Year's End Reflections

Well another year has passed. I am a year older, a little wiser, and looking back on this past year with more regret than I usually do. In fact, I rarely look back and linger over regrets. But this holiday has been bittersweet and has pushed me towards melancholic thoughts.

It was deliciously sweet to spend time with my sisters. I haven't seen them in a year and a half. A YEAR AND A HALF, that is a long time.  Reconnecting has been lovely. We all are aging and learning to give one another more space to be ourselves, make choices that work for our own lives, and appreciate the good in one another with a lot less judgement. It makes for really wonderful time together. Plus we didn't have lots of plans made, so we were able to just go with the flow and enjoy each day for the activities we have felt like doing as each day unfolded.

On the flip side it was very difficult to discover that a neighbor, who was also our boss, died over the holidays in his house next door. My parents and LK and I hemmed and hawed about the lack of activity in the house for several days, trying not to be nosy and over-protective neighbors before calling the police to ask someone to check on him. Unfortunately it was too late and the past several days have been filled with dealing with that situation.

So how do those lead me into regrets? Well, seeing someone die completely alone made me reflect on the relationships that I have not put enough work into this year. I have had all sorts of reasons, but really I wish that I had taken more time to focus on people and building connections with loved ones. I think that is a regret that is resolution-worthy.

So, my first resolution (in many many years) is to put more time and effort into people and less into stuff.

Seeing too many people die in my life (close or peripheral) has made me regret not seizing health with both hands. I have worked really hard to build a solid base of fitness. I have held onto a foundation of that by running into December this year. I am proud of that, but regret not carrying all that work over into food as well. I eat what I want... and that usually involves way too much sugar.

So my second resolution is to change my eating habits to enable my body to live a longer, happier, stronger life with those people that are part of resolution number one.

How about you? How do you want to make 2012 better than 2011?

Auntie H

Well, the big day is done and the roller coaster of emotions that swirls around the holidays is settling down. Despite a few bumps in the road, I think that we have enjoyed a really relaxed holiday this year. And I am very thankful. We toned the "stuff" this year. We requested that extended family (other than grandparents) take us off their gift lists. We streamlined our own gift giving too. In the end it was more pleasant and helped us keep our focus on what is important this time of year; time together. I have been deeply thankful for the visit we have been enjoying with my baby sister. It has been a year and a half since we have spent time together in person. For LK and I that is a long time. For the Sprouts that is forever. They had a chance to get reacquainted with a champion auntie and have had a fabulous week. Right now when Jo finishes breakfast the first question out of his mouth is, "Can I call Auntie Hether over?" So we will revel in our lt day with Auntie H before she boards the train for the south once again.

Monday, Monday

We have all (Sprouts and grown ups alike) been striving to finish the last two weeks before the holidays strong. We made it. We are now officially on holidays. My DH pointed out no less than three times yesterday that today was to be Monday... And we didn't have to go to school. He said it with such glee in his voice each time. He really is in need of some down-time! At ten-thirty this morning he pointed out, "It's recess.". Big smile on his face.

Brrrr

The cold is here.  We went to bed last night to temperatures dropping so fast that we could feel it through the windows and curtains as a very faint chilly breeze.  BRRRR!  I love my feather duvet. 

This morning we woke up to a very cranky car (who may have appreciated being plugged in last night, had I remembered).  Some of us were snug in our beds too late (not my DH of course, he is up at the crack of dawn come hell or high water).  Thank goodness for DH's internal body clock, as his promptness is the only thing that got us out of the house this morning even close to on time.  Plus he made great lunches for everyone (which is my job in the mornings).  Have I mentioned what a great guy he is recently?

My internal body clock says its time to hibernate with warm sweaters, hot chocolate, songs around the living room, and a big pile of good books to read. 

11 more sleeps until the Christmas holidays!