Walking Backwards

I know, I know, its been almost a week since my last entry. I really do mean to update more, but I just haven't had much free time to play on the computer lately. Then, when I am on the computer, I have a ton of research to do about my school enrollment in the fall and about stuff to do with Nicholas (as well as trying to get frikin moveable type to work). Starting today I am going to try and pop in more, even if it is just to give a short two line entry, at least I'm doing something.

Being the middle of the year, I thought it would be a good idea to see what progress I have made on my new year's resolutions (see Jan.1st entry for further details). Some good, some bad, but here they are:

"1. Develop more organized activities for Nicholas.
- We have been doing the same routine for some time now and I wanted to add more
stuff to interest him. I also want to take him out for more activities out of the house."

Okay, I've started making a weekly chart with an activity to do each day for him. I bought several pre-school and toddler activity books and have enrolled him in several different programs. We don't get out of the house as much as I would like, but I'm anti-social by nature and it is Texas in the summer. I am going to try and set up some organized playdates and take him to some of the local kid's activities, but all in all I think I am doing well on this resolution.

"2. Learn to knit.
- I've wanted to be able to knit for a while and actually went to the local knitting supply store and got a book recommendation and a list of classes. I just have to do it."

So I bought 'Stitch and Bitch' and am actually working on a scarf right now. I haven't taken any lessons or done more than knitting in a strait line, but its a start.

"3. Become a more educated consumer.
- I boycott Wal-Mart because I don't believe in a lot of their practices and I know that
there are many companies out there that I wouldn't shop at if I knew their dirty little
secrets. I just need to spend more time learning about where my money goes. I also
want to try to support local businesses more."

Most of my shopping is now done at small, local businesses. I haven't set foot in a Wal-mart in months now. We are going through some financial hard times at the moment, so I hope I can hold strong against their unrealistic savings that force out other businesses.

"4. Take better care of my health.
- Since Nico came along I have been playing second fiddle in the personal care
department. I just want to make sure that I am drinking enough water, that I eat well
food regularly, and start back with a little bit of my "pretty myself" routine. It will make me feel better."

Some effort has been done in this area, but I keep slipping back into my old habits. I get going for about a month and then do poorly for about a month. With Joe home from traveling now, we are hoping to start walking every night and I do make a normal, healthy meal every evening.

"5. Spend more time working on the house.
- We are in here for the long haul apparently. I can finally start to settle in."

I am mostly concentrating on getting the yard in order right now and cleaning out the garage. We have finished getting plywood in the attic, but the work in the bathroom has stalled. Hopefully, as soon as we get some money, we can hire an electrician to come out.

"6. Get some of Nicholas' baby book done.
- He is almost two after all and I haven't even done the page for his baby shower."

Er, I haven't done anything on the baby book at all. I have gotten all the photos into boxes, though, and gotten the memorabilia labeled. This is going to be moved up to a stronger priority for the rest of the year.