Knit everyone Christmas stockings by next year.  And knit more in general.  And while I'm at it, be more crafty in general.
Such a bum this year - only made one for Henry.  I'll demote that one to Gus for next year and make the rest of us super cute ones.  Also have many house projects on the docket, and a very sweet toddler in need of sweaters and socks.
5.  Take Henry to more fun local places.
Now that he's 1 and has a clue, places like the Children's Museum, the zoo, aquarium, insectarium, Storyland, etc. should be infinitely more interesting.
6.  Defend my comprehensive paper, propose my dissertation, write a grant for my project.  
This is a tall order, but I have no money to do my project and need need need a grant from the Department of Ed.  And my chances of getting it are greatly increased with a proposed dissertation.
7.  Ride my bike more.
Now that Henry has his very own bike seat, I think I'll be pretty motivated.

8.  Look decent when I leave the house.  All the time.  Or at least most of the time.
All too often, I fall into the mommy trap of looking haggard as hell when I run errands, take walks, and yeah, even go to school with hair disheveled, baby food on clothes, no lipgloss.  It needs to stop, and can be as simple as replacing sweats with lulu and busting out the straightener once a week.
9.  Get more sleep.
This may happen by simply banning myself from Pinterest past 10 pm.
10.  Take trips not related to weddings.
I made this resolution last year and failed.  But I helped submit a proposal to APA this year, in Hawaii.  My family is going to Cancun this year and we're invited, and they're also trying to go to the Philippines in December.  Fingers crossed.
11.  Read a book unrelated to school or babies/toddlers.  Just one. Magazines do not count.
InStyle, NYMag, Sports Illustrated, Real Simple, Elle, Lucky...Don't know what I was thinking.  I cannot believe this has to be a resolution, but seriously - I have completely stopped reading books.  How ridiculous is that?
12.  Show more pictures of our families to Henry
This could be in the form of pictures on the walls, albums, anything.  The new family book he got for Christmas will help.

And last - 

13. Stop seeking fairness.
A very smart teacher told me how she tells her students to never say, "that's not fair," simply because all children have different needs and were given different things.  I let our house reno really get to me, thinking we didn't deserve to deal with so much bs.  I'm going to try to focus on what great things we have, and try to be grateful instead of pouty.

Here's to 2013.  2012 was pretty rough, but the good news it, it's over, everyone's healthy, and things are only looking up.