Posts Tagged ‘New Years Resolutions’

the year in a word

Posted on January 8th, 2012 by Tonia 4 Comments

I was inspired by Ann Marie‘s thoughtful post about the new year. And, since I have been too wrapped up in parties and get-togethers to write one myself, I’m thankful she took the time to write down her thoughts on resolutions.

I tend to be a blow-where-the-wind-takes me kind of person, while Mike is much more goal-oriented. He has no problem making a long list of resolutions for 2012, and I prefer to just let the year happen to me {it works out…he anchors and focuses me, and I help him enjoy spontaneity.} Ann Marie’s compromise sounds perfect for me- one word to help focus me throughout the year.

Oh yeah, and she eats her hot-cereal with fresh blueberries so I instantly like her just for that.

Now that the holiday celebrations are over, I’m looking forward to falling into a quiet winter routine. Walking the dogs, coffee, reading, working, cooking…whatever the day may bring, I want to move through it with a purposeful and calm energy, taking time to savor the little details of life that make it meaningful.

My word for 2012 is listen. Listen to my heart, listen to Mike, listen to the wise people around us, and listen to the tiny sounds of life that often go unnoticed because we talk too much and too loud.

What’s your word?

Happy New Year – A New Year, A New Opportunity

Posted on January 1st, 2010 by Tonia 3 Comments

Today is about reflecting on 2009 and being thankful about all that has happened in the year.  It was an eventful year for us here at Itty Bitty…for starters, the blog was born!

I can’t tell you how excited I am to grow this blog.  My hope is that it will be a place for readers to see that we’re not alone in the struggle to reduce our impact, while still maintaining a normal life, holding down a job, and providing for a family.  I know better than anyone that it’s nearly impossible to exclaim “I’m never driving my car anywhere ever again!” and POOF, you’re suddenly the green-queen-supreme in your neighborhood.  We need bite-sized, practical ways to cut back on our consumption and waste…and that is exactly what Itty Bitty will focus on:  the small things that add up and make a difference.

We’re all in this together, so I want to hear your stories as well.  Please leave comments {or email me: toniasimeone@gmail.com } if you have something to share- experiments, questions, successes, secrets, challenges, guilty-pleasures, tips, strategies, family practices, motto’s, failures…If it has to do with your journey to becoming more self-sustainable, then please share!  One of my New Years Resolutions is to feature commonly asked questions, tips, etc. from readers on Itty Bitty.  What are your resolutions for 2010?

The Itty Bitty Resolutions list is really anything but itty-bitty…as you can see, we have a lot to work on:

1. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use {i.e. the toaster and coffee maker}

2. Use paper-towel less {major bad habit of mine: wrapping my breakfast in paper-towel and running out the door to work every morning…not cool}

3. Make toys for the dog out of scraps from the already-killed toys instead of buying new ones from the store {does anyone have experience with sewing dog toys that would be tough enough to withstand razor-sharp miniature dachshund teeth?}

4. Make a backyard compost area

5. Talk to our neighbors more often

6. Volunteer around the city more {we’re getting a good start on this one already…more about that soon!}

8. Be more careful about saving paper garbage to burn in the wood-stove {paper-stuff accidentally gets thrown out way too often}

9. Blog more often {and someday be a full-time blogger!}

2010 brings with it a blank slate, a fresh start, and new opportunity.  I am proud of how much more resourceful we’ve become in the last year, and I am really excited to see how far we can go in 2010.