The weeks right after Christmas are ALWAYS a funky time for me.  All that anticipation and build-up – and then it’s January.  And February.  My two least favorite months of the year.  The coldest months and the most dreary.  “But Amanda”, you’re probably thinking, “you love the cold weather!”  Ah yes, I do, but cold accompanied by the festivities of the holidays is so lovely and romantic.  Cold accompanied by…well…nothing is just…sad.  Does that sound crazy? I often wonder if I have a propensity for seasonal depression.  After having walked through post-partum depression once I am probably more…aware, I guess.  Or maybe I’m just extra sensitive.  I don’t know.  I’ve been thinking a lot about my “New Year’s Resolutions”.  In year’s past, weight issues would always be at the top of my list.  As 2012 begins, I wonder if I’m starting to break through all of those facades I’ve created in my mind about my body.  Granted, I lost 10+ pounds this past year (I’m not gonna lie, that feels pretty great) BUT could it be that I’m finally cutting myself some slack on this road to supposed “perfection”? I may never be completely happy with the girl/woman that stares back at me in the mirror…and I think that’s ok.  I have felt the little victories this past year – buying a smaller size pair of jeans, for one!  Have I finally learned how to use my curling iron and feel like I’m having a “good hair” year??  Yes!  Is my skin better than it’s been in years?  Totally!  Will I rock a two-piece anytime soon?  Mmmm…probably not.  But maybe it’s time to start celebrating the fantastic things about myself instead of focusing on the things I can’t stand.  I think the time for kindness towards myself is now. Vann and I had a long talk the other day, about 2012 and what we hope it holds for us.  It feels like any surplus of money these next few years is already spoken for, between home projects, renovations and the potential for a bigger car – that it’s already all planned out.  The truth is, we just don’t know what’s in store in 2012.  I’d love to take a big trip, considering we haven’t been anywhere major (aside from work trips or weekend getaways) since we got married, almost 6 years ago.  And then there’s the million dollar question: do we go from a family of four to a family of five? So, resolutions – my list is actually small:

• finally learn how to use the Nikon my dad bought us 2 years ago.  yeah, I only know how to point and shoot – embarrassing!
• brush up on my French if we decide to take that Canadian vacay
• reach my weight loss goal by valentine’s day
• have more of a servant’s heart (especially when it comes to things I don’t want to do)

And, a first, as I enter into the spring selling season (eBay and consignment) – refrain from buying ANY boutique-y clothes for the girls for spring/summer.  90% of the nicer stuff I bought them last year is still hanging in their closets with THE TAGS ON THEM.  Play clothes are the ticket this summer – ESPECIALLY because you-know-who will be potty training at some point I’m sure (don’t get me started on that) and it’s just TOO HOT! So, with that being said, my proceeds this season from selling are going towards…an iPad.  Yep, I’m hoping this motivates me to get this stuff outta here.  And I think if there is money leftover after that I’m going on a shopping spree to Lululemon.  So there. Anxiously awaiting the return of good T.V. and trying not to shop or go to Whole Foods multiple times during the week = better find myself another hobby.  Happy Thursday!!