Stopping to Get Direction

Photo by shimelle

You can't know where you're going until you know where you've been.

And when it comes to making resolutions for the new year, I think it's crucial to evaluate your progress on the past year's list. Note what goals you've accomplished and put a big satisfying check mark next to those.

And by those you didn't realize, make note of three things:

1) In what way did you fail to meet the goal?
2) Is the goal worthy for the upcoming year?
3)How you can edit the goal to better accomplish it this year?

You never set out on a trip you've taken determined to get stuck in the same construction zone. Don't set out on your 2011 journey without looking at the 2010 map. I imagine you'll find success where you didn't expect it and goals to add to the list for 2011.

Here Are the Top Ten

Photo by photosteve101

Any idea what the top 10 New Year's resolutions are? Here you go:

1. Spend more time with the family.
2. Exercise more.
3. Lose weight.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Enjoy life more.
6. Quit drinking.
7. Pay off the debt.
8. Try something new.
9. Volunteer more.
10. Get organized.

Advice from a Cookie

Photo by Trisha

Today I made my New Year's resolutions.

I found a quiet place where I could reflect clearly on last year. And here are three of the steps that I took:

1. I set realistic goals. After 15 years of putting resolutions on paper, I have learned that setting unrealistic goals--even though they are fun to see in writing--actually does more harm than good. (And though everyone talks about making goals realistic, note that this is--in my opinion--the most challenging part of the whole process.) I used patterns from my past to determine what was possible for my future.

2. I made my goals as specific as a recipe card. No "pinch of this" or "some of that." No. I did not use the words "more" or "less" on my list. I wrote out specific numbers and dates and times. I will be less likely to miss something that has an active spot in my calendar. And I will be more aware when I am failing at what I believe is important.

3. I chose goals that I knew I needed to set. I did not write down anything for the sake of someone else's expectations of me. Anything that makes it on the list that you do not truly believe, will not make it into your accomplishments for 2011.

Today at lunch I cracked open a fortune cookie (courtesy of a co-worker) and here were the words inside: Past experience: He who never makes mistakes never did anything that's worthy.

Keep a Little Change in Your Pocket

Photo by erix!

This is my favorite part of the season--reflecting on the previous year and determining to improve upon it. Nothing beats resolutions!

Today, let's begin the conversation. It's time to determine what our SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely) goals will be for 2011. Let's do it the HouseHoncho way by selecting 3 items from the following list, knowing it will make a difference in our lives.

Simple Tasks:
1. Make a list of the categories you want to improve upon this year.
2. Determine the number of goals you believe you can reasonably reach.
3. Decide how you will record the goals and eventual progress.

Intermediate Tasks:
1. Record what your goals will be.
2. Determine how you will keep these goals in focus (posting them somewhere, reading them weekly, etc.)
3. Decide who you will ask to hold you accountable.

Challenging Tasks:
1. Break each goal into tiny, achievable parts.
2. Set dates and milestones.
3. Commit to rewards and penalties.

We will feature monthly check-ins about the progress of these goals, so join the challenge. What will you do this year?

Final Gift Ideas

Photo by Anders Ljungberg

Christmas may be over, but there are gifts that keep on giving:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

~Oren Arnold

On Wrapping Paper and First Impressions

Photo by shimelle

First impressions speak volumes.

And the wrapping job on a gift is the very first impression someone gets of the treasure that lies within. I actually think the wrapping on a gift can be just as thoughtful as the gift itself. In this area, I've taken a page out of the books of my mom and husband.

My mom always individualized our gifts--not with the standard "To and From" tags but with the wrapping paper itself. Rather than buying rolls of one paper, she bought a different paper for each of her kids. I've carried on this tradition with my kids, and you'd think individualized wrapping was a gift itself to see their reactions. And to take part of their guessing game on which paper belongs to whom is memory-making.

When it comes to finishing off a present, no one compares to my husband. A Renaissance Man of sorts, he specializes in taking your run-of-the-mill wrapped gift and turning it into a masterpiece. With a little paper craft and ribbon-curling his gifts make the impression that the recipient is someone special. And no two gifts look alike. Creativity is always his guide!

Either of these ideas, or both for that matter, will give those people on whom you've spent hard-earned dollars, and for whom you've stood in torturously long lines ridiculously early in the morning after braving life-threatening mall traffic conditions, the impression that you thought even a little more about them.

Happy Winter!

Photo by vonSchnauzer

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

--Robert Frost


Happy Winter Solstace, Friends.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas

Photo by normanack

Christmas is a mere 5 days away. Why not give yourself the gift of good memories?

Here is a project for you to consider: Start an ornament journal.

Now, I know. Those of you who know me well are rolling your eyes. I am a journal fanatic. I have been dedicated to the single most destructive force to our trees ever since 6th grade graduation when my aunt gave me a brand new notebook and pencil box, (Thank you, Aunt Grace. You single-handedly changed my life.) So naturally, I would suggest that you start a journal.

But I'm serious.

