Make your own fun

Sometimes it can be difficult to find things to do with your kids this time of year. There are fewer events planned during the lull between Christmas and Easter and the weather can make it difficult as well, especially in St. John's where winters are often more wet than snowy.

I was looking on the Bowring Park web site to see if they had a winterfest of any kind, and while I couldn't find any winter events, I did find a brochure that gives a description of various sights and landmarks in the park and I thought this might be a fun self-directed way to do a bit of a tour or a scavanger hunt with your family. If you print the brochure you can find each of the items on the list and read about each one as you come to it. I have been to Bowring Park a hundred times, but have not stopped to read many of the plaques and learn about the history of some of the statues and other features of the park.

What are your best ideas to while away the winter?

Love you forever

In case you missed it at Christmas time, here's another chance to see a great play of toddlers and preschoolers. Mine loved it!

March 8, 9, 10 2012

Love You Forever and More Stories by Robert Munsch is an original adaption written by Sandy Gow and Willow Kean. The play features six stories handpicked for children living in Newfoundland and Labrador with music and sound effects performed live from the stage. Chris Dreidzic, Katie Butler-Major, Jennifer Furlong and Allison Kellyencourage the audience to play along as theymake a trip to the lighthouse, sing a lullaby, try their hand at ice fishing and even go for a swim. Love You Forever and More Stories by Robert Munsch is directed by Sandy Gow, Assistant Directed by Mark White and designed by Brian Bishop and Chris Driedzic. Running time is 55 minutes.

get tickets here

*For families of 3 or 4 including at least one child.

Tickets:  $15 Regular, $10 Children, $30 Family Rate*

MUN Kids Courses

As I said in an earlier post this time of year can be tough for entertaining your kids, Getting off the couch and excercising in the great outdoors is one way and exercising your brain is another. What better time of year to take a class?

MUN has some courses for kids starting in February:

• Art
• Robotics
• Home Alone and Reading Strategies
• Creative Writing

There are lots of courses for parents too!

Fluvarium February

February's Fluvarium Kids schedule is out:

Fluvarium Kids Club - February Program -Life on Ice
See how nature around Fluvarium changes in the icy winters. Discover the water all around us and how all that ice and snow actually helps to keep animals warm and safe!

Saturdays & Sundays at 1:30pm
December 3 - 18, 2011
Program runs approx. 45-60 minutes

This Art is Garbage!

Family Fun and Events at the Rooms
Sundays, 2:00-4:00 pm

January 29
This Art is Garbage!
In celebration of the exhibition Junkosphere by Nicola Hawkins, create art using the countless containers, cups and other trash that is continuously consumed by our culture.

Childcare Survey

The Children's Centre is looking for opinions from parents of young children in our community. You don't have to be a parent of a child at the Children's Centre to take part. If you have the time, could you help them out by taking the survey and spreading the word?

 

Dear Parent, 

We are a non-profit, parent-run Preschool in St. John's.  Currently, we're looking at offering some additional programmes as well as modifying some existing programmes.  We would appreciate your help in identifying the needs of our local community.  Please click on the link and complete this short survey in order to assist us in our plans.  If you have any questions, please contact us at 579-9053.

 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XP32QFC

 

Thank-you!!

 

Jennifer Brown

Director

The Children's Centre

Young Folk at the Hall

Young Folk at the Hall  January 29, at 2:00 PM at the LSPU Hall
This looks like a great all -ages event for the music lovers in your family. For information and tickets click here.

The Queen of Paradise's Garden

 The Queen of Paradise's Garden- a Traditional Newfoundland Fairy Tale

A Puppet Show for All Ages

Written, Narrated and Performed by Andy Jones

With Puppetry and Set Design by Darka Erdelji, Puppeteer Mary-Lynn Bernard

Sound, Production Management Monique Tobin

Saturday, January 28 at 2pm. By donation.

166 Water Street, The Riddle Fence Art Fair

In this show Andy Jones tells the story of Jack, in the Queen of Paradise's Garden.  "Jack" is, a well-known figure in traditional Newfoundland fairy tales - (Jack Meets the Cat) - and these Jack stories are ones which Andy has learned over the years from an older generation that he then turns into storytelling productions.

