My Top 10 Mom Resolutions for 2010!
I thought it would fun, and useful, for us to focus on our Top 10 Mom Resolutions for 2010. I have mine listed below, and I want to know the main things you would like to work on this new year!
1. Be more patient! I get stressed out and then frustrated and mad. I often yell when things or people aren’t moving as quickly as I would like. I need to work on being patient in all areas of my life, but especially with my children.
2. Stay organized. Throw things out. Don’t just move piles around.
3. Exercise every day! I need to do this to lose weight but I truly believe this will affect my mothering. I think it will get me out of the house, make me less stressed and help me clear my head. I think this will assist with the patience goal as well.
4. Go on a date with my husband at least once a month. My plan is to book our sitter for three months out so I have the date to look forward to each month and don’t have to worry about finding a sitter.
5. Get out with friends once a month. I’ve already set up a weekly walking date with one of my oldest friends who recently moved back to town. We’ll walk the babies five miles and enjoy catching up.
6. Stick to our cash-only policy. During Christmas and for some of the house renovations I allowed myself to use credit cards for convenience. But I had the cash to cover everything. So now that the improvements are done and Christmas is over, we are back to using cash only. I think it has absolutely helped us cut back and control our spending.
7. Stop cussing. A terrible habit I picked up from my big brother. F-bombs and other vulgarities still slip out with regularity. Absolutely have to break this habit. It’s embarrassing.
8. Read more. My new plan is to walk to the library at least once a week to keep my books fresh. (With the stroller I can return and bring home a bundle of books.)
9. Eat a minimum of 5 vegetables a day – if not more. For health and for weight loss, this is necessary. I need to eat less grain and more veggies.
10. Pray more and have more calm time. I think overall I need more quiet time and more prayerful time to help me stay patient and calm. I think the daily walks can help with this quiet time goal.
Michael adds to my list: Stop complaining. He says I complain all the time. I would contend that I am merely commenting on the state of things.
What do you think of my goals for the year? What are your goals? (My husband would say these goals would never pass in a work environment. You have to be able to quantify your results. So also think about how you will measure your success with your goals. I will think on this too.)
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
90 comments Add your comment
MaryKay
December 31st, 2009
7:11 am
Your #10 – have more calm time. It would help toward that goal if you blocked some of the nasty posters on here!
I agree with MaryKay...
December 31st, 2009
7:40 am
…#10 should be #1, and the rest are quite nice – Happy New Year to you and yours, and to all who read your words of wisdom.
It's 8am, mom2alex...
December 31st, 2009
8:02 am
…this blog has been up for an hour and you still have not commented? Why so late today? You wanted it up at 7am, and Theresa even told you YESTERDAY that it would be up early – so where the heck are you???????
Jane
December 31st, 2009
8:13 am
Hey “It’s 8am, mom2alex&max” – I was just about to write the same thing! She griped yesterday about these blogs need to be up by 7am, then she’s not here.
Problem is probably because the blog was posted at 7:05am, AFTER her 7:00am requirement!
mom2alex&max
December 31st, 2009
8:29 am
I read it people. I just didn’t have anything to say.
Jane
December 31st, 2009
8:31 am
mom2alex&max with nothing to say.
That’s a good one!
YUKI
December 31st, 2009
8:50 am
I think all of these are great. I would agree that i need to improve on most of them as well. I would say the cash only policy would most likely be impossible (I put everything on a cc and pay it off every month) but other than that they are right on. I really cut down on the cussing when my son started understanding things and I don’t say any in front of him at all. But I know my husband would say, like yours, that I complain a lot. I really need to work on that as well.
Happy new year everyone. Be safe and enjoy!
Kathy
December 31st, 2009
8:52 am
My hubby and I make goals for the new year every new year’s eve so I have already been thinking about this! Here are some of mine:
*Be kinder to my mother. We don’t have the warm and fuzzy mother/daughter relationship that most have. She drives me crazy and I am often very short with her. I need to be more patient as she gets older.
*Watch less TV. I am addicted to anything on Bravo and I will often just have the TV on for background noise. I am finding that it zaps my brain and makes me irritable and then it affects my relationship with my hubby and daughter.
*Keep on running. I am running my first marathon in 9 days and right now I never want to run again after it is over! I am trying to set a good example for my daughter by choosing an active lifestyle. She asked me last night if we could run a race together when she is a grown up…..my heart exploded!
Now I am sure I could think of more and most of Theresa’s would be on my list as well. I don’t know how to quantify them…..these are just things I want to try to be more aware of I guess. Happy New Year everybody!
Now Jane...
December 31st, 2009
8:53 am
…be nice – it is New Year’s Eve and we all need to get along.
Theresa,
We used to do the all cash thing, but many of my “friends” would take our cash and pay the bill with their credit card. That would have been OK except all of them that do this are also very frugal and would not leave as much tip as I would – grrrrrr.
So, I finally gave in to using the credit card too, especially since we get reward points. Plus, my credit union allows me to pay bills on the card as soon as the charge is processed, so basically it is a “cash” charge and I still get the reward points. So far, so good, except now my friends are not benefitting from my “cash payments”, and the wait staffs are much happier!
MaryKay
December 31st, 2009
9:01 am
I agree that using cash for going out to the store, restaurant, and all is a good thing to do IF you have problems over spending.
However, if you are disciplined you would do better off using a credit card like “Now Jane…” said.
