HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope you made it into 2010  safe and sound. 

I have been off work since December 23rd.  While I had big thoughts, I really didn't accomplish anything other than get through the holidays.  It was nice to have the time off and to do what I wanted, when I wanted.  I really hate to think that I will have to return to work on Monday.  But I am not able to retire yet and we do have bills to pay.

As we were nearing the new year I thought about the previous year.  It was a very good year.  In the wake of folks losing jobs, I still have a job. So far the worst that has happened has been our mandatory 10 days off without pay.  While I don't like it, it's a cutback I can learn to live with for a while.  C & I celebrated our first full year in our new house.  I hate moving and it seemed like it took an entire year before we finally quit looking in boxes for our belongings.  But we are finally there!  I was reunited with a very, dear old friend this summer. I had lost track of her for a very long time,  much to my surprise she had been right under my nose. I am glad we never stopped wondering about each other and I am so happy we found each other again. I turned 50 this past year. OMG! I never thought I would make it this far.   Yes, it was a fabulous year.

Now as I face 2010... I want it to be as good of a year, if not better. I hate making resolutions because I usually break them before I get them all made. But I have to set some sort of boundary - so I guess resolutions are the best format.  

I need to improve myself this year.  After many years of living in hell, I am finally at a very good place in life.  But, if I don't make some other changes I may not be able to enjoy it for as long as I'd like. So I need to lose some weight.  I'm not greedy - 50 lbs (though that's just the tip of the iceberg) would get me back into most of the clothes in my closet.  So I'd take that if I can get it (then I'll think about chipping more off the iceberg).

I want to complete at least one  project each month, whether it be a craft project or housey project.  I have so many things to get done (remember the mountain of jewelry making stuff?).   So one thing doesn't seem too unreasonable.

I want to be a better blogger.  I started this back in September.  Writing is harder than I thought.  But I want to post at least 3 times a week and make my presence known on other blogs that I read and enjoy.  I have made some awesome friends and want to keep them.

I need to be a better aunt.  I know at least onbe person is thinking - but you're an only child.  I am, but when my mom got remarried her hubby had 2 sons.  We were all adults when our parents married, so we never got the opportunity to be a true family and we weren't that close when we were younger.  But after my mother,  their father and then my grandparents passed away these guys knew I didn't have any other family and they unofficially adopted me.  I don't get down to see my nephews and neice as much as I'd like and I felt some distance at Christmas. They are growing up so fast it is amazing.   I love them all and am greatful for them.  They were there for me during the darkest part of my life - I want to be there during the best parts of theirs.  So, I need to make sure I am visiting as often as possible and I'm not above taking lavishing gifts. 

And finally, I want show C, every single day, how glad I am to have him in my life. He has been a true blessing  to me.  I never knew what a truly good relationship was before him.  I love him and cherish every minute we have together.

Some of those will be easy, others not so much.  But all I can do is try.  What did you resolve to do this year?