The performance lasts about 35 minutes and involves Andy Jones telling and acting out the story beside a kitchen-table sized box that is the set - the set has compartments that open, and the box is turned around to create a different scene for parts of the story. The set and the puppets were designed and made by Theatre Artist Darka Erdelji, who has her Masters in Puppetry and actor Mary-Lynn Bernard is the puppeteer who brings the hand-held puppets to life. There are live sound effects and music to assist in creating a magical atmosphere, performed in view of the audience by Monique Tobin.

For more information about the Riddle Fence Art Fair, please contact Shoshanna Wingate at shoshanna@riddlefence.com

Admiralty House Museum

This museum in Mount Pearl has some good kids programming for winter including geocaching and an art class. Has anyone participated in activities there? I would love to hear about it.

Books and more Books

If you click on this link it will take you to all the book related posts of the last 3 years of blogging. There are dozens of book recommendations posted by me and submitted by you. There are also ideas for reading with your family and reminders about literacy awareness and library programs.

It's worth having a look back through. I had forgotten about some of my favourite children's books and perusing these posts reminded me to pull some oldies off the shelf again.

- Posted from my iPad

Family Literacy Day

Family Literacy Day is next week, January 27th, 2012. Here's a link with some downloadable ideas, materials, and games to help you mark the occasion. Or maybe you can just make sure bedtime stories are extra special on that day!

Don't forget to visit your local library or check out the St. John's Kid Amazon book store for great reading ideas.

Next week I will repost some of the best book- related posts from the past.

Erika

Winterfest at Pippy Park

WinterFest 2012 on Jan. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pippy Park North Bank Lodge. Open to the community. Games, activities and fun for the family. Bring friends to enjoy snowshoeing and/or cross- country skiing. Free rentals.

Skating Schedules

I am not sure what all the arena schedules are around town, but here are a couple. I notice the parent and tot skates are on weekdays, which isn't so good for us working parents.

The Mile One Skating Schedule is here

The Jack Byrne Arena Schedule is here.

Snow Shoeing

We took our 3 and a half year-old snow shoeing last weekend. There wasn't really enough snow to justify snow shoes, but he was excited to try his Christmas gift and I was looking forward to seeing him with them on and wondering if he would manage the sort of bow-legged walking required. He took to them so happily and easily that I was shocked and delighted. I am now looking forward to our next big snow fall so we can all go together. I feel like introducing him to winter sports will hold him in good stead as he gets older. I never want him to have the attitude that the weather can hold you back from having fun or be an excuse not to get out. Those TV ads about making sure your kid gets 60 minutes of activity a day play on my mind as well, and if he is enthusiastic about it, then maybe my husband and I will get our 60 too. Snow shoeing is also a lot cheaper than skiing, you just put them on and walk out your door if you want to. Snow shoes come in a range of styles and prices and are available at outfitter stores, online and even Canadian Tire.



Here's another interesting perspective on snow shoeing with kids.








- Posted from my iPad

Guest Post: The Petit Cadeau

Hello All!

In case you haven't "met" me online yet, I'm Alison from The Petit Cadeau Blog ...joy in thoughtful gift giving...very happy to be here for my second guest post on St. John's Kid.  (If you missed my first post, creating memory gifts for your children, you can read it here).

I wanted to write this post because I frequently have discussions with others about children and their STUFF.  My thoughts really rolled into high gear when a friend told me about the difficulty she has shopping for the kids in her life because they have EVERYTHING.  I have also had discussions with people about how material gifts seem to have no meaning to children in their lives because they have EVERYTHING.

So.  a dilema.  do you add more to the pile of stuff?
How do you give, or create any kind of meaning in your gift?

Before I go further, I should make a couple of points. My gift ideas in this post will work primarily for:

(+) children that you are close to, and want to put a little extra effort into their gifting (i.e. nieces and nephews, or possibly children of close friends)
(+) children that live in a similar geographic area as you (as the ideas involve spending time with them)

Come, let's brainstorm!