Scenario: pay $100 for an item at a store today. Or, charge it and pay for it on my bill in a month. This way, that $100 is in my checking account for another month (earning a little interest) and I receive a 1% kickback on all credit card purchases (I have a BP Visa Chase card that pays cash back, 1 – 5% on all purchases). Plus, when I review my bill in a month, I see where all of my money went and I can re-think how “important” some of those purchases were, and possibly change some of my buying habits.
Hi There
December 31st, 2009
9:03 am
I think it’s great you set out some goals for yourself in order to be a better mom and everything else in life, but is Michael doing the same thing? Sometimes I feel as if it all falls on the shoulders of us mothers to be better at everything while the man can just skate by w/o concern or any added effort. Maybe I’m just tired today, but I just feel with both of us working full time, we should split things a bit more evenly.
Those are all great goals by the way and one of mine is to also be a bit less hot under the collar and to chill out a bit more. Try not to put so much pressure on myself to be perfect at everything. By the way, it’s not against other mom’s, I battle the perfect image in my mind and what I feel a good mom looks and acts like.
Well, Happy New Year to everyone.
oneofeach4me
December 31st, 2009
9:15 am
Wow.. it’s amazing how I read all these posts and I just realized that I am not alone. Being a Superwoman IS stressfull and in reality, completely impossible. Especially Hi There’s post, the last paragraph… right on.
Theresa I think all of the items on your list are great!! I could use some help with most of them, excluding the using cash only (I do as Now Jane does) and the reading more.. I do that already. I do have one question though.. out of curiosity.. how many of the items on your list are there from New Years 2009 and before? How many do you actually acomplish each year and how long does it take to reach your goals?
Alecia
December 31st, 2009
9:19 am
Theresa-If you want to accomplish these, take a hard look at how much you over volunteer at school and church. Your recent blog about the school and church parties spoke volumes. I wonder if you were screaming at your kids while you were trying to create that perfect Polar Express or going from store to store looking for snow flakes. Just saying…priorities. Your kids would much rather cut out the snow flakes themselves than have a mother that is screaming and cussing. Better yet, the heck with the decorations. You appeared “flakey” in the way you handled the kid’s holiday parties. How many class parties had elaborate decorations? Could it have been passed on to the kids as a craft project? Take a look at the un-necessary stress and eliminate it. You can not accomplish half of these items until you learn what is really important.
Prioritize, Delegate, and Manage Your time.
FCM
December 31st, 2009
9:24 am
1. Cook at home more – saves money, healthier, but leaves me stressed on time.
2. Take my lunch to work – same reasons as #1
3. Go to church more – been slacking for 6 months or so — the kids love church so no excuse
4. Go on a vacation – I have not been on one that did not involve an extended family visit (ie: Grandparent) in more than 10 years!
5. Get my Passport – I think it is time to be prepared should opportunity arise to travel outside the US
6. Get the kids more involved in the house – they are doing some chores but could certainly use the life skills if I had them help more
7. Find a sitter and get some Mom time – I usually only get some “me” time when the kids are with my folks (or the rare visit with his)
8. Do more cultural events – The High, Woodruff Arts, even the Fox – with the children in tow
9. School – I went back for a second degree this year so I will continue that goal
10. Work – I really love what I do and will continue to do my best to find ways to improve productivity and take on new responsibilities
11. Will work harder at biting my tounge rather than venting my spleen at the idiots who (ironically) think we should forgo the 1st Admendment on a blog of the AJC — by banning posters.
Ali
December 31st, 2009
9:25 am
Hi everyone! I’m mostly a lurker but wanted to post today. I love all of these resolutions and they all apply to me. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one guilty of #1. I always feel like every other mom I see is so much more patient (or is it lenient?) than I am, and that makes me feel bad for my kids. But then, I also get lots of compliments on how good my kids are, so maybe I’m not so bad in the long run.
My only concern is that this list is asking for a lot. I.e. “exercise every day!”… I try to aim for 3 times a week and then am thrilled if I can fit in 4. Maybe if you prioritize them and then concentrate on one a month, then you won’t get overwhelmed with acheiving perfection all at the same time. It does take at least 2 weeks to get rid of, or start, a new habit. Good luck to all and Happy New Year!!
me
December 31st, 2009
9:26 am
Your goals are good – I have pretty much the same – except I added another – and although it sounds selfish – after taking care of 1-5 kids and family etc for the past 25 years I need to make next year about ME. I need to do more for me and stop putting everyone else first. I need help with that as I love my family so much but wear myself out taking care of everyone……time to take care of me….
motherjanegoose
December 31st, 2009
9:27 am
My post evaporated…maybe it will show up later.
One resolution I NEED to aspire to:
not letting those on this blog who rant at me, get the best of me
I am not sure I can do it. Those ( on this blog) who know me tell me to blow it off but I have not been very successful in doing so. Oh well!
FCM
December 31st, 2009
9:28 am
Ali it actually takes 28 days to learn or unlearn a habit.
motherjanegoose
December 31st, 2009
9:30 am
@ me …I heard this years ago and thought it interesting:
If you were frying eggs for your family and one broke…would you serve it to someone else or just eat it yourself. Why? I tended to just take the mistakes for myself but that shows that I am putting myself last and it does get old…sometimes you need to put yourself first…go ahead and do it!
MaryKay
December 31st, 2009
9:32 am
FCM – you need to start those resolutions now, especially #11. I made a comment about blocking some of the nasty posters on here so you call me an idiot for it? Go ahead and call Theresa an idiot too, because she DOES block people on here.
