I think it's time for another hayfu contest (that's a haiku contest for those of you who haven't met my dad). These things always make me laugh so hard–you all are seriously creative. (For examples of previous contests, go here and here).
Here's the theme: It's a new year, full of fresh starts. Some of you are making big resolutions like crazy, and others of you run screaming at the thought. So write a haiku about your resolution, or why you won't make one, or how badly you've already broken yours, etc. Be profound, be thoughtful, or be wickedly funny–it's up to you. Simply leave your haiku in the comments section below. (If you don't know how to write one, go here).
I will close down comments at 8 pm CST tonight (Thursday), and I'll pick five finalists. Winners will be posted tomorrow morning (Friday), and you can vote right here all weekend. The one person with the most votes at 9 am CST Monday morning will win.
And oh yes, there is a fantastic prize package. The winner of this contest will receive the following items:
Pear Budget :: Pear Budget is a simple, on-line budgeting tool, perfect for people who aren't used to budgeting, who don't like looking at spreadsheets full of numbers, and who generally know they "should" be paying attention to their finances, but don't really know where to start. The winner will receive a one-year subscription to Pear Budget. (Retail value, $30)
JM Digital Designs :: Maybe '09 is the year to get all your old pictures organized. As far as I'm kind concerned, the best kind of the scrapbooking is the kind that someone else does for you. Jan Mary is a designer extraordinaire in jolly ol' Ireland. She's offering one 8×8 custom, personalized design for the winner. She's also offering readers here a 10% discount–just enter SHANNON09 at checkout. (Retail value, approximately $36)
Cary Collins Designs :: We can't have a new year's prize package without a calendar! These adorable creations are produced by a talented artist who incorporates scripture into all her designs. The story behind Cary's business is a wonderful successful story of an artistic mom with a dream. She's giving away a 5×7 calendar, a weekly planner notepad, and a "This Is the Day" notepad. (Retail value, $33)
Appledonia :: I love these cute, handmade onesies–they're an affordable and creative baby gift. And while I'm partial to the pink little pig at left, I have to say that this Just Like Daddy is a close second. The winner will receive any one Appledonia onesie of your choice. (Retail value, $13)
WordWorld :: This is my four-year-old daughter's new favorite show. Its colorful characters are actually made of letters, appealing to the visual way so many kids learn phonics and letter sounds. You can find them on PBS. They're giving away 3 DVDs to the winner of this contest. (Retail value, approximately $36)
Little Debbie :: You know what's better than having a box of Little Debbies arrive on your front porch? Um, nothing, that's what. The winner of this contest will win a large box of Little Debbies, all from their new 100-calorie line. (Retail value, about $15)
Vintage Momma Designs :: Inspired by her sister who has beaten breast cancer and a brain tumor, this jewelry artist developed the One-in-8 line, to signify that one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Fifty percent of profits will go towards the continuing fight against breast cancer. She's giving the winner this gorgeous necklace and ring set from the new line. (Retail value, $42)
Expecting, by Marla Taviano :: The winner will receive an autographed copy of Marla Taviano's just-released new book. This is hardcover devotional book for pregnant moms. Even if you're not expecting yourself, this would make a delightful gift for an expecting friend. (Retail value, $14.99)
Many thanks to these great companies for offering such fun prizes. Now, fire away with new year's haiku in the comment section below–may the best 17 syllables win!
Comments are now closed. Finalists will be posted first thing tomorrow (Friday) morning!
Rocks In My Dryer 
a new year, fresh start
two-thousand nine will be mine
got to get in gear
I want to tone up
but Biggest Loser came on
time for an ice cream
Making up a list
Goals, Resolutions, Habits
I know I will break
Another year’s come
to make a resolution
to lose same 10 pounds
The belly is gettin’ bigger
No it isn’t the Christmas goodies
A new addition coming soon!
Got so much to do…
From where do I find the time?
Make the time to pray!
resolution time
I must choose an easy goal
daily choc-o-late!
This year I resolve
To eat more junk and gain weight
Yep. It’s doable
I promised myself
To change, to improve; why must
The old habits win?
Wanting to lose weight.
No more cookies do I eat.
Time now to retreat.
Oprah says she’s fat
Think I know how it happens.
Just too tired for guilt.
Want to be Good Mom:
Craft, Bake, Sew, Don’t Yell.
Two kids now – send help!
Visit family,
Focus on important things
Finish this year well.
Oh sweet nectar.
Though I cannot quit you.
Starbucks the man.
Ideas of my own
to make this year so much more
not telling a soul
Celebrate the small
Return to a simple life:
I’m out of money!
A new year begins,
Will I make the same mistakes?
Or merely new ones. . . .
‘Poop in my hair,’ she
cries, ‘Mama, help!’ Kid, things can
only get better.
