I don't really 'DO' New Year Resolutions (or duvets... that's an old Trev and Simon joke, if you're not getting it you're obviously way too young, or too old, but I'd still like you to carry on reading please...).
However at the start of the year I do like to think about what we might be heading for, and what I or we could achieve. So I've put together a little list (except not on paper, because I have too many of those already and they always get lost, crumpled, or scribbled on by others).
My first goal is to spend less time cooped up in our study in front of the computer. I'm not always Facebooking though, which is what Mr C likes to believe. A lot of life these days revolves around the computer, including a million and one emails to arrange appointments, keep in touch with non-FB friends, get the odd bit of online shopping done etc. Plus the computer is of course good for storing, editing and sharing photos, and browsing t'internet for research and resources to help both girls. In order to achieve this task, I need to physically go shopping, so I can at least carry the computing bit on in the lounge whilst being a bit less anti-social. So that's tomorrow's job.
My next task will be to conquer social media. Well, that's a bit hopeful maybe, but I am going to do my best to streamline it - understand what I'm working with and what audience I'm reaching. Twitter is a great resource and Google+ needs my full attention so it may be time to edge back from the wonderful world of Facebook that is my safety blanket and devote some time elsewhere. I also need to avoid writing and then publishing so late at night, when no-one is around to read. Must remind myself of that schedule button. All of this is working towards my third wish for 2014.
I'd like to spread some more PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) awareness. I know most of my lovely current readers are with me on this and don't need reminding of how real a condition it is. Regardless of whether Sasha gets the definitive diagnosis this year, there are still others out there already with a PDA diagnosis. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a fair amount of children diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Diagnosis) who actually have this sub-type of autism, and it's important to know that there are different strategies which can be used very effectively. So I don't want to 'bang on' about it, but I do want to try and reach out to new readers and build that Minecraft mountain (you can tell what goes on a lot in our house with that analogy). I hope any regular readers might feel able to share a post or two with some new friends, via Facebook or Twitter or Google+ or any other media site you're a fan of! Or word of mouth or email also work well...... There's a great website with lots of info in at www.thepdaresource.com.
On that topic, can I please point out that if you've come to this post via a Facebook share, or even a Twitter update, it would really help if you entered your email up at the top right of my blog to get posts sent to you that way (where it says 'Please enter your email to get my posts sent direct to you'). Sadly Facebook doesn't always work in the way we'd like it to. The powers that be want people to pay to promote posts and so they don't always enable everyday posts to reach everyone you hope they will. I promise not to write too often, and try and avoid the drivel, but I know you're all on the edge of your seats waiting for the oil tanker holidays post (coming soon) and I'd hate for you to miss that.....
For me, more views equals more awareness and greater understanding, which will of course help Sasha, and also Tamsin.
So that's my short and sweet list. Of course there's all the other stuff like losing weight (exercise more, eat less, I know, I know, it's not rocket science...) and being happy and maybe taking at least one bath (I'm not smelly, I do shower, but a soak in a tub sounds like a lovely thing to do, I've just forgotten how).
Now I'm off for my cheese, biscuits and port, so Cheers! to you all again and wishing you all a very Merry New Year.
