The Adventure Awaits

A friend recently announced that she'd made a few significant changes in her life, and in response I asked what new adventures awaited for her in 2012, and whatever they were I wished her success.

Not familiar with this particular use of the word 'adventure', she asked if I could explain what I'd meant.

When I was younger (about 19 or 20) and having a particularly difficult time with school, work, relationships and life in general, a friend explained that when making a significant choice with your life, that the road ahead is an unknown journey - an adventure. You set out with a new goal or destination but along the way there will be good experiences, bad ones... and heart wrenching ones. Each peak or valley will be new and not as you once planned. It is an uncharted path in your life... like those before us who explored unmapped lands.

Referring to milestone decisions and changes as an adventure makes it all seem so much more positive - that anything is possible and the experiences make you a stronger and better person.

My sister's move across the country to start a new life in Boston was an adventure, though it ended too soon and with great sorrow.

My return to school has certainly been and will continue to be an adventure, as is raising two smart and active children. Marriage with Charles is one of the better adventures I've ever had, as is our life in River City.

So, on this New Years Eve, as we are saying our goodbyes to 2011 and all that we learned from it, I wonder, what is your new adventure for 2012? Whatever it may be, I wish you great success and calm in the year to come!

A Toast To You...

'Twas the night before Christmas

not a child is in sight

the presents are all stowed

for the rest of the night.

The tree is well lit,

the martinis are poured

in the couch we've collapsed

but we are far from bored.

For the children have run us

from here, no wait there

seeking sparkles, and twinkles

and light shows with sound.

They've eaten candies and cookies,

drank cupful's of 'nog

cheered for singing and carols

and many a store thru which we did slog.

Each searching for a gift

no matter how small,

that bid to them, said to them

'I love you, with all of my all'.

So now as we wait

for a morning too soon

(someday we hope

they 'might' sleep 'til noon).

A layer of snow now lies thick on the ground

and to you our friends those near and far

from us to you this simple warm wish

a Merry Christmas to you, wherever you are.

12-12-2011

12-08-2011

12-07-2011

Don't Forget

This morning while getting my morning cuppa joe, Charles entered the kitchen and as is tradition I began to ask him my customary Sunday morning question "What's on our todo list for today?"

Before I was even able to get the words "So, what do we..." out of my mouth Charles interrupted me by saying "Don't forget."

"Don't forget what?"

Wrapping his hand around mine he mused "Before you set any goals or objectives... Before you begin to think you might accomplish something today, remember that we have kids."

As if on cue, at that moment that the Tasmanian devils BW and JB dizzyingly made their entrance into the kitchen, simultaneously and eagerly asking "I'm hungry, what's for lunch!?"

Charles's observation gave me a belly laugh, but jeesh... He was right!