Well, I've said goodbye to these things, but below are some positive resolutions for 2010.

I generally stick to resolutions as I tend to pick what's already swirling around in my subconscious - last night was just a matter of getting them down on paper. Some small, some big - but I hope to have made some progress with all of them by this time next year.  In no particular order:

Learn to knit:
I've always complained that I can't knit, and a couple of weeks ago I realised how idiotic that is. So, ever one for the rock and roll lifestyle, I've said I'll join a knitting group. And I WILL knit things!

Find out more about mosaics:
I'm starting to figure out what art and craft styles I take great pleasure in, and consequently what I might enjoy doing. For my 30th birthday this year, G arranged for us to go to Ravenna so I can spend a week here learning how to mosaic. We're booking it once Nudi is a little less dependent on me and I can't wait for my first trip to Italy.

Lose 7lbs:With the exception of my post-baby tummy, I am now about the size I was when I got pregnant with Mollusc, but by the time she was a year old (and I was just pregnant with Nudi) I had reached my ideal weight and body shape. I was fitter and healthier than I had ever been without trying (all that babywearing!) and I want to get back to something approaching that.

Track my progress:
I am going to use this blog to chart the year's journey and that will include a regular post on my progress against these resolutions and letting go.

Start an online, mail order cupcake business:
This one is big! But I did most of the research into cake selling this year, and I am as sure as I can be that it will work if we get the front end (ie. the website) right. In any case it will be a challenge and a lot of fun to work on as I've not had experience of product-based selling or manufacturing before. If it is a success I am hoping that the sister of our very good friend and resident artist, Goose, will be able to take it on.

Devote some of my time to reading books:
At the moment, reading gets put to the bottom of my to do list unless I am going through blogs and online material that I can access through my iPhone. As of tomorrow this changes and I will dedicate an amount of time each week to proper book reading.

Make my office mine:
A year ago I moved into here. It used to be a laundry room that also housed our bunnies. It catches the sun and it's lovely to be in, but I haven't really got very far with making it a place that inspires me. I don't have any plans for how I would like it look, other than very different to how it is now. Some bookshelves would be a start :)

Continue Renegade Parent and Like a Starfish:
My first year of blogging has been brilliant fun. I've found out so much about myself and made some fantastic friends who have shared some important moments in my life. I am looking forward to those friendships growing and new ones developing in 2010.

Follow my principles at all times: I do try to do this. When I get it wrong it's something I deeply regret. If something feels at all wrong to me I want to feel able to say no, thank you, and walk away.

Be thankful for what I have in front of me:

Ever mindful of the unhappy chaos that was once my life, I strive for too much order in my surroundings in an effort to keep a clear head. With new priorities, I need to do less of that now, before the squirts learn the wrong lessons about what is important to me.

Keep connected with nature:
Staffordshire has some truly glorious countryside. This is the year that we start to explore it properly. If neither of us wants to go to a group, then we shan't!

Keep a visual record:
This blog has inspired me to do just that. Mollusc and I get so much pleasure from watching Sunnyboy grow and learn that I can only imagine how much pleasure it gives his family! This resolution also means that I need to learn how to use my camera properly... G will be in his element with that :)

Happy new year to everybody!