Instead of gifting an item, think about gifting your TIME, or an EXPERIENCE in a fun and extremely memorable way.  

Step 1: Brainstorm your Gift 
Think: A day (or morning, or afternoon) with you (or with your family).
Think: about the interests of the giftee, and then get creative!
Think: of something that they don't or wouldn't ever do with their parents.

Here are a few of my ideas to get you started:

(+) Interest: Art or Creativity.

Buy large paint canvases and paint supplies.  Go on an adventure and stop to paint the scenery together.   Visit the art gallery or some kind of studio.  Have a picnic lunch. Image from the art birthday party at Ramblings from the Sunshine State

(+) Interest: Gaming or Movies.

Set up a GIANT outdoor (or indoor) theatre (for watching a movie or playing video games.  Get a large white dropcloth, borrow an LCD projector, project movie or games onto giant screen.  Add fun snacks.  Add lot's of blankets and pillows.  Inspiration image from miss design.

(+) Interest: Being Active.
Create a day of surprise activities. A few photos that inspired me with ideas!

1. Add glowsticks to bottles to create a DIY bowling lane at night. (so awesome).  Image from parents.com found via Pinterest.

2. Create a fort kit and build a giant for (indoors or outdoors).  Image and tutorial from saltwater kids.

3. Seriously.  if a kid doesn't love this idea, there is no hope.  Bubble wrap hopscotch.  I know!  Image from giverslog

4. Plan an elaborate scavenger hunt, or a photo scavenger hunt. Go to a variety of places that he or she loves (or might love).  be silly.

There are obviously so many ideas - hopefully these will get your creative juices flowing. Wait, there's one more step.

Step 2: Make it into a really big deal.  
How? 

(+) Send them clues via snail mail (or e-mail) in the weeks leading up to the big day.
(+) Gift them a big bunch of balloons with clues or explanation about their "gift day" tied to the end of each balloon.
(+) Hide clues on their birthday and let them have a mini scavenger hunt to find out what their gift will be.

Let's start the conversation!  I would LOVE to hear your thoughts, ideas and comments.  
Did this post spark a gift idea for you?

Happy fat

I started Weight Watchers again this week to lose the extra pounds I gained at Christmas.  I joined Weight Watchers when I was about to turn 40 to lose what I had been referring to as the "Happy Fat" I gained during the first 5 years of my relationship with my husband. This was caused by too many big meals and beers in front of the TV,  not to mention that the daily workouts of my Singleton days went out the window. I figured losing the weight before my 40th birthday was a good goal and it wasn't going to get any easier after 40.  I lost 20 pounds and in two years had only gained back 2lbs. That is until this Christmas. So I am back on the wagon. I do it online. I just don't think I am a meetings kind of person and I had a lot of success with the online program. I don't have a lot to lose, but it is a slippery slope, so I am hoping I can stick with it again and get back to where I was before the holiday feasting.

Is anyone else doing a weight loss program this year?

The Imagination Tree

Check out this reader submitted link to The Imagination Tree - very cool activity ideas. Thanks, Lesley!
If you have an idea, recipe, tip, link, or something you'd like to rant about or share with other parents, send me an email. I am always looking for blog ideas and guest posters.

5 Minute Chocolate Cake

 A five minute chocolate cake recipe  submitted by Janice who says it only took three minutes in her microwave. A cake you can make this fast could be dangerous! :)

Winter Story Time Registration

Several Children's Libraries are holding story time registration on Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The details for the AC Hunter Library are below but you kind find out more at the NL Libraries Web Site.

Registration for our Winter Storytime Sessions will begin on Wednesday, January 18th, beginning at 10AM.  You may register in person or by phone at 737-3953.  All sessions will begin the Week of February 8th and run for 6 weeks, ending the week of March 14th,

All of our storytimes are a wonderful half hour of books, rhymes, music and more, but each program focuses on a different age group.

