Hello again, friends. It’s time for another Random 5 from my part of the blog-osphere. Ready? Here we go:
1) Thursday morning, I woke with a start …. it was 4:04 a.m. and there I was, wide awake thinking about Christmas cards! Ack, rolling over, I tried to resume my slumber. No-can-do. Muttering to myself that Hubbs never experiences such thoughts, I found my way to the kitchen and pressed the “brew” button on the coffee machine.
I used to enjoy writing Christmas cards, especially when the boys were little and I could include a picture or funny story about them. I don’t enjoy it anymore.
I can remember my parents’ delight when a Christmas card came in the mail. They were such a lovely alternative to newspapers, bills and other correspondence. I recall the sparkles on my hands after reading updates from people I didn’t recall: Aunt so and so. Cousin somebody. Mom carefully taped the cards and put them up all around the kitchen window. Red and green, silver and gold, shimmered in the light and brought festive to the room. That she took the time to do so for each card suggested reverence to me.
There’s only a few family members left that I would normally mail a card to – this year, I’m calling instead. And I think they’ll be just fine with a laugh and a chat and a “I miss you, too.”
2 ) Balance. As an adult I’ve struggled to balance between what I want (to do) for Christmas vs. what (I think) is expected of me. Shopping is done, wrapping is not. Some baking was accomplished …but also eaten (Hubbs!).
So what I’m working towards is making room for MY Christmas — I relax and smile when the tree lights are on; reading or cooking near them makes me happy. There’s a peace I feel being able to pay the bills, have $ for gifts and a bit to put away, too. There was a time I couldn’t do that, and I appreciate now that we can. I look forward to time with the boys – card games, good foods, “knock knock” jokes with the grands, and days off with Hubbs. No particular place to be. No schedule. Reading more than a page or two at a time. Knowing I can sleep in even though I won’t. I’ll be up early, watching the snow fall, sipping coffee and reading your blogs.
My stack of reading is close to this size
3 ) 9 and 11 — 9 days left of work for THIS YEAR then 11 – count ’em – 11 glorious days off! Time for a reset button. I’m fortunate that I enjoy the work I do, but this year the challenge has been in being able to do it. This has been a year of organizational change, steady movements, restructuring, people coming, people going, and that constant shift of the horizon has left me dizzy and needing a break. And I plan to take it, no exceptions!
4 ) Shades of Frankie. Youngest boy got a dog, and memories of our beloved Frankie definitely influenced his choice. Our Frankie as a Pup:
Frankie as a wee one
Ladies and gents, meet Sullivan, or “Sully” for short:
Sullivan (an Emjayandthem (C) Photo)
I haven’t met this furry little friend yet but I’m sure I’ll cry when I do.
5 ) We’re heading into the new year soon. Can you believe it? I haven’t thought about my goals and dreams for next year, but I’ll work on them over my time off. A good friend is leaving our company next week; she hasn’t had time to think about what her “next” looks like. I encouraged her to create a Vision Board. I know she won’t, but it reminded me that I’m ready to.
What traditions are worth continuing and which ones have you stopped?
What gift are you giving yourself this Holiday Season?
Wishing you peace at Christmas and always