Wanted to use this old skrib-age (scribbage) word game (similar to boggle word game) for this blog š
The Christmas season is just around the corner and following that, days would just pass by swiftly. Before you know it, it's already 2024. I've come to many thoughts about my weekends in 2023 and mostly, I could say that I wasn't always the hard working person on weekends. Most of my weekends this year are spent doing chores and mostly resting. I don't think it's all wrong since work on weekdays from 7:30 to 4:30. But I still think there are lots of things to be done on weekends that I wish to do in the coming new year. It's like my bucket list for 2024 that sprung from many realizations about things I have neglected, things I have taken for granted, and things that I should have done better.
New Year is coming! What's in store for us? š¤
I mean, we all know that some things in such a list end up either forgotten or unaccomplished. But I guess it won't hurt if I write a short list for my weekends to make these more purposeful, more fruitful, and more interesting.
My goals for 2023 hahaha! What have I even accomplished? š
š Lose Weight, Get Fit šāā
The reality shown is often scary!š³ (Excuse my monster feet) š
Weight gain is my major concern recently as I have been struggling on and off with how I view myself. What's worse is that I am beginning to worry about my physical health as well. I've started with adjusting my food portions lately and I aim to give time to exercising. I'd like to exercise a bit on weekdays as I still have to wake up early for work. I'm hoping to give more time for exercise on weekends. I'd have to start with a goal-driven mindset as often procrastinate when I start feeling weak and bloated. I hope to take a walk on weekends or maybe have a quick jog or some relaxing yoga.
š Follow a Weekend Routine š”
Quick cooking on lazy weekend mornings š³
I don't really think it's wrong to sleep in on weekends especially when I had a rough week at work but sticking to my daily routine even on weekends makes me feel more organized, more energized and more productive. I will try my best to wake up early and do my morning chores especially cooking breakfast as it is my usual morning task. I hope to squeeze in a bit of yoga. Again, this boils down to my mental preparation and fighting laziness.š
š Spend More Quality Time with My Toddler š©āš¦š
He's growing up too fast!š³
Weekends mean that my schedule is always affected with my son's routine. Some of my plans even change (without prior notice š)depending on the things that happen daily. This coming 2024, I hope to spend more time with my toddler. There's often "mom guilt" after realizing that I pick up my phone so many times when I should be more attentive to my child at the most crucial stages of his growth. I have to be more patient to do this as my son's a talkative and an active one. He loves playing with lots of toys and running around. Sometimes we pretend to be soldiers. Sometimes, we set up a restaurant or a grocery store. When we do chase each other around the house, I often end up catching my breath. This makes me realize how important the first item in this bucket list is. š
(pic of qt with son)
š Focus on Self-care š
Skin care is a bit tricky on my sensitive skin. I easily get breakouts so I am often hesitant to try out a new skin care routine. Sometimes, I get lazy! š
Like many moms out there, there are times when self-care is the last thing on our list of priorities but I learned after struggling with postpartum blues in the past that it isn't going to be healthy for me to look at myself in the mirror and not be happy about what and who I see. So, in the hopes of getting back that confidence I had prior to marriage, I wish to have more time for self-care in 2024. I know there is a need to really be goal-driven if I want to achieve my goals. I also need to invest more to improving myself not only physically but also emotionally and mentally.
Green tea and vitamins are important to me. š
The main thing I want to improve is how I take care of myself, what I eat, what vitamins I take, sticking to a skin care routine, drinking more water, avoiding sweets, and breaking bad habits like using my phone before sleeping, not cleaning my face before sleeping and etc.
š Do Something Random and Fun š
Enjoying a good book while my son sleeps. Looks like someone wants to read with me, too! š
š©
We all have our own definition of the word fun but it generally points to something that you enjoy. It would be great if could do some random, fun, and interesting things on weekends starting 2024. It doesn't have to be every weekend. It could be this weekend or the next.
It was only a random thought and I tried it. Ta-da! I baked an apple pie for the first time on a weekend this year. Baking feels mentally relaxing to me. š
A weekend Fun Run/Fun Walk while feasting my eyes on the beautiful nature around me š²š
It could be anything that I enjoy like baking, or watching a Korean drama or anime, or reading a book (yes, I find it fun), or going somewhere. It doesn't always have to be planned ( planned ones are great for me, too) but it has to be something that becomes a breather after a stressful weekday at work.
I've written a lot of bucket lists since high school and as the years go by, each list becomes shorter, the items fewer.š Honestly, there were years when I barely ticked off half of the list but I think it's okay. We can't always predict what happens in our daily lives and some things we listed could be achieved this year or the next. Still, I find it good to write down a few goals every year so that I could have some sense of direction. Having goals for the year makes me feel more focused and in my case, it is better than not having a single goal at all. As I am busy on weekdays, weekends (and short school breaks) are the only days for me to do something other than work. The world is about to flip a new page and I hope to accomplish something. After all, every new year is a chance to begin doing something for ourselves again. š
Thank you Hive friends for reading this blog. This is my entry to the #weekend-engagement week 184 of the Weekend Experiences community. Thanks sir @galenkp for always coming up with interesting topics. I am both excited and nervous of what the coming year might bring but I feel hopeful that my weekends keep becoming better not only for me but also for my family. Have a great weekend everyone! Happy Holidays! š
Note: All photos are personally taken using my phone. I used Canva and Paint 3D to edit photos.