Lessons Learned and Reflections Made for 2010

2010 was a passionate year for me. Rather, it was a year in which I actively pursued my passions, or rekindled or maintained the things about which I have long been passionate. In February, armed with a stack of resumes and a fiery red-head’s legs loyally clamped to my hip, I set about to re-enter the workforce, pursuing an old flame of mine: working with the Little Ones. Through a long process, much hand-wringing, a few interviews here and there, and turning down job offers that simply were not right for myself or my family at the time, I found myself working at my old church. The church where my passion for the Little Ones all began. I have yet to be disappointed, and continue to marvel that I am -once again- getting paid to do something I love doing!

After much prodding by friends and family, I also found myself starting up a blog, so that I could share another of my passions: frugality. Thus, Atlanta’s Frugal Mom came to be. Though the blog is still very much still in it’s fledgling stages, it has become a small source of joy and inspiration.

I’ve also began a staunch passion to campaign against celebrating any further birthdays. Well, to be fair, I’ll take the birthday and any cake that may accompany it, but can I leave off the “one year older” thing? I digress; I won’t rehash previous thoughts here on turning 30…

Perhaps my greatest passion this year continues to be that of motherhood. Truly, it is a role I was born to take on! Hubs and I have been amazingly blessed with a sweet, curious, highly energetic daughter; an enigmatic blessing whose enormous proportion is not lost on us. The Tot continues to be a source of delight, giggles and smiles– even with the Twos making special early appearances here and there.

Passion aside, I think it’ time to alter my yearly tradition. It seems more appropriate to balance reflections of the past year, with dreams, hopes, and resolutions for the next year to come. Thus, without further adieu….

2010 Reflections

There’s nothing like ten two-year-olds, in all their innocence, honesty, and spontaneity, to keep you grounded! Teaching preschool, while slightly taxing at times, has been an amazing experience for me thus far; I feel that this is what I’m meant to do at this point in my life.
Blogging is addictive, rewarding, and can end up being as much, or as little, work as you want -or allow it- to be.
Toddler hood is a true test of parents’ patience.
Good things come to those who wait. There are certain things in life for which you simply cannot plan, no matter how much you try. Again, patience is a virtue.
“Taking off” from the gym for a few weeks is a bad idea. A really, really bad idea.
…but having childcare at the gym is a Godsend! (I hope the Kid Zone at the JCC is prepared for a romping-stomping-redheaded-tornado come January!)
Quality over quantity – everytime!
There are very few dishes in to which you cannot put spinach.

2011 Resolutions

To live the next 365 days to their fullest, with my wonderfully amazing family along for the ride. (Sappy, I know; but I hope putting it in writing serves as a reminder to not waste a single day away.)
The gym: hit it daily. Or at least drop a few pounds… Whatever.
Get -and then maintain!- some sense of organization for the daily grind.
Learn to sew.
Drink more water. Drink less soda. This will greatly help with resolution #2. N’duh!
Write more! To daughter, for personal reflection, and for the big, bad blogosphere to devour!
Eat more chicken… Wait, that’s a Chik-fil-a ad. Nevermind. There is no number seven….

I resolve only a handful of things for the year, but hope to attain these goals. What goals and aspirations do you have for the coming new year?

I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. May the final moments of 2010 prove well for you, and may you marvel daily at the wonders ahead for you in 2011.

P.S. You’re very welcome to take a peek at Lessons Learned from years past.

Keep on saving! :o)
--Barbara
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