We are offering the following programs.  You may register your child for 1 of the following:
Family Storytime:  This is a general storytime intended for families with children ranging in age from 0 to 5.  The parent/caregiver participates in the program along with the child.    Offered  Wednesdays 10:15 to 10:45  OR  Thursdays  11:00 to 11:30

Tots Time:  This program is for children ages 0 to 2, along with their parent/caregiver.  The stories are shorter, there are more rhymes and songs, and there is the opportunity for parents to stay afterwards to talk and learn from each other.  The focus is on children under 2.  If your child is closer to 3, the Family Storytime will be more appropriate.  Offered   Wednesdays 11:00 to 11:30  OR  Fridays  11:00 to 11:30.

Pre-School Storytime:  A gentle introduction to early literacy skills for children who are ready to be on their own in a group.  This program is just  for children ages 3 to 5, no parents/ caregivers. (***Parents and caregivers must remain in the library during the program, however.***)   Offered    Thursdays 10:15 to 10:45  OR  Fridays 10:15 to 10:45

For more information about this Event, Please contact: A.C. Hunter Children's Public Library at  (709) 737-3953

Repost: Toddler-friendly Internet

Occasionally I will repost things I think are worthwhile for people who may have missed them the first time around.

Check out this cool site for toddlers called Knee Bouncers. Developed by parents, it includes educational games, fun and activities to stimulate your baby, toddler or pre-school child. Have a look and see what you think!

I like it because the games are SIMPLE! So they are not frustrating for little fingers that can't operate a mouse as easily as a bigger kid.

(originally published January 2010)

Geocentre Movies

If your kid is into Dinosaurs, check out the Geocentre Theatre Schedule here for 3D fun!

The Rooms Family Fun

The 2012 Winter/Spring schedule is now up.
I will post these individuallly each week to remind you about each event too. I will try to add them to the calendar as soon as I get a chance.

Suppermoms

If you haven't already heard, my friend Sara and I have started a new blog called Suppermoms. We are going to be trying some meal planning techniques and looking for ways to simplify family meals. If you want to follow along we are also on Facebook. We'll post menus and shopping lists (or the links to them) on Fridays in time for Saturday grocery shopping and then we'll update our progress on Facebook and the blog during the week. We'd eventually like to be able to create our own menus and shopping lists, but to start we are going to try ones from various sources like Martha Stewart, Epicurious, and other mommy bloggers and cooks. We'd appreciate your tips too!

Hockey, Hockey Hockey

My friends and I have been talking about the difficulties we have been having trying to find out how to get your kid involved in hockey in St. John's. Suprisingly, it is not as easy as one might think (or hope!).

If your kids are already in school, the school can help you figure out how to get your child into hockey and if you have in-laws or friends involved in hockey in the city that can also be helpful, but if you are new to St. John's or  have preschool children that you would like to involve in the sport, it is very hard to get the information you need. For example, one of my friends called a local orgainzation to register her child and was told they were full and when she asked how she could find out in time to register for next year the woman on the phone told her they don't advertise the registration dates because "they don't need to!" Not very helpful.

Even using the internet isn't the solution. Let me walk you through what I tried:

I Googled "hockey St. John's Newfoundland." I also added the word "kids' to the search and not one of the first page results was a link to a local hockey organization's page. It was only when I used names of organizations that my sister in-law told me about that I turned up a few local hockey organization pages; however, when I started clicking on those pages it was pretty unsatisfying.

Most organized sports organizations give clear instructions on when registration starts, what program is designed for which age group, and how to navigate the various streams of the sport. if you go to the Cygnus Gym Web site there is a very clear link on the first page called How to Register. If you got to Soccer Tots web site you will also find a Register link.  Max Athletics has a Sign Up link for each program. However, when you go to the local hockey pages it isn't so simple. On the Avalon Celtics Page there is a link to the registration form and it includes registration for Learn to Play and other beginner classes, but I couldn't find any information about when or where those classes are, when they start, or registration deadlines.  When I reviewed the Xtreme Hockey web site I found lots of registration forms, but no registration dates or deadlines and with a little more digging I discovered that the Power Skating program was already full for 2012.   One local organization did stand out, The Prince of Wales Skating Club. They offer Canskate programs. They actually have a pretty good Registration page and even identified dates, unfortunately I missed them. But at least from this page I was able to determine that I need to be ready to register my son in September of next year if I want to sign him up for this program. But you know, I wouldn't have even found the Prince of Wales Skating Club's web page if I didn't know to Google the term "Canskate" because my sister in-law had told me about it once.

