A Few Days In...

You would think I would be able to start a resolution of sorts on the first of the year, but that's just a bit too practical for me.  Actually, I read an article once that said you shouldn't start any resolution at the beginning of the week or year.  Apparently, if you start it on some random day you're more likely to keep up with things.  Hopefully that will work for me.

2010 was a rollercoaster of emotions for me.  If you know me, you know I'm not a fan of rollercoasters.  I've been dying to be on a nice calm ride.  Somehow I don't think that's going to happen.  I guess that would take all the fun out of it anyway.  The year wasn't good and it wasn't bad.  It just was.  Unfortunately, things being somewhat stagnant tends to make me crazy.  It was punctuated by some fantastic memories, however.  Ringing in the New Year South Bend style will always be remembered.  Spring Break in the Bay Area with two of my best friends was pretty neat. The births of a few new family members springs to mind as does an amazing trip to FL to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  A relaxed evening at the Ingrid Michaelson concert holds a special place.  My birthday was full of laughter, dancing, good friends, good food, strong drinks, and a lot of love.  Teddy learned to say my name (and it simultaneously breaks my heart and makes me feel good when he cries when I leave).  Roomie visiting Chicago at the close of the year gave everything a sense of completeness.  That's a sampling.  I laughed.  I cried (a lot).  I loved.  I hoped and wished and prayed.  I guess it was a pretty good year.

It is no secret that I love boats.  Spring Break 2010.

Drinking Butterbeer in Florida with the roomie.  July 2010.

My birthday weekend was a rousing success.  October 2010.

Now, on to 2011.  As this new endeavor begins (both the new year and this blog) I have a lot to be thankful for.  If I had to pick one thing right now though, I'd have to say warmth.  I mean this in every sense of the word.  At the practical level, I'm glad our apartment is warm, that the heat in my car works, and that we don't have to gather firewood in order to stay cozy.  I am thankful for warm clothes, coats, gloves, hats, and scarves.  I'm glad my feet are surrounded by thick socks and the water in my shower heats up.  But, beyond the practical, I'm thankful for warm smiles and hugs.  For the warmth that surrounds me when I am with family and friends.  For the feeling that I am not alone even when I am by myself.  There is warmth in that.  There is a feeling of safety and security and peace.  My life is full of warmth.  Even in the bitter cold of an Omaha winter, I feel warmth (but not always warm...).  That's what I'm thankful for today.

Oh, and I remembered to take my camera with me when I went out for pizza with Laura, Katelyn, and T tonight.  I just didn't remember to take any pictures.  Oy vay.