In a little over two hours, we will be bidding farewell to 2012. My initial reaction when thinking back on this past year was to dwell on everything I didn't accomplish. The book will be closing on another year, and there is still so much left incomplete and undone.
And yet, when I truly think about it, 2012 turned out to be a fabulous year. It was a year of positive change and excitement. A few highlights:
~ Alexandra Elise made her grand entrance into the world.
~ Bianca instantly turned into a loving Big Sister.
~ Harry became one of the area's most popular basketball coaches. He led his team to a State Championship, and was chosen to coach one of the teams participating in the Capital Classic.
~ I was promoted at work, and simultaneously received a huge peace, instant stress relief, and a pay increase. God is so good!
~ I was able to upgrade to an SUV.
~ I saw my muse Alanis Morissette in concert.
~ I experienced the excitement of being a Dance Mom for a few precious weeks.
~ After two years, I finally made a commitment to CCC and to MOPS. As a result, I made so many new friends.
~ I also reunited with friends from my past.
~ We had our girls dedicated in front of our church family. The day was even more special because Aria and Lilly were dedicated at the same time.
~ 212 helped to turn up the heat in my life.
~ I reconnected with family I hadn't seen in quite a while.
~ I was exposed to the world of green juices and smoothies and whole foods.
~ Stephanie and I started a wellness journey.
~ An old friend died and harsh reality set in regarding my greener grass.
~ But I fell even more in love with Harry because of it.
Looking forward to 2013, there is so much I want to accomplish.
~ I want to draw closer to God. I hope to be exposed to the Word daily. I hope to spend more quiet time with Him. I hope to fully engage with MOPS and my small group.
~ I want to be a better wife. I hope to give Harry the support he needs to be the best version of himself. I hope to take better care of him and our house.
~ I want to be a better mother. I hope to be more present when I'm home. I hope to give more hugs and kisses. I hope to laugh and play more. I want to give my girls the love and attention they need to be happy and healthy.
~ I want to take care of myself physically. I hope to exercise daily. I hope to drink more green juice and smoothies. I hope to eat a vegetable at every meal. I hope to eat more locally grown and organic foods. I want to cut back (or stop) my coffee consumption. I hope to drink more water. I want to get a massage monthly. I want to stretch more and sleep better. I want my natural beauty to shine from the inside out.
~ I want to help get our family out of debt. I hope to think before making unnecessary purchases. I hope to cut out large expenses, like my daily $5 mocha lattes.
A lot of these goals look similar to the ones I made last year. But this year, I am confident that I will be victorious. I have a wonderful support system in my husband, my friends, and my family. I have been exposed to so many new educational and inspirational resources. And most importantly, I am raising a banner over this year. Jehovah Nissi will be my ultimate source of strength and victory.
2013 will be my Proverbs 31 year. I will use the Proverbs 31 Woman as a role-model and an inspiration to emulate. In the end, I hope to be my husband's crown. I hope my children will call me blessed. And ultimately, I hope all of my actions are pleasing to the Lord. By growing into a better version of myself, I hope to be able to serve Him better.
Showing posts with label New Year's Eve. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Year's Eve. Show all posts
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's Eve
This day snuck up on me. I wasn't really ready for it yet, but here it is. Normally on this day, I spend the day in reflection - looking back on my accomplishments of the past year and making resolutions for the one to come. This year, I can't seem to embrace the tradition.
Number 1, I am so disappointed in 2010. This was supposed to be my year of Action - the kickoff to a huge Ephesians 3:20 decade. It was anything but. This year was largely filled with darkness, depression, inactivity, isolation, stress, anxiety, and feeling lost. The year was nothing like I imagined it would be at the end of 2009, celebrating at the Melting Pot with my two best friends.
Number 2, every time I make a resolution, I break it. Not intentionally. But for whatever reason, I never seem to stick to what I set out for myself. (Perhaps there is a self-sabotage issue that needs to be dealt with - but that would be a totally different post!)
All that said, I am determined to see big Breakthroughs in 2011. In my faith, in my family, in my health, in my career. Instead of making resolutions I know I won't keep, I simply promise this at the cusp of the New Year: to keep my focus on God and His will for my life. If I do that, everything else will work out.
Number 1, I am so disappointed in 2010. This was supposed to be my year of Action - the kickoff to a huge Ephesians 3:20 decade. It was anything but. This year was largely filled with darkness, depression, inactivity, isolation, stress, anxiety, and feeling lost. The year was nothing like I imagined it would be at the end of 2009, celebrating at the Melting Pot with my two best friends.
Number 2, every time I make a resolution, I break it. Not intentionally. But for whatever reason, I never seem to stick to what I set out for myself. (Perhaps there is a self-sabotage issue that needs to be dealt with - but that would be a totally different post!)