I normally don’t get involved in the nastiness that goes on in here by a bunch of irresponsible, immature “adults,” but I don’t appreciate you calling me an idiot for simply expressing my opinion. I haven’t called you out on some of your “questionable” comments before!
Debbie
December 31st, 2009
9:32 am
I think exercising is crucial in being happy and keeping your mind clear. It’s a great way to take care of yourself. I started kickboxing 4 to 6 times a week two years ago and love it. I was first worried about leaving the house for 1.5 hours for drive-time and workout time. But it’s the greatest thing for everybody—I get out of the house and workout with a group of new, happy and healthy friends….and my kids and hubby also get a break from me. And the house doesn’t fall apart while I’m gone! As Nike says: Just Do It!
me
December 31st, 2009
9:43 am
@MJG yes – unfortunately that is me!! I made dinner the other night for the 4 of us who were home – then another one shows up and is hungry so guess who ate a bagel for dinner!?
Linda
December 31st, 2009
9:44 am
Wow, FCM’s at it again!
She called Mary Kay an idiot and told Ali that she was wrong about learning something in 2 weeks. Pointed out that it would take her 28 days. Maybe Ali is smarter than FCM and can do it quicker!
Sounds like she needs to stop venting her spleen now instead of tomorrow!
JetSetYvette
December 31st, 2009
9:51 am
I’m laughing at #7. At least I know I’m not the only mom that has such a potty mouth. I keep it in check around my 3 year old but alone or around my friends…not so much.
My big resolution for this year is to visit a place I have never been before. During the holidays, I talked a lot with family and friends about all the places we want to go (Scotland, Prague, Berlin, Turks & Caicos, Australia) and I said “we need to stop talking about it and go!”
motherjanegoose
December 31st, 2009
9:51 am
My initial post is still gone….
To me, blocking those from the blog is kind of like weeding a garden. It is up to Theresa to tend the garden. If the plants ( posters who try to share something that may be controversial but valid) are attacked by the weeds ( those who constantly criticize and attack) then the weeds WILL take over and the plants will disappear.
The blog will most likely not appeal to a large group of readers if it is full of weeds. Also, there are those who only like certain opinions ( I can be in this camp too) as there are also those who only like certain fruits or vegetables ( garden idea) . We do not all like the same thing but I am fairly confident that none of us like to eat weeds and if the weeds are taking thing over…that may not be so good.
Maybe some of us will learn to like other opinions if they are presented thoughtfully….just like getting your kids to eat other fruits and vegetables if they are presented in an interesting way.
I know some of you hate my analogies but maybe there are others who can perhaps appreciate them…anyone?
JATL
December 31st, 2009
9:52 am
#s 1,2,3,9 and 10 are definitely on my list as well! #s 4,5,6 and 8 I am already implementing, and I have to tell you -it REALLY HELPS!!!! The cash-only policy is completely doable (we do use debit-cards) and removes tons of stress from your life. As far as exercise -I would have my goal be 5 or 6 times a week. Your body needs a little rest (although if you’re only walking that’s good to do every day) and you don’t want to set yourself up with an unrealistic goal.
#7 actually helps me relieve stress, and I really watch it around my kids. I find a good, strong F*** or SH** or GD’ IT provides instant relief. I’ve always found it amusing that other adults get worked up over cussing. Given -I’m not talking about people who pepper every sentence and common conversation with cussing. That is gross, but when you’re horribly frustrated or you’ve stubbed your toe or locked your keys in your car -why not?
Happy New Year!
MaryKay
December 31st, 2009
10:01 am
JATL, I agree a little cursing can relieve stress (when alone), but the GD’ IT one is a bit much for me. I wouldn’t ever think of taking the Lord’s name in vain. To much church background for me. But hey, that’s just me.
Jesse's Girl
December 31st, 2009
10:09 am
I’ll admit it…cussing is fun. However…the only one the kids have ever heard me say is Damnit. And I don’t do it in front of anyone but Jesse. He makes fun of me because I get them all mixed up and confused;) I’ll drop the F-bomb occassionally…but thats as bad as it gets. I NEVER say the really bad one…GD. Cussing does indeed relieve a modecum of stress for me. So it stays.
But I do think I will resolve to do more of the things I keep denying myself. I would LOVE to take formal piano lessons and undo the years of damage I have done by teaching myself how to play. I want to make a more concerted effort to be happy with the blessings I have instead of commenting so frequently on things I would like to have. I DEFINITELY need to stop yelling so much. But a Scicilian father and Irish mother make that a tad difficult;) I would also like to find the grace and courage within myself to forge new relationships with a couple of people I have sort of written off.
All in all, I am blessed. I pray I continue to be……love to you all.
weedbgone
December 31st, 2009
10:10 am
Someone PLEASE dip that woman in round-up and be done with it!
MaryKay
December 31st, 2009
10:15 am
MJG, I agree about weeding a garden. It’s nice to have a wide variety of plants. You can learn about new vegetables that you might not have otherwise discovered. However, every garden needs some tending because some really nasty, thorny vines can infiltrate and – if left unchecked – will destroy the entire garden and you have to start over.
