Why I started this blog

Being a parent has forced me to take a good hard look in the mirror (both literally and figuratively) and ask myself "Is this who I want to be? Is this who I would want my kid to be?" I firmly believe that actions speak volumes louder than words, so I'm determined to make my actions consistent with the values I try to pass on to June. I've been making a mental list of some of the things I need to work on:

• Conserve--money, resources, the environment.
• Be healthy--eat better, exercise, get adequate rest.
• Be kind and understanding of others--not just when in their presence, but in spirit as well.
• Have a safe, comfortable home--this means keeping up with basic cleaning and organizing, getting rid of clutter, allowing our home to be a positive reflection of our family.
• Balance--think critically about things without being overcome with negativity. Also, balancing "mommy time" with "Jill time" and "Jill and John time" and "family and friend time".

This blog is my chance to reflect on these things as they creep into my daily life. It will serve as a record of my "journey" (I really hate that word) through this path of self-improvement. Wish me luck!