All that said, I am determined to see big Breakthroughs in 2011. In my faith, in my family, in my health, in my career. Instead of making resolutions I know I won't keep, I simply promise this at the cusp of the New Year: to keep my focus on God and His will for my life. If I do that, everything else will work out.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Farewell, 2009
"...to make an end is to make a beginning." ~T.S. Eliot
Here we are on the eve of the new year. God gave me a gift this morning. I awoke to snow falling down. The neighborhood was covered in white. Everything looked so pure and at peace. AND my boss gave me permission to work from home today! I am able to spend my last day of the decade at home with my two Loves. And while I will be working periodically throughout the day, I hope to spend the majority of the time in reflection, saying goodbye to 2009 in the best way I know how. I'm so grateful for this unexpected blessing!
I'm also very grateful for many happenings in 2009, which turned out to be a year of transition for me.
~ In the New Year, I had only just discovered I was pregnant. Carrying Bianca was such a wonderful experience. I felt joyful, hopeful, and radiant. Even though I got heavier, I loved the way my body looked carrying a child. I felt beautiful for the first time in a long time. My love for my husband grew, even though I never thought I could love him more. I felt the miracle of life move within me. It was an undescribable, amazing experience.
~ Of course, there were all the fun events that go along with a pregnancy, as well. Keeping a blog, getting sonograms, picking out names, registering, celebrating with family and friends at showers. Overwhelming at times...but definitely moments to remember.
~ Harry and I bought our home. It was so much fun touring different communities and imagining ourselves there. We ultimately decided on a neighborhood and visited the sales office three different times before choosing our model. We signed the papers on a Sunday after church with Damian in tow. We spent hours at the design center deciding what our new home would look like. We bought new furniture. We chose paint colors. We created our sacred spaces. There was so much excitement and anticipation throughout the entire process.
~ I turned 30. Harry revealed to me that we were having a girl. We took a trip to Vegas with Tony and Amanda. Manda and I received facials and massages. Harry took me to see a Cirque du Soleil show. It was a wonderful escape.
~ I found out that Danny and Kylene were having a baby. They announced the news on Mother's Day. They told Harry and I in private first, because they wanted to make sure we would be ok. Of course we were thrilled, as our babies would be three months apart. Danny and I are four months apart, so it was simply perfect.
~ Stephanie and I started our Sacred Fridays. Our friendship grew in deep and wonderful ways, despite the physical distance between us. Our Girls Day with Manda became even more special, focusing more on quality since our quantity had diminished. These friendships fed my soul in a way no others could.
~ I finally gave birth to my beautiful Bianca. The day that little angel came into my life, I experienced a new, powerful, incredible love. My heart literally felt like it was going to burst out of my chect and swallow her whole. I looked at her and saw Heaven. I looked into new eyes and saw an old friend. Watching her grow over the past three months has filled me with a joy and laughter I didn't realize were missing before. Being a mother is the most amazing experience. I think this new role suits me well!
~ Of course, there was the wonderful maternity leave that followed her birth. Eight incredible weeks of bonding with my Little Miracle. Leaving my job behind and focusing on my life's work. It was anything but relaxing since I was trying to unpack the house at the same time as taking care of a newborn and my husband, but it was oh so good. I also discovered the wonderful shows on Nick Jr, my personal favorite being Yo Gabba Gabba. It just makes me happy!
~ Going back to work was tough, but an amazing thing happened. My attitude completely shifted. I finally felt like I belonged there. I accepted the fact that God needs me in my current position, and instead of focusing on everything that was wrong about the job, I started to focus on all the positives. My work mantra for 2010 is "Be Effective." Now that I've been there a year and am comfortable in my role, I can finally start focusing on making an impact.
~ I am so grateful that Bianca is able to stay with my Aunt Dot while I'm at work. I admit that I would much rather be a stay-at-home-mom, but since that isn't an option for us, I am so happy that she is with family. Yes, it helps out Harry and I financially, but there is such a peace that comes along with it. I don't have to worry during the day if she is getting the care or attention she needs; I KNOW she's getting it. That comfort is priceless.
~ I finally got the courage to walk away from my church. I was saved in 1999, but for several reasons, I was never able to break away from the Catholic church. One of the factors was me singing at Mass for 18 years. They depended on me, especially my organist. I felt so guilty about leaving. Finally, a few weeks ago, I told my organist I didn't want to sing anymore. I also told my mom that I wouldn't be attending St. Luke's anymore. Surprisingly, both took the news very well. I know God's hands were all over the decision.