As hockey is our national sport and such a popular activity for children, I am frustrated and surprised at how difficult it is to get information about getting involved.
Have you tried getting your kid involved in hockey? Have you found it difficult? Am I missing something? I would love to hear from you on this one and I would especially love to hear from someone who could help make it easier to get the information a parent needs so I could share it here on the blog.

Snow Days

This is a great list of toddler and preschooler activities for winter days.

Social Media and Tweens

I thought this post had some thought provoking ideas about raising a kid who can navigate the internet and social media safely and responsibly. I think this is something we, as parents in this era, are really going to have to take a proactive approach with. We are also going to have to keep up with the various apps and technologies so that we can help our kids use and understand them and that may be the biggest challenge for some people.

Wednesday Nights for Grown Ups

if your New Year's Resolution is to get out more or to stimulate your mind then this may be of interest to you:
The Rooms has a series of Events on Wednesday nights this winter and spring that would make a nice night out for grown ups. Some of them may be of interest to older kids and teens as well. Here's the list as found on the Rooms web site:

Wednesday, January 25, 7 pm
Artist Talk: Nicola Hawkins, Junkosphere
Artist and performer Nicola Hawkins offers a glimpse inside the world of Junkosphere. Nicola will perform a dance piece to interpret her artwork, followed by a tour and Q&A about her timely exhibition.

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Wednesday, February 1, 7 pm
Press Gangs in St. John’s:
The Dark and Violent Side of the British Navy in Newfoundland
Historian Dr. Keith Mercer, from Saint Mary’s University, will examine how floating press gangs operated in St. John’s from 1775 to 1815 and will use colourful case studies to show the resistance and hatred that they often sparked, including the notorious “Press Gang Murder”.

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Wednesday, February 8, 7 pm
Artist Talk: Philippa Jones, New Romantics
Join Philippa Jones as she speaks to her work in the Art Gallery exhibition New Romantics. Philippa’s use of interactive and leading technology speaks to our growing disconnect with the natural world.

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Wednesday, February 15, 7 pm
Tales of Town: Romance
The last of our Tales of Town series celebrates Valentine’s Day! Folklorist Dale Jarvis will bring together a lively group of townies to share their experiences of love and romance in St. John’s.
Tickets just $5 and free for members (tickets required).

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Wednesday, February 22, 7 pm
The Limits of Myth Busting:
Popular and Professional Histories of Newfoundland and Labrador
What is the relationship between myth and history? And are myths rooted in history? Join Dr. Jerry Bannister as he shares his thoughts on the role of historians and popular mythologies in understanding our province’s past.

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Wednesday, February 29, 7 pm
Winter Birding at Quidi Vidi with Nature NL
Did you know that Quidi Vidi Lake is considered one of the best places in North America for watching winter gulls? In January and February birders travel to St. John’s from all over the world to check it out. Join Nature NL to learn more about this amazing location and the sightings from this year’s bird watch. Presented in Collaboration with Nature NL.

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Wednesday, March 7, 7 pm
Inner Works Lecture: John Barry
John Barry, son of Anne Meredith Barry, will be here to speak about his mother’s work; her role as an artist and educator in Newfoundland and the relationship between this place and her artwork.

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Wednesday, March 14, 7 pm
Fergus and Fergus in Concert
Kick off St. Patrick’s Day a little early with the dynamic father and son duo of Fergus O’Byrne and Fergus Brown-O’Byrne and enjoy their passion for traditional Irish music.
Tickets just $5 and free for members (tickets required).

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Wednesday, March 21, 7 pm 2011
BMO Winterset Awards: Author Readings & Reception
Enjoy readings by the 2011 finalists as well as an author Q&A facilitated by Winterset founder, journalist and author Richard Gwyn. The 2011 winner will be announced at Government House the next day, Thursday, March 22, 2012.