Some on here, such as FCM, don’t believe in any pesticides and would just as soon see the garden choked out until it dies. I hope that doesn’t happen here!
emjay
December 31st, 2009
10:20 am
Although I am an empty-nester and my ‘babies’ are now 38 and 34, your goals are just about perfect for me. I have been having a mental block trying to come up with my 2010 goals, so thank you very much for the push. Maybe I’ll even be inspired to add some of my own ideas to your list. Like others have said before, I would make #10 my #1. Have a Happy New Year / Decade, and may Peace and Goodwill towards all men (and women) reign on earth.
HB
December 31st, 2009
10:29 am
Love #3! I do think exercise everyday is important and will help anyone feel better. That doesn’t have to mean a full blown workout daily, but I know a lot of people who really don’t get out and move much during a normal day unless they make a special effort to do so. Their routine involves driving everywhere, working at a desk, spending a lot of time in the house, etc. Anyone with that lifestyle needs to schedule 20-30 minutes of at least brisk walking everyday with more serious workouts 3-4 days per week. If you live in a neighborhood like mine where most people commute by public transportation and walk at least a mile to mile and a half just getting to and from work each day, you are probably fine working out 3-4 days each week. If you don’t, find ways to sneak light exercise in — walk to errands within half a mile of home or office, find a lunch spot within walking distance (but not too nearby), etc. I find when I make time to walk during my lunch break, I really do feel better and have better focus for the rest of the workday.
April
December 31st, 2009
10:49 am
Great goals Theresa –
#1 definitely applies to me. I am with children ALL DAY LONG! I have to be patient with the ones I teach and sometimes I have used up all my patience by the time I see my own at the end of the day. That is not fair to them, and it is one of the things I have been working on.
Also, only you know how much volunteering and other activities you have time for. Lucille Ball once said, “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do; the more you can do.” I think about this a lot. I am super busy, but I love my life that way. Sometimes it is stressful, but everyone has stress about something. As long as you enjoy it and your family is happy with your involvement – go for it. People reading the little glimpses of your life that you share on this blog can not judge you or your family life.
FCM
December 31st, 2009
10:56 am
Linda — I said posters that call for bloggers to be removed and thus ignoring the 1st Amendment are idiots. Not any blogger in particular. If Mary Kay wants to take it to heart that is her issue not mine or yours.
I was also letting Ali know that if you look at the concesus of the question ”
How Long Does it Take to Make a Habit?” is 28 days. I learned this in Psych Class….sure SOME may learn it faster, but Ali was make a generalization not a statement about herself “It does take at least 2 weeks to get rid of, or start, a new habit” and since she said “at least” she does allow it could take longer…however when making generalizations you go with the general concensus.
FCM
December 31st, 2009
11:19 am
“Some on here, such as FCM, don’t believe in any pesticides and would just as soon see the garden choked out until it dies.” Your right, I value the rights of the People as outline in our Bill of rights above your right to be free of “weeds” in a public forum. Censorship (by the paper, a hanful of blog respondants, a blog moderator (Theresa in this case) or the government) is still censorship.
Razz
December 31st, 2009
11:20 am
I’ve always heard it takes 14 days to learn a new habit…
anyhoo, Happy New Year!
MaryKay
December 31st, 2009
11:29 am
FCM – so, then you think it’s perfectly alright to call me an idiot (your 9:24 post) just because I don’t want nasty bloggers on here?
Also, the First Amendment only goes so far. Do you really think that gives you the right to say anything you want? You think you have the right to yell “Fire” in a crowded theatre? You think you have the right to libel and slander people whenever you want? Sorry, but you don’t have those rights – the courts have ruled this. So before you say every comment on here should be protected because of the First Amendment, educate yourself first.
You’re one of those that’s so concerned with your “rights,” that you don’t care about the real world ramifications. You have a right to say whatever you want. You have a right to carry an automatic weapon around with you. You have a right to punish your children however you want in your house – including beating to a pulp. Folks who are sooooo concerned with “their rights” are a big part in the downfall of society.
So, it’s okay with you if someone says every filthy word imaginable to your children every day for the rest of their lives and degrades them and berates them continuously? Most of society calls that child abuse, but I guess you just smile and tell them to say more.
Maybe Theresa will tell us what causes her to block someone. Then you can berate her with your opinions.
anonymous
December 31st, 2009
11:44 am
This is getting boring. If you really wish to spend your day having an online argument with someone whom you have never met and know little about, please go start your own blog for unhappy, insecure people and leave the rest of us out of it.
Jane
December 31st, 2009
12:04 pm
anonymous – you don’t have to read what you don’t want to.
Move on (and get the guts to include your normal name next time – anonymous people are all cowards).
JoDee
December 31st, 2009
1:15 pm
Every year I resolve to learn a new hobby–usually a craft, but sometimes some other skill like tennis or campfire cooking. This year I’m learning to knit lace.
Goals like “be more patient with the kids” are really only obtainable when you work on the organization, diet, exercise, and relationship goals. If you are doing those intentionally and well, the patience follows seamlessly.
Good luck, everybody! Happy New Year!
FCM
December 31st, 2009
1:20 pm
Mary Kay none of the bloggers are doing any of the actions the courts deemed not protected. No one here is doing the equivilant of yelling “Fire”. Perhaps you should rethink your arguements. Especially since the courts have ruled that “filthy language” being said to a child is NOT protected. Your arguements are ground in emotion and not fact.
Yes my rights are not subservient to yours. My rights should not be removed because some people like you think that what I say or do is wrong in your eyes.
As to the allogations of beating a child…show me where that is protected? It is not. Children being spanked and children being actually abused are two very different things. There is no way you can call the two arguements equal. To do so would indeed show your stupidity.
