Resolutions revisited

It's been almost a month since the calendars and agendas were replaced and the date/time stamps were switched, yet I still have put only the slightest dent in my resolutions. I'm beginning to think resolutions are, a least in my case, a set up for failure. Resolution = a firm decision to do or not do something. I think in my mind I've chosen NOT to do something.

So here is my list and the excuses I've come up with - perhaps in getting it all out there in public, I can shame myself into action! And for those of you who know how private I am - this is a big deal.

1. Resolution: Get involved in more "Italian" things.
Action: None taken
Excuse: My slightly agoraphobic tendencies lately have made it difficult for me to leave the house.
Remedy: Have plans to go Thursday to a meeting of the Associazione Vegetariana Animalista - an Italian vegetarian society that has a regular Thursday evening lecture series that look very interesting.

2. Resolution: Get in shape
Action: None taken other than renewing my membership almost a month ago, and having a glass of prosecco with a friend at the wine bar attached to the gym. Yes, in Italy wine bars at the gym - not juice bars.
Excuse: See number 1 above - oh and I started my period, but can't use that excuse for the long term.
Remedy: As soon as my period is over, have signed up to take Kundalini yoga class at a studio recommended by a friend and will really push myself to get my butt out the door and walk the 10 minutes up the street to my gym for all that cardio I need to get rid of this gut. Okay, besides the fact that the belly makes it look like I'm 7 months pregnant, it is also extremely unhealthy. I've read recently that having excess belly fat - men and women both - raises the risk of heart disease.

3. Resolution: Work on my issues with anger
Action: So this one I actually have taken some action on. I've been meeting by Skype video chat with an English speaking Dutch therapist who lives in London. I met her through the amazing mommy/baby yoga retreat I went to back in July called Mamaheaven So far it's been really helpful to talk to someone wholly unconnected to me in anyway, but who is smart, interesting and offers some great perspectives. I've also been reading "When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chodron (Buddhist nun extraordinaire) and have ordered Harriet Lerner's "The Dance of Anger" - recommended by other mothers I know who have also had the same issues.

4. Resolution: Spend more time with my children
Action: Weekends have been solely about them.
Excuse: Weekdays are tricky. My head is involved more with work and it's more difficult to switch off. They have activities and play dates and so "mommy time" isn't always first on their list.
Remedy: Have been trying to establish more of a routine after school on the days they don't have activities and evening family time in bed with all of us reading and talking can be relaxing and enjoyable if Giulia, Paloma or Viola don't have the crazies.

5. Resolution: Get my Italian drivers license
Action: Have ordered, but have yet to receive, English/Italian drivers license manual. I had one and have no idea what happened to it. Test is on 20 February and hope to not fail a third time!

6. Resolution: Catch up on the pile of books next to my bed
Action: The saying " so many books, so little time" could never be truer, but am making some headway.
Remedy: Have been trying to sneak some pages in at times other than at bedtime.
Excuse: Exhaustion!

7. Resolution: Catch up in general
Action: Finished first draft of Beehive and cross-pollinate press kit material, finished second rounds of responses to my La Leche League leader application, have checked some other Beehive-related items off my list. The list is long though.

8. Resolution: Finish my LLL application process
Action: see above - still have much to do, but at least the written aspect seems to be done

9. Resolution: Start a Masters program
Action: Just vaguely looking into this now as I don't have the time or money to get involved right now, but have been considering a Masters in Education in Humane Education. With an English lit background the options are limited in other fields I'm interested in as I would have to completely reinvent myself. This seems to combine many of my interests with an academic/education aspect that appeals to me.

Well, that sums it up. Some of it good, but I still have a long way to go. If anyone has any words of encouragement - believe me, I could really use them!