Resolutions for 2009

Here are some resolutions that I might be able to keep:

1. Take care of myself first.
2. Keep my hair short in 2009.
3. Laugh more!
4. Have fun.
5. Spend time with those I care about.

Otherwise when I lose that 20 pounds or write that novel, it's icing on the cake. I can do the five items above, or at least I can try. Make your resolutions fun--it just might change everything. Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve Eve

Have you taken the time to notice the beauty around you this year? I was coming home from a festive 'bad sweater party', and as I turned into my driveway I saw a snow bunny hopping away. If you've never seen a snow bunny, they are pure white to blend in with the snow. Lately, our snow bunny has taken to perching on our covered front porch to check out what's happening and get a 'lay of the land' view.

Last week my elk neighbors showed up in a herd of approximately 40 to rest their laurels on the golf course. I imagine most golf courses aren't much use in the winter. Well the one across from me is a snowshoe and cross-country skiing track and a haven for elk. I would say that this particular golf course has a multitude of uses.

Embrace what you have...so I still wish I was on a beach. However, taking a snow shoe walk and seeing the sunlight glitter on the snow reminds me that life is good.

A year draws to a close

So it's that time to start thinking back on a year. This year has brought me more awareness, which equals the more you know the less you know. That being said I do feel poised to make the changes that I need to make. I have made progress in most areas, but I still need to get more focused on the direction for next year.

Someone told me that he sees great things ahead in 2009. I do, too. I don't know what's in store, but I know that I feel open to the possibilities, and I trust that it will unfold as it should. I guess after a tough year my faith is restored.

Despite the doom and gloom that is all we hear...I can see that in times of difficulty humans thrive with creativity and innovation. How are you going to embrace your creative or innovate side in the year ahead? Please share your thoughts. And Happy New Year!

The Magic of Christmas Eve

So even if you aren't into Christmas there is a magic about Christmas Eve. It is all about anticipation. My family's tradition on Christmas Eve is to open one present and save the rest for the next morning (if my nephews are around). When it's just adults I will admit that sometimes we open everything on Christmas Eve so we can sleep in on Christmas morning.

Sleeping in is a gift that's enough. That way you can wake up refreshed. So here in Vail I just saw that we've gotten seven feet of snow in the last two weeks. That's impressive. That means about a 1/2 a foot per day...sounds about right.

After awhile you start to settle into driving in the snow. It becomes a rite of passage. On Christmas Eve and Christmas morning though the beauty of the white stuff is undeniable. And after seeing Happy Christmas everywhere in Australia during the summer, I have to admit that it just makes more sense in the winter.

I was talking to an Australian who has never seen snow. She couldn't understand my attachment to a white Christmas. She heads to the beach for a barbeque. Sounds good, but it just doesn't sound right. Ask me again in late February how I feel about it!

Happy Holidays!

So this year I'm not annoyed by Christmas music, which is weird, because usually it drives me crazy by now. I guess the key is go on holiday every year right before the holidays. That way you're more ready to embrace the season.

So a holiday every November--sounds good to me. So I'm behind on wrapping presents. I haven't sent out my cards, yet. I've got 20 to send...so I'm sending to those who send to me and some other special family and friends.

Even though I'm not ready (I'm behind on everything.) It's okay! No worries. Ah, the beauty of embracing the laid-back Australian lifestyle. How long can I keep up the holiday attitude? Want to take bets? This is almost a month.

Back in the states

Everyone has been asking me to sum up my trip. In a word, wonderful. My time in Australia was truly rejuvenating and it made me so happy to get some beach and ocean time. Although, I do love the mountains. (This week loving the mountains is a bit of a debate, but that's another post. ) Even so water has a way of bringing you back. Looking at the waves crash to the shore and hearing the surf just makes you realize that life is happening as it should. There is something elemental about the ocean.

There is also something amazing about a holiday. You have the time to think and to realize that life is in the embracing of all the moments. It is so nice to not know what time it is, what day it is, and to not have every moment planned. I also enjoyed the way that Australians seem to value their personal time. In America, I think personal time is often frowned upon in pursuit of being "productive," but when you really think about it how productive are you when you're completely exhausted?

So my first takeaway is that I am to embrace this more balanced view. I want to feel like I do now, a month from now. So I got some shopping for Christmas done earlier, and the items are on backorder. I tried at least. I am working on working out in the morning, because I'm worth it. What is a lesson that you've learned on holiday that you made a part of your life? Please share.