FCM
December 31st, 2009
1:22 pm
BTW people so ready to remove the rights of others are the downfall of our country.
MaryKay
December 31st, 2009
1:31 pm
FCM – you really are a nasty, vile woman.
First you call me an idiot, now stupid – just because you don’t like my opinion? THERE ARE MANY who believe they can beat their kids silly in their own homes and it’s no one else’s business. THAT’S WHAT I WAS REFERRING TO. They think it’s their right – it’s not.
Just like you asserted you can say anything – I showed you that’s not true, so again, you twist things around.
Again – you spoke against ALL censorship. I showed it can be just. Of course, you twisted again. You truly have no consistent opinion – just what your mouth flaps at the time.
Anyone can look through the last year of these blogs and see that I’ve NEVER intentionally tried to offend anyone or make nasty comments. YOU DO THAT ON A DAILY BASIS. No wonder your ex dumped you. GET A LIFE and stop taking your crap out on others.
shaggy
December 31st, 2009
1:41 pm
I think FCM can take MaryKay.
Libertarians (FCM) are tough, because they don’t let stuff get to them or under their skin. Are ya’ll gonna tear each other’s clothes off or just pull a little hair?
shaggy
December 31st, 2009
1:48 pm
WoooWee….
“FCM – you really are a nasty, vile woman.” Being a little judgemental for commentary on a meaningless public forum today, don’tcha think?
FCM
December 31st, 2009
1:51 pm
shaggy your right I am a Libertarian and recently someone who knows me said I was a tough broad. She was too.
Mary Kay — I supposed it can come accross as just “flapping” on a blog. You have just a short space to express a statement of fact, conjecture, or opinion. You lack the parts of more traditional communication. YOU called yourself the Idiot (my orginal post was in the pluarl and was addressed to those who do the offending act at large). YOU called yourself stupid, I just said that if you called the 2 equal you would show your stupidity. YOU my dear did just that. Congratulations!
FCM
December 31st, 2009
1:56 pm
OH and Mary Kay just what the opinion that I didn’t like except that bloggers should not be banned? I agreed with you on children being beaten. I agreed that certain actions or very specific speech “Obscenity, defined by the Miller test by applying contemporary community standards, is one exception. It is speech to which all of the following apply: appeals to the prurient interest, depicts or describes sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. (This is usually applied to more hard-core forms of pornography.)
Fighting words are words or phrases that are likely to induce the listener to get in a fight. This previously applied to words like %$##%^, but with people getting less sensitive to words, this exception is little-used. Restrictions on hate speech have been generally overturned by the courts; such speech cannot be targeted for its content but may be targeted in other ways, if it involves speech beyond the First Amendment’s protection like incitement to immediate violence or defamation.
Speech that presents imminent lawless action was originally banned under the clear and present danger test established by Schenck v. United States, but this test has since been replaced by the imminent lawless action test established in Brandenburg v. Ohio. The canonical example, enunciated by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, is falsely yelling “Fire!” in a crowded movie theater. The trend since Holmes’s time has been to restrict the clear and present danger exception to apply to speech which is completely apolitical in content.
Restrictions on commercial speech, defined as speech mainly in furtherance of selling a product, is subject to a lower level of scrutiny than other speech, although recently the court has taken steps to bring it closer to parity with other speech. This is why the government can ban advertisements for cigarettes and false information on corporate prospectuses (which try to sell stock in a company).
Limits placed on libel and slander have been upheld by the Supreme Court. The Court narrowed the definition of libel with the case of Hustler Magazine v. Falwell made famous in the movie The People vs. Larry Flynt.
The Government Speech Doctrine establishes that the government may censor speech when the speech is its own, leading to a number of contentious decisions on its breadth.”
shaggy
December 31st, 2009
2:01 pm
FCM – Yep I knew it. How dare you speak out for liberties and the very things this co
shaggy
December 31st, 2009
2:08 pm
FCM – Sorry, well you know what I mean. The computer stole part of the post. You better watch out for MaryKay. She would call the brownshirts on you, just like a good little Nazi.
Tiffany
December 31st, 2009
2:53 pm
Theresa your goals are right on target. Try #10 first…the praying can work wonders…you do kind of calm down and relax when you pray. I, too will be working on most of those. I have found that some of the things that we think mean so much to our children actually don’t…so I always ask them, like over the holidays- what is your FAVORITE activity? Then they tell me, and that’s what we focus on, instead of trying to do it ALL. Things like perfect decorations probably don’t mean much to the kids…so for your own sanity, just learn to do what they enjoy most and keep it simple. Being a good mom is not about trying to outdo other moms. Also- when you take time out for yourself it will make you happier and will improve your relationship with your children and your husband. Here’s to a less stressful and more enjoyable New Year! Happy New Year everyone!
HB
December 31st, 2009
4:25 pm
Oh dear, FCM, there you go making sense again…;)
I don’t always agree with your opinions, but enjoy reading them and appreciate your expressing them intelligently. Not sure how that can be interpreted as nasty and vile, but, hey, that’s just my opinion.
Jesse's Girl
December 31st, 2009
4:47 pm
FCM…today you have made us proud. You are an articulate, educated, classy and street smart lady whom I am honored to call my friend….if only a cyberlicious one;)
Julia
December 31st, 2009
5:09 pm
FCM – I have to tell you this :).. Yesterday my ex’s lawyer about gave me a stroke. She sent my lawyer the “wrong” agreement. I called him back in almost tears saying, I am confused I though I was keeping the boy. He said you are.. I told him that is not what the paper said. He sent her a flaming email so she sent the right one. Just one more showing of incompetence of that law firm.