When you think about it, it makes good sense. If your tree is anything like mine, it is filled with the relics of years gone by. It represents more than just snowflakes or art projects or Hallmark. Indeed, some of the ugliest ornaments--the ones barely holding together by that thread of stubborn glue--are the ones with the most history.

So why not write down what they represent. Simply answer these questions:

Brief description:
Given by:
Given on:
Significance of:

In a few years, you'll thank me. If you even remember who I am . . .

Still. Still. Still.

Photo by turoczy

Nothing like illness to remind you what health is all about.

It's good to be back in the land of the living. Hopefully this week will be better than last in my household!

This week, my husband and I marked 22 months on our calendar since we began the adoption process. Our hearts are heavy--made heavier by the time of year--but we rejoice that God is still in control. He is and always will be the Master of our calendar.

And here is what we are meditating on tonight:

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Happy Christmas week, Friends!

Noel: Show and Tell

Photo by aldenjewell

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Or is it?

To be honest, I enjoy the Christmas season. I don't tend to get frantic or suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) as a general rule. But I can understand why some people do. Everyone is spread a little more thin in emotions, time, and finances, to say the least.

That's why you're probably going to think my next suggestion is crazy. Given the aforementioned seasonal angst, it's probably too late to start now. But what about setting your first New Year's Resolution? So here's the crazy idea--go handmade next year. Maybe not 100%, but you could aim for 50% of your shopping list. Teachers, postal workers, extended family, and friends probably make up at least that many. Though, you wouldn't have to restrict yourself to those categories.

The internet is teeming with ideas and tutorials-people who want to share their craft. Start looking now and we'll meet back up this time next year for our first Handmade House Honcho Noel Show and Tell.

You'll have to excuse me now, I'm off to start creating my idea file . . .

Stocking Stuffers and Other Good Investments

Need any last-minute stocking stuffers? Have I got an idea for you.

The house in the photo above is going for $1.00. That's right. For the price of a candy bar or can of silly string, you could be looking at the deed to this delightful house in Detroit.

If you are a bit of a bigger spender, consider the property below:



For the price of a Nintendo Wii or an antique train set, you could be looking at the deed to this Detroit beauty.

And finally, for the over-spender, this house could be yours for $490.



For everyone else on your list, there's a gift card to the mall. But really, what could be more memorable than finding the deed to a house in your stocking?

Platinum Albums

Photo by mike warren

Tonight I have been oogling over new photos of my son which arrived via e-mail this afternoon.

So pardon this post. It will be short. (I need to get back to oogling.)

I wanted to share an idea for storing recipes. Photo albums. Why not store recipe cards in photo albums? They are the size of photos (or smaller). And then they are easy to store/find/return. And cute, colorful albums would look great on a shelf in the kitchen!

Just a thought. It always seems the right card is hard to find in a pinch. Unless, of couse, you are of the electronically inclined.

Out with the Old

Photo by Robert Couse-Baker

Difficulty in this life does not indicate a failure in God's perfect plan.

Our fingerprints expired. Did you know your fingerprints can expire? We were called back to Homeland Security last week to have our fingerprints re-done. (And let me clarify for you, in case you are wondering: The folks at Homeland Security don't look anything like they do in the movies. There were no men in black. In fact, I only saw women.)

And, for the record, Homeland Security uses only Canon cameras. There wasn't a Nikon in sight. Just saying.

And so we went back to Homeland Security. And we ran our fingerprints again.

And as I was standing in line waiting, I was reminded that God has everything in His control all the time. A disappointment on my end does not indicate a disappointment on His. I was exactly where I was meant to be when I was waiting to run my fingers over the computer monitor for the second time.

I am doing God's will today for my life just as much as my son is doing God's will for his life.

And so we wait. And we rest in the sovereignty of God.

Tag Sale

Photo by Calsidyrose

This year, it's all about the tags.

I am finishing up my wrapping for the season (can I get a "boo-yah!") and I've decided to include gift tags. It isn't so much that it's hard to know who gets what, it's that this year I've decided to include little messages to my family members on each of the gift tags. A little spot o' color with a litlte bit o' love.

I refuse to be one of those people who leave important things unsaid.

A Colorful Month

Photo by Calsidyrose

Tonight I got caught up watching Barbara Walters' most fascintating people of 2010 show.

Admittedly, it makes me want to create my own list. I guarantee you this much: The cast of Jersey Shore would never--not if they were the only people on the planet--be included on my list.

The four rules for being included on my list would--at a minimum--be:

1. You must be over 16 years old. (So as to ensure your voice has changed before we hail you the greatest singer in our country.)
2. Repeat number one.
3. You can't ever--intentionally or otherwise--have shown your face on Jersey Shore.
4. Repeat number 3.

Anyway. For now, please enjoy the photo at the top of this blog. I have a mind to try this at home.

Food for Thought

Photo By Matt Sayles, AP

I have always found Elizabeth Edwards to be a fascinating woman.

When I heard about her death yesterday morning, I admit I was very sad--and not just sad in the way a person is sad about any death. I was sad because Elizabeth leaves behind young children. And there is no way the loss of their mother will do anything less than change every day of the rest of their lives.

