Only two more days left in this year and I’m ready to bring in the new one. I could almost even skip the NYE celebrations, but what fun would that be? And let this sparkly manicure go to waste? I think not. Talk to the hand, (wow, I need to moisturize! Or maybe this year really did age me? Hmmm) just kidding, back to the Top ’10
As my blog is meant both for public consumption and also some personal reflection from time to time…I felt the need to write and document my top 10 personal highlights of this year. This seemed especially important given a year that was also filled with its share of significant challenges (crutches, and knee scooter, and walkers and air casts and canes and hideously ugly looking shoes be gone soon, please!)
A’hem, the top 10…in basically random order
#1 Stepping off the reservation to chart my own course by starting my own business
Creating one’s own footprint is key. I chose this photo as I desperately hope I can walk in sand once again.
#2 Budding new friendships
Like these guys who were every bit as cool and salt of the earth as I thought they would be.
And those people you meet in the time of life where you are going through it all together.
And those folks who, though you haven’t even known each other for very long, it seems like you’ve always known them. Oh, and I still love all ye old friends too, of course.
#3 Celebrating my parents 40th Wedding Anniversary
Here’s the thing about cliches–they are usually true: There is nothing more important than family.
#4 Making the journey to Nantucket to reunite with our families and dear friends
Where it all began for us and it continues to be the place that we think about the rest of the year in between visits.
No matter how many places we live, this special spot will always feel like home.
#5 Skiing
Here we are in Utah and me in too much pink. There will probably be no shredding of the “pow” as we did here last year, this year ahead–but I will work as hard as I can to be shredding or at least swooshing once again next year.
No ski day is complete without some good apres, enjoying the wine cellar at Ski Magazine and Deer Valley’s “Ultimate Ski House”
#6 Watching our little ladies grow up and be happy
They continue to amaze and exhaust us in the same breath daily. I am most proud of the compassion they have learned over this past year.
#7 Tucker; our handsome and naughty dog
Ohhh, this is a loaded one I’m pretty sure that the movie Marley & Me has nothing on us. This dog has been equal shares of naughty and nice, but I think we are getting through those “puppy years”, and he is a part of our family for better or worse.
#8 Being with this guy another year
Nicknamed Smiley in college, he still is. The other day, someone who we don’t even know very well, said “He looked at me and gave me the biggest smile.” Exactly.
#9 Squeezing in a few sun vacations
When you live somewhere as weather-challenged as Seattle can be, these aren’t optional. A few of these throughout the year (2 with a great friend, love ya K.L.) got us all back on track.
#10 Enjoying simple pleasures. Realizing that life is really not about the fast lane, it’s about enjoying the simple things.
Like good health, being around good people, having a good meal, appreciating random beauty and having a laugh or two.
Hope this year has given you also time to reflect upon your own highlights and priorities. Can’t wait to delve into 2012!
These darling little bud vases were dropped off at my doorstep without a card during the holidays. Took me a few days of sleuthing to figure out who they were from, once I did it was just the best surprise…aren’t they darling? Clipped off a few poinsettia buds as the whole plant was on its way to the garbage. Super cute eh? Thanks so much Steph.
Isn’t the packing up of the ornaments, the ultimate drag? These peacocks need a little more time to strut their stuff.
After all, we all still need some angels watching over us, right? And so they do ever so quietly hanging in our windowsill.