Buying lots more stuff
For organizing, of course
Adds to the clutter
The morning news shows
Always say “New Year, New You”
The old me is fine.
New Year has come
resolutions already broken
when is the Chinese New Year?
This is a haiku
It’s really hurting my brain
This whole day is shot!
Making time this year
to catch up with an old Friend.
Jesus waits for me.
Resolved to get fit!
As my body grows older
my hips grow bigger.
Resolved to grow some,
Not in size! In fellowship
With my Lord and King.
Another New Year
Three hundred sixty five days
Then it’s New again
Hi, I’m an addict-
Caffiene my designer drug.
Need just one more cup…
Seek to inspire
Search for my inspiration
Live life anew
Diet commercials
Make me feel so guilty
As I eat my pie
Ice Cream’s not healthy
Eat lots of veggies instead
Ice cream won again
Resolutions? ICK!
Why should I even start them?
Refrigerator!
Hips getting wider
Husband wants a third baby
Not going to shrink
Don’t yell. Exercise.
Eat Well. Don’t procrastinate.
Build the Taj Mahal.
Organize it all!
But we have been sick all day.
So far not so good.
Another baby.
Sagging boobs, growing belly.
More junk in my trunk.
Optimism rules
Pessimism always looms
Realism soon conquers
Discover my authentic self
Be real, be honest, be true, be transparent
Find the authentic me through Him
This year I resolve
gain ten pounds so I don’t blow
away in the wind.
So many choices
I will never do them all
I’ll wait till next year
Know my Jesus more
And leave them a legacy
Carter and Ashlyn
My resolution:
be resolutely resolved.
Scales not required.
Here we go again
Full of anticipation
Then…reality.
Added pounds, stretch marks,
Childbearing battle scars,
I’ll leave them alone.
WiiFit, my new friend
Only way to lose the pounds
Four babes left behind!
Baby in oh-eight
Need to lose the baby weight
Want to feel GRRREAT!
The calendar flips
A new year, another chance
To hope. Pass the chips?
Back from war he came
to meet his first born, a son!
this year, a great one!
Treasure fleeting hours
While little feet run the halls.
Toss the to-do list.
Two thousand and nine
another ambitious list
how long ’til two ten?
Resolutions? Why?
Stench of Failure unpleasant
Sweet smell of success!
SKINNY DIPPIN’ DREAMS
OH WHAT’S THE USE IN TRYIN’
I’LL JUST CHUNKY DUNK
Goal for this year is
teach three year old to go poop
just not on himself!
Too much money spent
Lesson learned. Overtime now
Will have to tape LOST
Rocks In My Dryer
I must read everyday
So much info here
Resolutions, Eh
A wise lady I surely must be
For I made not one
A New Year. Same me.
Improving myself is a
Never-ending task.
Baby on the way;
No resolutions for me!
Aren’t I so lucky?
ivory lace with
blue and green hydrangeas
scrumptious wedding cake
and
princess number one
will vow with stalwart to stay
true and full of love
Happy with my weight
No resolutions for me
give me that cake NOW!
Same resolutions
’09 will be different
God is on my side
Run daily I would,
But a stomach virus squashed
My resolution.
My resolution
No more new resolutions
Lying is a sin!
A New Year Has Come
My Resolutions I’ll Keep
Pray, Play, Love, Laugh, Sing
To be a good aunt
To my new niece or nephew
Bundle comes in June
A long list awaits.
More than water freezes here-
Fear of failure haunts.
Let go of the past
Focus on the new year now
Chin up and move on!
I hereby resolve
To hone my mad haiku skillz
And win Rocks’ sweet stash!
0-9 is the year
That we ramp up the crazy.
Who’s there? New baby.
Busy baby boy
No time to be resolute
Having fun instead
Resolutions – What?
Enjoying the Finer Things
The rest – just details
Hopes and dreams abound
Heart fixed on things of value
The trivial scorned
No resolutions
Just a renewed promise to
See the good each day
Today set some goals.
Have so many things to do.
I’ll start tomorrow.
Baby’s on the way!
I will resolve to diet
In 2010!
Haifu? Haiku? meh-
New Year’s Resolutions? meh-
HE will give me peace!
Simpler, slower, PEACE
Celebrating Finer Things
Living each moment
Simpler, slower, peace
Celebrating Finer Things
Living each moment
No more pop I say
For the safety of my hips
Must preserve the door frames.
Gotta get skinny
Better get out the Wii Fit
My Mii Wii is fat
Bridesmaid dress must fit!
Exercising, dieting…
Look! Chocolate! (fail!)
Gotta get skinny
Better get out the Wii Fit
My Wii Mii is fat
Enjoying the kids
Go fish, Skip-bo, Candyland
Ah lifes simple joy
These can’t be my thighs!
Not 21 anymore.