Julia
December 31st, 2009
5:15 pm
Jane I went back and read your post from yesterday. Until you have walked in my shoes and have gone thru what i just did, please do not judge me. My ex’s new wife has my ex so whipped its not even funny. She is the one that talks trash about me all the time in front of my son, to the point they get into huge fights. I know I am not perfect but the whole step monster thing is the truth. She has even called the boy a pathologic lier to his face.
jan
December 31st, 2009
5:30 pm
I think one of you goals should be to stop whinning so much about your husband and his football.
FCM
December 31st, 2009
6:18 pm
HB & JG right back.at you I’m glad we can post here as cyberspace friends. Some of us go back to 2006 or so in being here talking.
Julia I found.all kinds of things in the docs just do what you did. Read them and don’t sign unless it is right. I.guess you’re learning that many whomay never have hoed this row will judge and call names. I grew a thicker skin but maybe you won’t need too.
Happy New Year!
From my phone
Julia
December 31st, 2009
6:47 pm
Thank you so much :),, I am tucked in my apartment with all the goodies I can stand for the night playing on facebook :).. You have a great safe night!
TiredOfFailure
December 31st, 2009
7:04 pm
I have only one resolution and that is to do whatever it takes to get my kids out of the horrible government schools and begin homeschooling them. Every mom should be making that resolution. The sooner everyone pulls out, the sooner we can get this country back on the right track.
Julia
December 31st, 2009
7:08 pm
Our church has tons of kids that are home schooled. My son and I were just a few days ago talking about this very subject. He said he would not want to be home schooled because he wants his friends at school and he thinks the kids that are home schooled are not very social. This was his words not mine. Now if I had the money I would put him in private school..
****This is not open for attacks********
Elliot Garcia
December 31st, 2009
7:27 pm
Praying works for me….
New Stepmom
January 1st, 2010
1:24 pm
Great list Theresa! We enjoyed a fun night last night and #5 came into play. We went to a friend’s home where several other couples and kids were invited. My stepdaughter was with us and she was the oldest of the 6 kids-10 and the next down was 5. All of the families with the younger kids paid her $5 to wrangle the kids in the basement after asking my stepdaughter if she was interested. It was a great experience for her as she got to earn a lot of money to a 10yo and learn a lot about babysitting which she wants to begin doing in a few years while having a safety net of all of the parents up stairs. It was fun for the parents too, because we could check in every 30 minutes to an hour and still enjoy some adult time. She has already asked when we can do that again so she can earn more money ;o)! Since I am very new to step parenting and parenting, I thought this was a great way to get some adult time without paying a fortune for a baby sitter.
motherjanegoose
January 1st, 2010
1:49 pm
@ tired of failure…not sure where you live but my children have gotten a good public school education in Gwinnett County GA.
If every Mom made the resolution you suggested, there would most likely be no unemployment as all of the men would be hired for the jobs the women vacated to stay home and teach. Not sure if there would be enough men to handle all of those jobs and then things may take a serious nose dive. I appreciate the mothers who are out there working so that we can enjoy goods and services.
I did get a recent chuckle from my son. We were talking about movies and my daughter and son were lamenting the idea that I would never budge on letting them view a PG 13 movie until they were AT LEAST 13. My daughter reminded me that she could see R rated movies if she went by herself. ( I am not the only one on this blog who believes the ratings are there for a reason).
Anyway, my son comments: “You do have some odd rules Mom but obviously you must have some good ones too as look how we turned out….”
YEP I am taking that as a compliment….hahaha!
@newstepmom….great idea and a confidence booster for your step daughter. Kind of like a mom’s helper.
New Stepmom
January 1st, 2010
1:56 pm
MJG, it was a great confidence booster! She had a ball. One of the little girls cried when we left. I have just heard about Mother’s helpers and it is a GREAT concept. If I can get through my pregnancy with a healthy little one-between my stepdaughter and my husband’s neices I know I will use the Mother’s helpers I have available!
I also just listed a bunch of stuff on ebay today. I think that is a good resource to help with staying organized. I probably get rid of more than I should, but I always make 3 piles 1)donations, 2)consignment and 3)ebay. The consignment and ebay dollars are never a ton, but they have helped over the past year when things have been super tight. It is also a good incentive to stay organized and cleaned out.
Julia
January 1st, 2010
1:58 pm
Hope everyone is having a great day and you have a wonderful new year.. I have ribs in the crock pot with the black eye peas and greens going soon as well!!
Jesse's Girl
January 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
Just can’t abide the greens cooking in my house…way too stinky!! I do like eating them elsewhere though;)
Justmy2cents
January 1st, 2010
4:08 pm
It would typically be pork & sauerkraut (damn Yankees here) in the house for NYD, but we have so many leftovers from brunch today…we are skipping the regular menu! No greens (weeds yuk!) or black eyed peas here. It is always interesting to see what folks have as their traditional NYD menu.
motherjanegoose
January 1st, 2010
4:19 pm
We never have a traditional meal on NYD. I love collard greens but cannot stand black eyed peas.
While I have and will cook all sorts of things, neither of these items have ever come out of my kitchen.
