What an awesome year this has been! At the start of it, I had two big events to plan and execute: a very special 20th wedding anniversary gift for Jim, and a surprise 60th birthday party for Jim. Yes, he does sort of monopolize alot of my thoughts, which is fine by me! I managed to pull off both of these events (thank goodness, I had a lot of help from daughters Kelly, Molly, Jamie and Beth for the party!). Delivered to Jim a beautiful pen and ink sketching of our Cedarburg home in September. On December 26th, delivered a surprise birthday party with 30 wonderful relatives. Hope to post some pictures later when I can figure out how :)
There were a few other very important things in 2012 - Molly's graduation (HOORAY!!!), a new puppy named Nelson (not quite so hooray), and of course losing Mike Holmblad :(
But while reflecting on the year, I realized the most memorable part has been that I feel I've been able to get closer to so many of the people I love. Not sure how much losing Mike impacted that, but I'm glad it did. My priorities have been refocused, and I no longer spend much time worrying about if everything is 'perfect' or 'done'. I can let that go and spend the time listening to those I love as they talk about their plans, their struggles, their joys, and their laughter. Much better!
Thanks also to the slower pace of my job (for which I am very grateful), I can spend more time getting ready for the visits from family, so I am better prepared and relaxed when they DO arrive. As always, I have list upon list upon list to help me stay organized and remember what needs to be done.
Since Nelson has arrived, I've been walking him almost every day, twice a day. Lost 10 pounds, which feels great because I now have a whole bunch of clothes to wear that were just too snug before. So it sort of feels like I have a new wardrobe, too! And, Jim replaced my wedding ring which I was no longer able to wear with a new one. Same original diamond (thank goodness), but a sparkling new setting, AND one that I can fit over my expanding knuckles!
So, this is a pretty boring post, I know. But for me, the year has been full of changes, many of them good ones. It's a good feeling to look back on the year that is passing, and like the person reflected in the mirror just a little more then you did at the start of that year.
Many happy reflections to you!!