I could go on, but that gives you a general idea. Life is a series of peaks and valleys. It's pretty obvious that I am in a peak. And I just have a gut feeling that I'll just keep on climbing in 2010!
It's time to bid you farewell, 2009. You were a great year, and I know you will live on in my heart until the end of my days.
Here we are on the eve of the new year. God gave me a gift this morning. I awoke to snow falling down. The neighborhood was covered in white. Everything looked so pure and at peace. AND my boss gave me permission to work from home today! I am able to spend my last day of the decade at home with my two Loves. And while I will be working periodically throughout the day, I hope to spend the majority of the time in reflection, saying goodbye to 2009 in the best way I know how. I'm so grateful for this unexpected blessing!
I'm also very grateful for many happenings in 2009, which turned out to be a year of transition for me.
~ In the New Year, I had only just discovered I was pregnant. Carrying Bianca was such a wonderful experience. I felt joyful, hopeful, and radiant. Even though I got heavier, I loved the way my body looked carrying a child. I felt beautiful for the first time in a long time. My love for my husband grew, even though I never thought I could love him more. I felt the miracle of life move within me. It was an undescribable, amazing experience.
~ Of course, there were all the fun events that go along with a pregnancy, as well. Keeping a blog, getting sonograms, picking out names, registering, celebrating with family and friends at showers. Overwhelming at times...but definitely moments to remember.
~ Harry and I bought our home. It was so much fun touring different communities and imagining ourselves there. We ultimately decided on a neighborhood and visited the sales office three different times before choosing our model. We signed the papers on a Sunday after church with Damian in tow. We spent hours at the design center deciding what our new home would look like. We bought new furniture. We chose paint colors. We created our sacred spaces. There was so much excitement and anticipation throughout the entire process.
~ I turned 30. Harry revealed to me that we were having a girl. We took a trip to Vegas with Tony and Amanda. Manda and I received facials and massages. Harry took me to see a Cirque du Soleil show. It was a wonderful escape.
~ I found out that Danny and Kylene were having a baby. They announced the news on Mother's Day. They told Harry and I in private first, because they wanted to make sure we would be ok. Of course we were thrilled, as our babies would be three months apart. Danny and I are four months apart, so it was simply perfect.
~ Stephanie and I started our Sacred Fridays. Our friendship grew in deep and wonderful ways, despite the physical distance between us. Our Girls Day with Manda became even more special, focusing more on quality since our quantity had diminished. These friendships fed my soul in a way no others could.
~ I finally gave birth to my beautiful Bianca. The day that little angel came into my life, I experienced a new, powerful, incredible love. My heart literally felt like it was going to burst out of my chect and swallow her whole. I looked at her and saw Heaven. I looked into new eyes and saw an old friend. Watching her grow over the past three months has filled me with a joy and laughter I didn't realize were missing before. Being a mother is the most amazing experience. I think this new role suits me well!
~ Of course, there was the wonderful maternity leave that followed her birth. Eight incredible weeks of bonding with my Little Miracle. Leaving my job behind and focusing on my life's work. It was anything but relaxing since I was trying to unpack the house at the same time as taking care of a newborn and my husband, but it was oh so good. I also discovered the wonderful shows on Nick Jr, my personal favorite being Yo Gabba Gabba. It just makes me happy!
~ Going back to work was tough, but an amazing thing happened. My attitude completely shifted. I finally felt like I belonged there. I accepted the fact that God needs me in my current position, and instead of focusing on everything that was wrong about the job, I started to focus on all the positives. My work mantra for 2010 is "Be Effective." Now that I've been there a year and am comfortable in my role, I can finally start focusing on making an impact.
~ I am so grateful that Bianca is able to stay with my Aunt Dot while I'm at work. I admit that I would much rather be a stay-at-home-mom, but since that isn't an option for us, I am so happy that she is with family. Yes, it helps out Harry and I financially, but there is such a peace that comes along with it. I don't have to worry during the day if she is getting the care or attention she needs; I KNOW she's getting it. That comfort is priceless.
~ I finally got the courage to walk away from my church. I was saved in 1999, but for several reasons, I was never able to break away from the Catholic church. One of the factors was me singing at Mass for 18 years. They depended on me, especially my organist. I felt so guilty about leaving. Finally, a few weeks ago, I told my organist I didn't want to sing anymore. I also told my mom that I wouldn't be attending St. Luke's anymore. Surprisingly, both took the news very well. I know God's hands were all over the decision.
I could go on, but that gives you a general idea. Life is a series of peaks and valleys. It's pretty obvious that I am in a peak. And I just have a gut feeling that I'll just keep on climbing in 2010!
It's time to bid you farewell, 2009. You were a great year, and I know you will live on in my heart until the end of my days.
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