So, the end of 2011 is here and what a hell of a year it has been. Few positives aside, I must say I am wholeheartedly ready to turn this one over and never look back. I'm not sure I am ready to talk about or even face the challenges presented in the past 12 months, but that's a whole 'nother entry I guess. What I do know is that, as I've known my entire life you cannot move forward while still looking back. So.... look forward I must, and will.
I've decided, much to the dismay of the average "only on the internet to stalk and judge" reader.... Too harsh?? Okay, tell me you haven't gone online and somehow found yourself looking at some photo of a FB friend, (one might I add, you have never actually met in person) posted three years ago in an album three pages deep. Yes, my friend, that's stalking. The first step is acceptance people. But I digress.... so I guess rather than spend all my time oohing and aahing over the baby pictures of cute little Billy, which I LOVE seeing... every hour... of every day.... in the same pose.... I will try something a bit more productive. Hence I present, Project 365. Okay, I didn't say it was a freaking original, one of a kind, task alright.
It is my hope that in committing to this project, I will take the time to realize that there is something special and important in every single day. I am the most guilty in getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and I sometimes forget to rejoice in the common. I forget to revel in the moment. The idea of realizing what you have in the smallest of events, reminds me of a song by Brad Paisley. So here we go, Project 365 Day 1..... "I Live For, Little Moments Like That"..........
So, I am the Christmas queen. All who know me know that. I embrace it. The problem.... I think the grinch has taken hold of me this year. I just can't seem to get into the spirit. I mean, I JUST finished the decorating today. Yes, seven days before Christmas. That is unheard of for me, who has been known to be completely done BEFORE Thanksgiving. To make matters worse, I haven't bought a single gift. That's right. Nothing, nada, zilch. Not for lack of of desire or interest. I actually am the weirdo who enjoys the holiday crowds and intense hustle and bustle. However, not working for a few months sure dented my bank account, hence a much smaller holiday fund.
The problem with all of this is..... I KNOW that the meaning of Christmas is the birth of my Lord and Savior. I know that the best gifts are the memories made with friends and family and the time spent together. Come on though, let's face it.... try wrapping an empty box for a loved one and explain that the gift is the time you are spending together. See if that doesn't get you uninvited from future get togethers faster that Aunt Martha who gives hand knitted sweaters and 20 pound fruitcakes.
So, in an attempt to salvage my spirit this year, I am preparing to take some Christmas card pictures of my beautiful girls, maybe get in some holiday baking, with jingling, jangling, spirit moving carols turned way up and a Sunday sermon to feed my soul.
