New Year's Resolutions...

Last year was a resolution-less year. 

It was great. 

No promises to fix, improve, straighten, lose...  last year was just being.  (Oh, and finishing up a Ph. D.  Those suckers take up a lot of resolution energy.)

This year, I'm feeling like some new beginnings.  Like getting back on the exercise wagon, keeping our house company-clean everyday, organizing the unprinted photos from our first two years of marriage, and putting a bit more effort into weekday dinner (hopefully resulting in less 9PM pizza). I'll make the finished list tomorrow.  What 2010 resolutions did you make - and which ones did you keep?

Jess

A White Christmas

We woke up on Christmas morning to a wonderful surprise - snow!  Not the light dusting we usually get in December - thick, beautiful, stick-to-the-trees snow.  It was a beautiful drive up north to my parents' house for Christmas Eve. 

And sometimes, a little dangerous.

But we made it safely there and back. 

Merry Christmas!

Reading the Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society...

And yes, it made me cry.  This is this month's book club book.  After a series of books where I didn't really care about the characters, this one was beautiful.  I stayed up way too late one night reading it, just like a little kid with a new library book. 

Waiting it out...

I've noticed that the housing listings have definitely slumped since Thanksgiving (I know, big surprise...).  While I've been patiently waiting for the new year and new houses to arrive, I've been distracting myself with Christmas preparations!  This week's score - a set of vintage bone china kissing santas, just like the ones my mom has on her windowsill.  They make me happy seeing them on a self in my own little home. : )

Wanted: One perfect home for two

We have the specifics narrowed down - almost. 

I am looking for a two story, pre-1920's home with a fireplace, crown molding, spacious rooms, a cohesive floor plan, and the original doors and hardware.  Original windows and a large, tree-filled lot would be perfect. 

Shawn is looking for a new home with new appliances, plumbing, insulation, and HVAC with a garage and a finished basement. 

I care passionately about the feel and ambiance of the house - Shawn cares passionately about minimizing potential maintenance.  We both want to buy or install a new kitchen and baths.  And we would like to do this within the one 15-block area we both agree on... and within budget. 

The hunt is on for 2011!