I woke this morning and began to shake off my self-induced Christmas coma.  I think I feel a little bit like Rip Van Winkle did when he woke from his 100 year nap– confused.  I’m not sure what day of the week it is, but I’m sure it’s time to put away the holidays.  What took two weeks to lovingly place around the house should take two hours to dismantle. It’s a lot like trying to put ten pounds of crap back in a five-pound bag.   It’s  a lonely job that’s for sure — the kids that have been laying around for 2 weeks are nowhere to be found when you need someone to carry boxes in and out of the attic.  If you have been dying to have some time to yourself, just announce that you are taking down the tree — you will hear the sound of slamming doors, revving engines, and tires squealing.

All kidding aside, Happy New Year to everyone.  I like to think of January as a clean slate.  We get to write a brand new chapter in the book about us. I’m not a big believer in New Year Resolutions. Trying to change a major character flaw is a big no-no on my list of New Year Resolution choices. Why set yourself up for failure so early in the game. I like to try to choose something that is possible to achieve — last year I chose recycling all our paper trash.  I managed to keep this going all year.  This year since I want to get in shape (No, I refuse to make my resolution to lose weight.), my resolution is to be able to do six unassisted pull ups.  Doesn’t sound too hard right?  Try doing a pull up!

January is also time to slow down and try to find and enjoy the simple things this crazy, adrenaline filled life has to offer.  Maybe take a minute to enjoy the sight of a cardinal sitting in your front yard, light candles at dinner time, or just quietly reflect on life with a cup of tea before the evening rush begins.  It’s about balance — and I need to get me some of that this year.

“Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” — Epicurious