Twenty Twelve

So, it's a new year, a fresh new archive on our blog. I feel like doing resolutions is cliche, but then again, I do love a good cliche! So here are our (trying oh-so hard to not be cliche - like "go to the gym 3x a week" or "spend more time with family" obviously we all want those things all the time, but they're not super measurable) resolutions:

Vanessa:

I'm trying to follow this calendar in order to get rid of more junk and organize our house. It has one simple task for each day of the entire year, which makes it super not-overwhelming. For example, today was "de-clutter the top shelf of one of your cabinets" which I just completed. I chose the one above the sink, and I ended up doing one a half shelves, just because it made more sense. I threw out some expired coffee, re-organized the baking stuff, moved some recipe books to the basement bookshelf and pulled out a couple of cheap things that we can sell in the garage sale or donate to good will and even something to hand down to my sister Megan on her 21st birthday (I'm sure you can guess the nature of that item). I've done pretty well so far each day, except for Monday, because I didn't have the necessary tools to construct a donation station, so I'm planning on doing it this weekend. :)


Stephen:

Organizing and getting things done is obviously a big theme in our house.  While I can’t quite make a strict calendar, I can set goals for each weekend to complete projects, organize, and get things done.  As we all know, things happen.  Cars can break down, computers crash, the weather's bad for an outdoor project, we ran out of food, toilet paper, printer ink, dog food, and gas for the lawnmower... all at the same time.  You know, the usual.  Since these lovely snags like to pop up, there will be two goals or projects than can be done.  One will be a larger project.  One that can have more time and energy dedicated to it to complete.  The other is more of a backup.  These are not less important but they may be several small projects that can easily be done quickly, or it may be something that can be done in stages.  While doing this it will be important to not set too many goals at once.  If a small number are set, things get done and you are happy that you met these goals.  Anything else that is completed is just gravy.  This weekend I will do a screen door at the in-laws on Friday, take yard waste to the dump Saturday.  It may not seem like much but those are easy to achieve and it keeps momentum going.

What are you resolutions (corny, or not) for 2012? Anyone got anything good?

Love,
Vanessa and Stephen (Anya's only resolution is to grow fat and lazy...done!)