A Girl Named PJ

A theme for 2013

January 3, 2013

The idea to come up with a single theme — or intention — to take me through 2013 came about in a random way. Somebody I follow on Twitter (I regret that I don’t remember who) re-tweeted something posted by Jason Mraz, which caught my eye because I used to be a huge Jason Mraz fan. He had tweeted a link to a blog post, so I clicked through.

The post, F*** Yeah 2012, talked about his tradition of setting a clear intention when the ball drops at midnight on New Year’s Eve. In 2011, he decided that his theme for the year would be F*** Yeah 2012 or “a year of firsts, filled with radical doings, and all around awesomeness.” Then he listed all of crazy, awesome things he accomplished in 2012 by living out his intention.

Near the end of the post, Jason wrote:

And now I invite you to consider a theme for 2013; something that will surpass your resolutions and stick with you for the entirety of the year, uplifting and inspiring you to be the person you always dreamed you’d be.

So I gave it some thought. And the word that kept popping up in my mind was “passion.” Not passion as in sexual desire (although I don’t think JB would mind if that was my intention). What I wanted to bring into my life was “a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept.” I often feel as if I’m just going through the motions, not really invested in anything I’m doing. Sure, I get excited about things, but that excitement tends to wane quickly. What usually takes its place is fear, uncertainty or just ambivalence.

By making passion my theme for 2013, I thought I’d be inspired to throw myself into new projects and feel revived enthusiasm for old ones. That my devotion to my relationships would increase, and I would be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. That passion could help me enjoy things more deeply and for longer periods of time — even the little things.

I was all set to confirm passion as my intention when I came across another blog post earlier this week that inspired me in a different way.

to be continued…

{photo source}

Declaration of Intention

January 2, 2013

I’m not sure I would hang it on my wall, but I love the idea of this poster by Emily McDowell. I’ve decided not to make any New Year’s resolutions this year. Instead, I’ll be coming up with a single overarching theme to carry me through to 2014. Once I figure out what that theme will be (I have a pretty good idea now), I’ll be sure to share it with you.

However, I’d like to take a moment to think about my intentions for 2013. Emily writes that intentions are stronger than resolutions, and a little introspection is good for the soul. Here’s how I would complete my own Declaration of Intention:

This year, I will focus on what I have rather than on what I don’t have. I will let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace uncertainty. I will honor my relationships and love myself in spite of my perceived flaws. I will stand up & share my beliefs with the world!

How would you fill out your Declaration of Intention? Please share your version in the comments below — let’s get introspective together!

PS: Speaking of New Year’s resolutions, I shared the ones that I constantly make but can never keep over on Lifetime Moms.

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2013

Here’s to new adventures big and small in 2013.
Happy New Year!

{photo by ClickFlashPhotos}

2012 Year in Review

December 31, 2012

Gathering never-before-seen photos and re-reading posts for Bunny & Dolly’s 2012 year in review is making me nostalgic. Over the course of the year, Levi grew from a itty bitty baby just learning to sit to a walking-and-talking toddler always on the go. He is a riot now, curious and full of personality, but I often find myself missing Levi as a sleepy, snugly newborn.

However, Levi’s developmental milestones weren’t the only big things to happen in 2012. Life changed in many ways for me, my family and my friends.

Here is a quick look back at some of the major moments in our lives this past year.

In January…

Strangers thought Levi was a skinny girl

I learned the difference between a vacation and a trip

I shared my top 10 newborn essentials

In Feburary…

I was feeling particularly stressed out

My grandfather passed away from Alzheimer’s

Operation Chubbs became Operation Butter Overload, and I continued to worry about Levi’s health

In March…

Levi caught his first cold

Shortly after, Levi started crawling!

I turned 32 years old (and felt old)

In April…

Bibs couldn’t contain Levi’s messy eating habits

I quit my full-time job to become a VPTWAHM

Levi reached another milestone

In May…

I did something that made me feel like a terrible mom

JB returned after being away from home for eight weeks

Aunt Flo made her grand return, bringing with her a special gift

In June…

The blog got a big redesign

I got a new hairstyle to conceal my postpartum hair loss

But then I couldn’t find time to wash my hair

In July…

My best friend and her family moved away from Omaha

I shared Levi’s birth story: Part 1 and Part 2

Levi turned one (!) and we celebrated with a party in NJ and a party in Omaha

In August…

I shared some thoughts on the business of blogging

We took a quick family road trip to Minneapolis

Then we made our second annual trip to the Iowa State Fair

In September…

Levi started riding in his convertible car seat

We went apple picking in Nebraska City with new friends

I started feeling uninspired as both a mom and a blogger

In October…

Levi discovered he’s got moves like Jagger

My doctor found a possible reason for why I feel tired all the time

Levi had (and hated) his first real haircut

In November…

I realized I’m desperate to have a weekly date night

Levi had his first ear infection

Levi took his first steps — and I missed them (luckily we caught his longest walk on video)

In December…

Our family photo session did not go smoothly

We celebrated Chanukah with latkes, presents and some drama

Levi was doing some pretty awesome things as a 17 month old

Speaking of growth (from personal to professional)…

I’m excited to share that Bunny & Dolly’s readership more than doubled from 2011. That’s incredible! And it’s all because of you. Thank you for taking a couple of minutes out of your day, every day, to spend with me, JB and Levi. There are literally billions of blogs to read, so the fact that you find mind worthy enough to visit during your very busy days makes me blush. I am so very grateful to you, my readers, for helping me take Bunny & Dolly a step further in 2012.

So here’s to you! Cheers! May we all live our best lives in 2013.

Happy New Year!

Tell me what you want, what you really, really want!

December 28, 2012

With 2013 just around the corner, I can’t stop thinking about what’s in store for Bunny & Dolly in the new year. I’m eager to take this little blog to the next level, but I need a little bit of your help with that.

To make sure I’m meeting your needs as a reader (keeping you informed and entertained), would you please fill out a short reader survey for me? It’s different than the one I posted on Facebook this past week. This survey has just four questions and shouldn’t take you longer than 3 minutes to complete. Easy peasy.

Ready? Click here!

PS: Thank you in advance for helping me out! If you knew how much time I spend thinking about Bunny & Dolly when I’m not actually at the computer writing a post, you would laugh in disbelief. It has become a huge part of my life (one that I would like to grow bigger), and that’s all because of you — the readers. So thanks again!

Have a happy weekend!

{photo by Melina Souza}