I like sauerkraut but no one else here does. Anyone up for some trivia:
What state tries to hold claim to the first corned beef sandwich, enjoyed by men at a poker game?
I love corned beef and sauerkraut and laughed when I saw this on a bulletin board.
I do not think I have mentioned this before. No Googling, just guess.
My daughter is cooking dinner and that is perfect for me! My husband cooked breakfast for the two of us and so I am happy NOT to be cooking today. Enjoying the last of my time off before I head out with a suitcase!
Julia
January 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
I will guess NY but I know that is not right… Now you wanna talk about something that stinks up your house is corn beef and cabbage.. I have now learned to put the crock pot on the freaking porch!! I am a pure ga girl accent and all :)
JATL
January 1st, 2010
4:38 pm
OMG -just finished eating my husband’s peas and greens. No matter how much you think you don’t like them -if you had his you would be a convert! They are so fabulous -everyone who eats them asks for the recipe. My own mother changed the way she had made hers forever once she tasted them! Happy 2010!
Justmy2cents
January 1st, 2010
5:16 pm
Hmm…I grew up(partially) in the midwest with alot of good beef available. I will guess Nebraska, since hubby was born there.
motherjanegoose
January 1st, 2010
6:06 pm
BINGO just my 2 cents….you are CORRECT and you win hot cocoa with marshmallows on top or I also have whipped cream…e-mail Theresa as to where you can come to claim your prize….hahaha!
Way back, I mentioned that it would be fun to have trivia ( Tuesday?) and some folks chimed in for a while. But we lost it somewhere.
I have crisscrossed Nebraska and most other states and love to learn interesting things.
@ Julia, I think cauliflower smells worse! I do put my corned beef in the crock pot but it stays inside.
JATL…any left…I would love to sample….LOL.
Stay warm all!
catlady
January 1st, 2010
6:08 pm
Happy New Year to all!
Teresa, why do YOU have to book the sitter? From reading this blog for two or three years, I would make one observation: perhaps many of your sources of stress, yelling, cussing, etc, stem from you either perceiving or actually doing 90% of everything for your family? I can’t say if you are actually “in charge” of so much, but if you are, you need to withdraw your boxes. Make your “My Responsibility” box much, much smaller and your “Not my Responsibility Only” box a great deal bigger. My perception is that you are “on duty” 18 hours or more a day, and your husband is on duty about 10 per day (and your kids, probably not at all). Even as a SAHM, your life seems way out of balance. You need to start valuing what you do for your family and quit seeing Michael as the “breadwinner.” If your family had to pay someone for what you do, think of how much it would cost. Those are YOUR financial contributions. I would guess it is $40000 plus per year?
Now, no one who is on the receiving end of someone else’s efforts (your family) wants anyone to question the “fairness” of equalizing of effort, but I think you would be a lot less angry, whiny, impatient, and profane if your contribution to the family were correctly valued.
Just my opinion. I’ve never been a SAHM, but I can only go on the last thousand or so blog entries you have posted that indicate a possible source of the trouble. If I am right, it is only your fault if you let it continue.
Julia
January 1st, 2010
6:18 pm
Mother Goose that cracks me up.. :)
JATL
January 1st, 2010
7:01 pm
I must say I think catlady is on to something. I’m speaking from personal experience and going through the process to remedy a great deal of stress, anger, etc. due to feeling like I had to do EVERYTHING at the house; a lot in the yard; all the child care and organize any and every social activity we ever did. Things are much different now, and even though I’m still working on several of the things Theresa listed, I have alleviated a great deal of stress and anger in my life by forcing my husband to step up. With a lot of men (and I would think perhaps women when Dad stays at home), they just don’t realize how much we do or how tiring, stressful, etc. it can be. I still do more than 50% because my husband does work full time and I work on a contract basis, but not doing 98-100% of everything has helped tremendously. I cannot WAIT until my two are old enough to handle a vaccuum and reach the sink! The oldest is getting quite good with a swiffer…
RJ
January 1st, 2010
7:11 pm
I have to agree with catlady. I just had this conversation with my husband last week. He felt I was constantly blowing up, I explained that I’m doing just about everything AND working a full time job. I’m no June Cleaver, so it’s time for him to get more involved. Came home Sunday from spending a long day after church with a friend to find the toilet cleaned and clothes washed. I guess I just needed to ask!
deidre_NC
January 1st, 2010
9:19 pm
i plan to get rid of a lot of stuff…i have way too much of it and all of a sudden realize i dont even know why i have most of it…so its GOING!! i plan to go back and finish my degree…actually start a whole new one.after much pondering..i could finish the one i have so fast but i feel the need to do something completely different so its gonna take me longer..oh well im doin it! i start thursday!!! i plan to try to like my current job betteer…look for the good in it (that gonna be hard lol) my biggest plan is to start having a life…my youngest child graduated and is in her second semester of college..so now its time for me…thats hard for me. its been all about ‘them’ forever it seems (35 years lol) so its really hard to get in a mindset of ME…but im gonna give it a good try..and im sure i will make it…i pray and that gives me strength and calm…id like to start going back to church more often but my job inhibits that…but really the first thing im doing is getting some boxes and take on room (or corner of a room) at a time and GET RID OF STUFF!!!
deidre_NC
January 1st, 2010
9:26 pm
oh yeah and i am trying to stop smoking…and i am not gonna give up even if i slip…im just gonna keep trying until i do it…i am so sick of this addiction!! if it takes me til next year i am going to quit! in the past when i try if i slip up i just say ***** it..and start back…this time if i slip im not gonna do that..im just gonna keep on trying! wish me luck!
