Start of 2012 – No New Year Resolutions Here

I just read a Facebook post by my sister.  Looks like she has a lot of milestones ahead and much to do in 2012.  She has a lot of energy and is very vibrant.  Good for her! Looks like her year will be filled with a lot of activities.

Funny how siblings can sometimes be so different!

I started the year quietly and slowly.  I would like to ease into the new year, but I know better.  I was away from work for the last week of the year.  It was been extremely relaxing.  I couldn’t have asked for more.

I know the moment I get back to work everything will take off very quickly.  My calendar will be full and I will be extremely busy.  I savor the moments of quiet whenever I can take them.

Years ago I decided not to make resolutions for the new year.  It turned out to be a significant decision.  I came to the realization that resolutions are not just for the new year. There is responsibility in this as decisions to improve one’s self are on-going. They can be made any day and renewed every day.

Sure, there are some things that I would like to do in the coming year.  I used to play music on a regular basis.  I stopped a couple of years ago.  I had lost the desire to play.  I had to let that part of me go for a time.

That part of me is stirring again.  It’s something that I suspect I will explore.  It doesn’t mean I’m inclined to play publicly as I had in the past; however, the fact that I’m sensing this part of me is important.  I need to listen to that.

There are also areas in my life where I could use a bit of a push.  I don’t need to make any resolutions.  These hurdles are staring me in the face so I just need to get moving! No surprises there.

I started this blog as one means of being creative.  I’m enjoying this expression.  I know I’ll continue.  I don’t expect to post every day, but weekly is do-able.  *Thank-you to all who follow my journey.*

I can’t predict what the new year will bring.  I’m okay with that.

You can call it a trust walk, or a faith walk.  It’s important for me to acknowledge this.  It’s at the center of who I am.

No matter what, when I wake up every morning I intrinsically know that I have one more day to bless and to be blest.

Have a safe and prosperous new year.  Make it a good one, no matter what you resolve to do.

End of 2011– Champagne and Chocolate Cake

I was trying to decide how to write a unique post for today.  I imagine most bloggers are taking a look back on 2011, or looking forward to 2012.  Unique? Perhaps not, but I hope you’ll enjoy.

Big events of 2011…on a personal level the event with the biggest impact was a job change.  I accepted a new position in my company, starting on January 3rd, 2011.  As a result I traveled to several states I had never visited.  I met new people, worked on a team that was dedicated, knowledgeable, and driven.

…long hours…physically demanding…mentally exhausting…intrinsically rewarding…satisfaction in knowing that I was part of a great team…everyday I continue to see the impacts of the efforts implemented by this team.

As always, Al supported me.  Mija became more accustomed to me being away.  I have been learning not to feel guilty when I am away.  I suspect that will be an on-going challenge for me.

Speaking of Mija, she made progress in her own way.  For the first time in a long while we heard her say syllables that were new.  She began to “scold” her belongings, saying “No, it’s not!”

Most people may not be impressed.  We are grateful.  She says this phrase often to express her displeasure with a number of things.

It was a huge step for her in communication.  One night we let her stay up later that usual.  It was obvious she wanted to stay up.  We let her when she said, “I want.”

On another occasion she wanted to stay up but I told her no.  It was the first time she said, “Why?” I simply said because it was bed time.  I laughed to think we had a conversation because she wanted to debate.  She may be autistic but she is also a teenager!

Globally there were natural disasters and political upheavals.  Iconic individuals passed away.

While these did affect us, I must admit that the highlights of our year were items of the heart: my daughter’s voice, my husband’s embrace when I arrived from a business trip, satisfaction of a job well done.

Looking back, I remember those we lost, my father-in-law, Pedro, and my sister’s father-in-law, Fred.  I’m grateful for family and friends. God bless them.

In September I decided to (finally) start blogging.  It was something I always wanted to do.  It’s been a positive experience, and, I’m happy to say, something I plan on continuing. Thanks for coming along!

Al and I have a tradition on New Year’s Eve.  We started it when we were watching all the millennial celebrations for the year 2000.  We relax at home and bring in the new year with champagne and chocolate cake.

The champagne is already being chilled.  This year, as a change we’re having chocolate cheesecake. Yum!

I’m looking forward to what the new year will bring.  More on that in tomorrow’s post.  That will be one good way to start 2012.

Have a safe and happy New Year!