february's resolutions

Have you noticed how I like making lists? I do. I love it. They immediately make me feel more organized. And unless it's written down or put on the calendar, for me, it doesn't exist. I'm very bad at keeping a running list in my head. Some can keep track of important deadlines without a reminder; I'm not one of those people. Also, lists just look so tidy and decisive. They make me feel like a grown-up. So with that said, on to February's list of resolutions.

some simple truths of adulthood

I've been thinking about these Simple Truths of Adulthood ever since I came across them. They were explained thusly: life lessons learned with some difficulty growing up; things we wish we had known all along but that only come with some perspective. 

I'm completely intrigued by the idea of "wish I had known then what I know now." Who hasn't wished at some point that the lessons learned could maybe have been easier or more timely? So these are some of the simple truths that I've encountered in my life. 

my personal commandments

Gretchen Rubin in The Happiness Project (my own resolutions guru) has what she calls her Twelve Commandments - 12 precepts underlining everything she does. In this vein I decided to come up with my own personal commandments; something to encourage and keep my focus on what is important as I struggle through my resolutions. I came up with eight. 

penny's first trip to the dentist

My big girl had her very first dental appointment today. It was all very exciting for me since I got to be on the viewing end instead of actually in the chair. She did really well sitting still, opening her mouth and following all the instructions. I thought there might be a tantrum brewing when she started spitting out the toothpaste because she didn't like the taste but the dental tech handled her effortlessly and just wiped it all out for her. Overall, I was impressed with the dental office and very delighted at Penny's big milestone. 

the nagging task

I've been trying to accomplish at least one nagging task every day. I make a pile and a list (if it's not written down for me, it doesn't exist) and set it on my place at the kitchen table. That way, when I sit down for breakfast, I have no chance to ignore it. I try to choose the most important of these tasks and arrange those at the top. The ones that can wait a bit, usually for lack of money, are towards the bottom. Make an appointment with a new psychiatrist - top of the list. Make an appointment to get the cat's teeth cleaned - bottom of the stack.