JATL
January 1st, 2010
11:05 pm
You can do it deidre_NC! I quit smoking full time 10 years ago except for when I drink. I know that’s not good either, but at least I don’t smoke all the time (no, I don’t drink all the time ;-) Now, I’m really going to start working on giving it up COMPLETELY. I had a little relapse back into full-time smoking about 9 years ago, but I didn’t give up. Just keep that attitude and if you slip up, get back on the wagon. You will feel so much better! I used to get bronchitis once or twice a year like clockwork, but I haven’t had it since I gave up smoking full time. Good luck! If you don’t already exercise frequently, start trying to do that because that’s where you can tell a HUGE difference. If you relapse your fitness level sucks so bad, it’s more encouragement not to smoke when you’re feeling weak.
deidre_NC
January 1st, 2010
11:45 pm
ty jatl…i need all the encouragement i can get…its probably one of the hardest things i want to do…
catlady
January 2nd, 2010
8:57 am
You can do it, diedre! My mom and mother in law both quit and they were both heavy smokers. My mom lived 14 more years (altho she died of lung cancer eventually) but my mil lived 2 months after she quit when she was diagnosed. You can do it! Different things work for different people. My mom quit cold turkey–she had smoked 50 years and decided she was stronger than the smokes. Then, she was amazed at how much the smoke smells–could not get over how much “stink” they had recently put in the cigarettes! I will pray for your strength and that God will succor you. Did you get a big snow last week? My son’s family (Weaverville) got 15 inches and was without power for 4 days!
Justmy2cents
January 2nd, 2010
10:14 am
I agree with Catlady regarding taking on too much responsibility. I did the same and was an evil biatch. Work full time, then add chef, chauffeur, tutor, maid, personal shopper, laundress, and other duties as assigned into the mix does ont make me a happy camper. And as the saying goes…if momma ain’t happy, ain’y nobody happy! So I gave all the household chores up to hubby and the kids. :o)
As far as quitting smoking; I did that 2 years ago. I tried the patches, the lozenges, wellbutrin, and just gradually cutting back…yeah none of that work. Finally I said f**k it and just quit cold turkey. Haven’t had one since, and have no desire to. My hair and clothes don’t stink, I don’t have to try and hide it from the kids, food tastes better, and it saves a ton of money.
Get a jar and every time you want to smoke, go ahead and throw a couple bucks in it. If you are a typical pack a day’er- you’ll save well over a grand by the end of the year. Take a vacation with it!
Tiffany
January 2nd, 2010
10:32 am
To all of those who have quit smoking…congratulations! To those who are trying: don’t ever give up trying to quit. You owe it to yourself to have better health for 2010! Your life will improve greatly…and so will your family’s.
fk
January 2nd, 2010
10:35 am
My sister quit smoking “cold turkey” a few years ago. She tried different methods over a few year period, but was unsuccessful. One day, she decided to just quit without any aids, and did not tell anyone, other than her non-smoking husband ~ no pressure nor eyes watching. I think a couple of months had passed before anyone realized she had not lit up a cigarette. She still pockets the money, five years later. It is her mad money – they go fairly regularly on cruises and to Vegas. I have to say she is a good quitter, she does not harp on those who still smoke and never says it was easier than she thought. She quit for herself at 50, she smoked from the age of 16. Good luck Deidre!
I agree with the other posters about taking on too much responsibility. I was a sahm for 15 years. I enjoyed it and did not mind having most of the responsibilities. However, there was, and still is, a disagreement over how much is expected of one of us since I returned to the fulltime PAID workforce. Things have gotten better over the years, it’s been 4, but it’s been a struggle to get him to agree to pick up more than his fair share of the slack at times. Sometimes you give more, sometimes you give less. We’re a work in progress. Happy New Year everyone!
FCM
January 2nd, 2010
1:54 pm
Did not get my cornbread yesterday but did have bread, braised cabbage , pork, black eyed peas, and potatoes. Greens were available but like JG I cannot stomach the smell.
Diedre — YOU GO GIRL!!! My friend has several patients who try to give up smoking. He swears that water will help you break the habit faster. No idea if it is true.
Julia — this is YOUR year. Wake up each day believing it. When you get a little down or whatever give a shout out and we’ll talk if you like.
Looking forward to topics this year.
Julia
January 2nd, 2010
2:38 pm
FCM you are so sweet :).. Today I am on the cleaning thing. I have both bathrooms clean, the kitchen clean but still need to mop it, make up the beds and then take down the effin tree and clean up the living room. Any one want to help :)
deidre_NC
January 2nd, 2010
6:57 pm
thanks yall….im gonna do it i am i am lol.
catlady
January 2nd, 2010
8:43 pm
FCM–what did your friend suggest to DO with the water? Drink it, waterboard with it, throw it on the soon to be nonsmoker, or what?
motherjanegoose
January 3rd, 2010
10:28 am
@catlady….thanks…I thought I was the only one who missed the use of the water.
FCM
January 3rd, 2010
5:04 pm
Drink it.
Theresa Walsh Giarrusso
January 3rd, 2010
11:15 pm
I can’t imagine trying to quit smoking!! Deidre I’m so proud of you!!!!!!! You can do it — just write on here if you ever want to smoke and we’ll talk you down!! Good luck to everyone trying to give up smoking!!