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Wednesday, March 28, 7 pm
My Ancestors were Rogues and Murderers with special guest, film writer/director Anne Troake
In a thoughtful contribution to the debate on Canada’s seal hunt, artist Anne Troake celebrates the unique culture of Newfoundland’s Outports. The film explores the notions of ecology and conservation through the story of Anne Troake’s extended family, the descendants of 18th century settlers from the English West Country.
Screened in cooperation with the National Film Board of Canada, this is a free event.

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Wednesday, April 4, 7 pm
Author & Archives – The Lookout: A History of Signal Hill
This book traces the hill’s history as a military site and communications centre. Author Jim Candow will be here to tell the story of this iconic landmark and to highlight The Rooms Provincial Archives collections that were instrumental in the writing of his book.

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Wednesday, April 11, 7 pm
Finding the Titanic
Larry Daley, St. John’s local and owner of Titanic Expeditions Newfoundland, has participated in numerous expeditions to the famous wreck, working along with friend and film director James Cameron. Join Mr. Daley as he shares his personal experiences of the wreckage site and to commemorate the centennial anniversary of that tragic night.

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Wednesday, April 18, 7 pm
Landscape, Memory and Archaeological Investigation: survival of natural and cultural features in St. John’s
Archaeologist Gerald Penney and associates have taken advantage of a 21st century infrastructure development to reveal the fascinating history of St. John’s and he’ll be here to share some of their fascinating findings.

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Wednesday, April 25, 7 pm
Planet in Focus Film Festival
The Rooms, in partnership with the Alliance of Natural History Museums of Canada, is pleased to present a series of compelling documentary films from the 2011 Planet in Focus International Film Festival.

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Wednesday, May 2, 7 pm
Technology and Nature
In our increasingly technologically advanced world our connection to nature and time spent outdoors is decreased. Join us for an exploration of nature deficit and the impact this shift in our culture has on the present and future generations of the planet.

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Wednesday, May 9, 7 pm
Erin Best, Sandy Morris, and Jenny Gear in Concert
Celebrate spring by joining us for a very special concert.
Tickets $10 (10% discount for members)

Winter Wonders

From the Fluvarium Newsletter:

Kids Club
January Program
WINTER WONDERS

Hi Fluvarium Kids ...

Happy New Year! We hope you had a fun holiday season and a great winter break. All through December we had school kids helping us put food out for the animals who were preparing for winter, just like many of us were preparing for Christmas and other celebrations. Now it is January, it is getting colder, and those animals who are still around are here to stay!


This January we are going to discover how the animals such as chickadees, fox and hare find food and survive the winter! With fun games, a story and the chance to make more treats for our wintertime friends, it is going to be a great program!

Tracy and I can't wait to see you again at Fluvarium Kids Club!

See You Soon!
Denise


WINTER WONDERS
at The Suncor Energy Fluvarium!

Winter is here and the animals that stay here all winter have stay warm, safe and find food! Discover how the animals around the Fluvarium can find everything they need even throughout the winter!

Saturdays & Sundays at 1:30pm
January 7 - 29, 2012

Program runs approx. 45-60 minutes
Preregistration is recommended

Fluvarium Kids Club Weekend Programs
Have you heard? Kids ages 5-10 and their families are invited to join Fluvarium Kids! Receive updates, collect stickers, and earn a Fluvarium Kids Fresh Water Friends certificate when you attend sessions in four different months!

This Fluvarium Kids program is Family Fun and includes an outdoor component, game, story and craft!

Fluvarium Kids programs are complimentary with admission.
Ask about our Annual Family Pass for only $35!


Register today with Denise or Tracy:
754-3474 or dhennebury@fluvarium.ca




- Posted from my iPad

New Year's Resolutions

Hear are my resolutions:

• Better householding budgeting
• Making more time for exercise... running I think.
• Spending more time with family
• Spending less time on the computer (see above)

I looked at last year's New Year's post and I tried pretty hard toi acheive my goals, but circumstances this year made it a real challenge.
You can see that post here: http://stjohnskid.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-resolutions.html