Time to ditch the chips.
Continually inspired
By my internet sisters
Blog on wise ladies
Make each day count and
Live my life to the fullest
So there aren’t regrets
Two boys at home now,
baby girl due any day.
So ready for pink!
These are things I hate
Dieting, shopping for clothes
Must resolve thinness
Resolute I am
Said Sam I Am. Resolute
Until there is jam.
It is time for change
Pray for his strength to endure
And restore our peace
I want to eat treats!
Fat-free, zero calories
are not meant for me.
One day at a time.
Relax! Be kind to yourself.
Know that God loves you.
husbands,kids, joy
keep moving forward
resolution, succession- backwards?
Want baby this year
Fun with hubby till we know
Then no fun – bed rest
Chocolate is good
Why does it go to my hips?
Chocolate is bad
Rocks says I can’t win
‘Cause my book’s on the prize list.
Double poo on that.
Don’t slack off at work.
Writing haikus sounds more fun.
Maybe while I lunch?
My goal is to grow
Closer to my creator
One step at a time.
Is it the new year?
My christmas cards are not sent!
Three month old baby
(that’s kind of a question and answer one and quite true 🙂
i think thee resolution smesolution
this haiku was written just for you
in lieu of resolution, revolution!
Lots I could resolve.
Do any really matter
But serving Jesus?
I resolve nothing.
This way I should be happy
When I achieve it!
****
I resolve to have
a baby! So far so good:
I’m twelve weeks pregnant!
****
Make resolutions
You know you can maintain well:
Eat, sleep, laugh, live, LOVE.
****
This year I resolve
I WON’T become my mother.
Dear God, please help me!
****
THIS year should be fun:
Hubby runs a marathon,
Me? Everything else.
****
I won’t disappoint
Myself or anyone else.
I’m staying the same!
****
Resolve means to fix.
It’s hard to fix perfection!
None for me this year! 🙂
****
I resolve to win
One of these haiku contests.
Please, please pick me now!
****
New Year, same old thing.
By February the gyms
Start to empty out.
****
Organization
is not my strong suit. Oh no.
Too much to tackle!
****
Target has sales on
organization bins and
workout gear. Cliche!
****
So cliche to say
But what I’d really like is
to work less, play more!
****
Resolutions start
next month. Then I seem good when
Others start to slack!
Pregnant again now
I resolve to eat cookies
And then eat some more. 🙂
The first baby born
in ‘8-3? Me! Mom, you were
always number one.
Before baby arrives
must preserve photos of sibs
But my blog! It calls…
New Year new dreams now
New life growing inside me
What a way to be
I would so love the “Expecting” book! I am finally pregnant after struggling with infertility and a miscarriage. Thanks for the contest.
Quick New Year changes
Bring February failures
Slow, steady works best
Much needed changes
Get healthy, more family time
Lord, help me succeed!
I vow not to nag–
He forgot the trash again!
Oh wait… starting… NOW!
My resolutions?
Maybe when the baby comes.
‘Till then, lets eat!!!
try to enjoy each
happy moment and forget
all the whines and moans
Since I tend to fail
Resolutions, this year I
Plan to GAIN five pounds!
Not wasting my time
on resolutions this year!
Never kept the last.
Damn the torpedos!
Full-steam ahead I careen;
Life is to be lived!
Still, quiet, cold–yet
Peeking through the snowy crust
A green shoot of hope
Ponder this, O Self:
This year, be not resolute–
The desserts beckon.
Be more creative,
Lofty goal written in red.
Must stop comparing!
This is a fresh start.
A good time to jump for joy!
A brand new fun year!
My New Years diet
Was cheated on already
With Ben and Jerry
Life is for living
Not pondering improvement
Resolve to enjoy
My sweet baby girl-
I will kiss your pudgy cheeks
every single day.
buy less and give more
love family more than things
but a new car would be nice
Choose my haiku? Free
STARBUCKS for ALL my voters!
My goal? Bribary!
🙂
Little words, big goals:
Repentance, Rest, Quietness.
Lord, please help me trust!
A year is too long.
Daily resolutions are
all I can handle.
Laugh,laugh at spilled milk,
When life gives you lemons laugh.
Laugh,laugh through the tears.
Biting finger nails
A nasty habit to break
Nail polish help me
Oh, to be inspired
Breathe new life into the old
radiating joy
I resolve to try
something new in the new year
so here’s a haiku!
No resolution
I know myself all too well
True change requires more
Oh, sweets and starches
Why do you call me by name?
You give me Belly Roll.
Will the kids do sleep?-
I’m looking for some time in
Two thousand and nine!
Ev’ry muscle sore,
Lots of calories were burned.
Reward? Some chocolate!
Resolutions? No.
I want a REVOLUTION!
Of my weary soul.
