Reflections

Another year over and I'm sitting here reflecting.  I wasn't feeling the party spirit this year, so I decided for the first time in a decade, I'd ring in the new year with a clear head. 
This past year was full of ups and downs for me, as I'm sure it was for many of you. 

I experienced what it was like to suffer complete and total burn-out at work. I morphed into this angry, grumpy person that was just absolutely miserable. I took an incredible leap of faith and jumped outside my comfort bubble to start a new career path.  I learned that the grass is, in fact, not always greener on the other side. 

I returned to my home, to a different department, and was instantly taken in by an incredible group of women. I am happy at work again.

I took an incredible trip to gorgeous places. I saw landscapes that literally made me speechless, and that is hard to accomplish. I learned some valuable lessons on that trip. For example, I cannot drive on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road...at all.  I will not attempt that again. 

I lost friends this year. I also have made wonderful new friends and reconnected with old friends. 

I took a couple of romantic chances, only to find out for certain what my deal-breakers are, and what I will absolutely not tolerate. It didn't work out well, but lessons learned are always appreciated.


I met and instantly fell in love with the cutest baby. Ever. I was reminded again how blessed I am to have the family I do..they are my heart. 


I laughed and loved and cried and rejoiced.  It was a great year.
My prayer for this next year is that it will be full of hope, laughter, love, and joy for all of us... and of course some incredible experiences and journeys along the way!

Happy New Year!

 

Ok...

... So I know it's the Christmas season and everyone is supposed to be all "fa la la la la" and everything, but I can't get into it yet.  I just am not feeling the spirit of the holiday. 
Friends talk about being with family, starting new businesses, doing things that  they feel passionate about... and I can't make myself get off the couch to work out.  Which, in case you are interested, is starting to show.  I am not a fan.  Thinking about running makes me want to take a long nap, after having a cocktail or several.

I am sincerely hoping that on Saturday when my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew get here that the holiday spirit will wash over me. I have no doubt I'll enjoy the quality family time. But I'm hoping it'll start a trend in me..light a fire..wake me up!   I'm hoping I'll be all lovey and mushy and want to be a do-gooder. ( I am going on a mission trip to Ecuador in August.  Hopefully I'll be in a nice, philanthropic mood by then.)  But for now, it's bedtime.  I'm working the early shift tomorrow.  And before you get all excited... it's to help pay bills, not because I'm really being that much of a team player. haha.

Merry Christmas!  Happy New Year!!  Share the spirit with each other.  Be good to your loved ones, and the people you don't necessarily like.  And try to make the holiday cheer rub off on your friends and neighbors...like me!  :)