Elizabeth has always intrigued me. Though we would find ourselves arriving at very different conclusions about many issues--politically and otherwise--she has fascinated me because of her apparent devotion to her children.

And here is what has been on my mind today. By all accounts, Elizabeth was a professional woman. She was an attorney, a best-selling author, and a political activist. During her husband's presidential bid, she was his chief policy advisor. She was witty, brilliant, and charismatic.

Yesterday, I heard Larry King refer to her as one of the most fascinating people he had ever interviewed.

Yet, if you watch the news reports, read the stories, and listen to the commentators, you will hear them extol her virtues as a mother and caretaker. While watching reports about her life yesterday, the tallies in the "she was a wonderful mother" column far outnumbered the tallies in the "she was a political genius" column.

And by all accounts, she was both.

Yet at the end of life, it is the natural response to extol those efforts that are made on behalf of home and family. Meaning motherhood--and in fact all things domestic--is alive and well. Even if the only time we discuss it is on the day of reckoning.

Food for thought.

Called to Duty, Answered in Battle, Guided by Conviction

Photo by U. S. Army

December 7, 1941 is a day remembered by many.

In the wake of years of vocal celebrity outcries against war, I fear this date is debated and picked apart like so many others of its kind. I realize Pearl Harbor is a different animal than other war hot topics in that we, the United States, were forced to retaliate to an attack. However, that doesn't seem to matter among the naysayers.

I think what I’m really suggesting is let's not forget to remember on these days. Being passionate about a cause can be a wonderful and change-inducing thing. But don't forget that those who gave their lives in these protective efforts were passionate about their cause as well. And does it not just stop you in your tracks that you and I, the progeny of these veterans, were ultimately that cause?

Rather than debate, let's remember today those soldiers who were called to duty. Those fathers, brothers, mothers, daughters and sons who answered in battle. And those brave souls who were guided by a conviction they were so passionate about that they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. For you and for me.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Photo by christine zenino (chrissy 575)

Hot, hot, we got it.

If the temperature highs have been in the 20's in your neck of the woods like they have been in ours, then this post is for you! Baby, it's cold outside and here's a Martha Stewart hot chocolate recipe to keep you warm tonight.

Perfect Hot Chocolate

Serves 8

10 ounces best-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 quarts milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Combine chocolate and milk in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until chocolate is melted and milk is very hot and frothy; about 20 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into a blender, filling halfway. Blend, holding lid in place (the hot liquid will expand) until frothy. Serve immediately. Blend remaining milk-and-chocolate mixture.

Thought on Repeat . . .

Photo by Steve Snodgrass

I have a lot on my mind tonight.

But here is what I believe with all of my heart:

Sometimes God’s choicest work for His children involves waiting.

A Gift to You

Photo by fazen

No doubt we've all begun our Christmas shopping.

Some were probably done long before the rest of us got started. For those still scouring the sale ads each week and braving the big, bad retail world, you have 21 shopping days left!

Before you make your list and check it twice, might I offer a suggestion to help eliminate some of the shopping stress this year? It's a gift-giving tradition you can institute in your home, sometimes called a Victorian Christmas. Here's how it goes. For each recipient, you'd buy something he needs, something he wants, something to read, and something to wear. I imagine you could even get creative and come up with your own categories.

Either way, you'd potentially be cutting costs, reducing stress, creating variety, instituting generations-long traditions, not to mention helping your family focus less on the materialism that can be distracting this time of year. Merry Christmas to you!

Quite frankly, I can't think of a better gift to give yourself!

A Slice of Happiness

Detroit Urban Craft Fair

I saw this postcard today and thought I was having a heart attack.

The 5th annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair is an indie craft fair hosted by Handmade Detroit featuring over 75 vendors selling hip, handmade goods.

Whoever slipped this postcard onto my desk at work, blessings on your head.

I see a multitude of photos and ideas coming to a blog near you very soon.

How will I sleep?

Ideas for December

Photo by The hills are alive

We had an advent calendar in my home when I was growing up.

Each day in December, we would take a tiny ornament (roughly the size of your fingernail, unless of course you go to Dashing Diva or one of those salons that clips on plastic nail replicas) and we would add the ornament to a tree my mom painted, on which was placed 25 tiny nails. Each day it was a race to see who would remember to move the ornament.

By the end of the month, the tree was filled with tiny ornaments. We did this every year, long before we understood what "advent" was all about. It's a wonderful thing to celebrate Christmas the whole month of December. Why not?

Here are 10 ways you might consider "adventing" with your family:

1. Watch a Christmas movie.
2. Take a home cooked meal to someone who would appreciate it.
3. Go caroling.
4. Make a family project of filling out Christmas cards.
5. Read one chapter of Luke every day. (There are 24.)
6. Eat breakfast in bed.
7. Make a plate of cookies for a neighbor.
8. Drive through town looking for Christmas lights.
9. Read a Christmas story.
10. Have a picnic in the living room with candles and music.

Feel free to share your ideas. There are tons of (inexpensive) ways to celebrate!