No resolutions
For me this year. Baby four
is coming – yikes!
Be a better mom.
Cook, clean, teach, read, train and love.
God will give me strength.
Thought I lost the weight
from last year’s resolution.
What a big fat joke!
Twenty pounds must go.
I’ll be done within two weeks
Thanks to my child’s birth!
Resolution? What?
When? Children crying, calling
Phone ringing. No time!
Cynics don’t resolve
I used to be one yet now
God’s grace equals change
Today I resolve
To forget two-thousand-eight
It’s a brand-new year!
My pants don’t fit now
Christmas cookies, candy – more
The gym is a bore!
I have determined
To no longer like Michael
It’s long overdue
Two thousand and nine
The year I’m turning forty –
Better than ever!
Fill out the papers.
Think of Ethiopia
– see my daughter’s face.
Goals so easily
Made yet so simply broken
Should be avoided.
I’ve got three days down
May 1st is the big loss goal
Not having fun yet.
Dust bunnies on floor
Breeding fluffy children fast
Hire maid, I sleep.
Christmas is over…
The New year has come and gone.
Summer where are you!
Baby in ‘oh-eight’,
Marriage is fantastic, great:
More could not await!
Resolutions – should
be full of joy; this year, no
sweet Seth – Survival.
Resolutions I’ve got
Only they’re not just for me
Husband’s in for surprise! : )
Crunching, sticky floor.
The kitchen yearns for scrubbing.
Note to self: next year.
biggest loser, no?
perhaps just for tv show
in the meantime, I will eat
Better meals for hubs,
and a cute brand new bathtub.
Must get off my bum.
must do something
for these unders don’t fit
time to get moving again
Third baby coming soon.
Will have three kids under four.
Pregnancy? Please, No!!
“Just a minute love”
too often I say, this year
I hold you right now
Decided I need
to exalt the priceless things
autism pushed back!
Why choose this one day
To make all the improvements
Last year so needed?
To eating healthy
To coffee with friends
Some more time for mom
Me and the Sisters
Lookin’ fine for Valentines
Our jeans are shrinking!
Laundry to be done
Messes to clean, kids to feed
Blessings I will count!
New planner to fill,
empty slots stare up at me.
The goal: to use it.
Crappy year behind
Two beautiful girls, all mine
I just don’t have time
Muffin Top Bulging
I Must Put On Running Shoes
Nah Internet Calls
The New Year’s Resolution
I said, “I will pray.”
“Lord, I’m sorry I forgot,”
I said the third day.
Where is the resolve,
In doing the same old thing?
Sounds like a cop-out.
Resolutions? Well, 😦
Doing, not wishing, keeps me 🙂
Emoticon cheat! 😛
patiently waiting,
our soldier’s return. he’ll be our protector soon
patiently waiting,
for this year to bring happy
memories for us
patiently waiting,
our soldier’s return. he’ll be
our protector soon
patiently waiting,
for this year to bring happy
memories for us
*sorry to post this twice, it bothered me that the 3rd line didn’t post right*
So many poems
pledge losing weight, but I want
those Little Debbies!
Diligence is my
resolution this year. Yet
i sit and haiku?
Time of planning
Goals set to aim for the best
Only time will tell
Jogging to lose weight
Running fast but moving slow
I’m tired already
internet: less time
my children: more time loving
internet: less time
A new year begins
A chance to improve myself
At least until March.
Watched my weight go up.
Joined a club of Weight Watchers.
Now I watch…and wait.
Make my life a prayer.
Every breath, expectation.
Every song, a praise.
Laugh, laugh, at spilled milk.
Laugh when life gives you lemons.
Laugh, laugh through the tears.
Each new year flies by
As a child I thought them mad
I am wiser now
No More little babes
No More Babies this year
Oh Vasectomy
No more babes at all.
No more sweet babies for me
Oh vasectomy!
Lose weight I will do…
Weight of worry, stress and fears
For me He will bear
“Organize, shrink size,
and prioritize our lives!”
Say all the good wives.
Paying off the bills
Throwing out the credit cards
Financial Freedom!
Abort strange diets
Consume all hidden trouffles
Live in stretchy clothes!
Live a simpler life
Laugh at the joy all around
Love my family
Life is much too short,
For silly resolutions.
Love more, regret less!
Big dreams for new year
got lost in the big sickness
that just won’t leave me!
No more excuses
I’ll live a disciplined life
Starting tomorrow
No resolutions
that are mean to myself in
winter. Order in!
I did well this year
Kept all of my goals – until
January 3rd
My resolutions?
Walk! Sing! Pray! Dance! Charm! Cook! *sigh*
More exclamations.
Date nights and chick flicks
Tickle wars with little boys
Spend each moment well!
Resolution? To
know God better, because I’m
His fav’rite; you too!