A New Year

Here I am wishing a Merry post-Christmas and looking forward to the New Year.  Every new year holds possibilities.  Some new, some renewed (can you say diet?  exercise?  finances?).   Some good, some not-so-good.  What's new for you?  What good things await you?

We have a boatload!!  So many good, new, and exciting things are peering at us from the distant horizon.   Let's get a list going.   It may not be a long list but it's a multi-level list - layers.  Like an onion.  That makes me think of Shrek.... Anyway!

1.  iMac - yup!  Mine!  Thanks to my very own Superman (aka Alan)!  It's new, fresh, and a challenge.  I've only had PCs before so I'm on a learning curve.  Big.Time.  I thought since I already have an iPhone and a mini iPad, I'd adjust quickly but it's simply not the same.  My old PC died, unresurrectable from my best techie friend.  I really hope techie Referral Number 2 can bring it back to life long enough to retrieve my valuables (pics, docs, etc). Will I ever disregard the value of timely back-ups?  I hope not.  

2.  My sweet girl, Elizabeth, is somewhat overdue for having her own pet since her brother got his guinea pigs when he turned 8.... So, since she is now 8 1/2, 2 girl ratties will be joining our family soon!  Now, now.  Don't be ignorant and narrow-minded, thinking repulsive thoughts.  They're clean, cute, smart, friendly, and make great first-pets for kids.  Or so I've read!  Of course, what this means for me is another cage-constructing project.  Since I'm a DIY-er, I'm definitely looking forward to this.  

3.  Another new addition is on her way.... Alan and I are going to be grandparents!  Alan's daughter, Crystal, and husband, Sebastian, are expecting a daughter early February.  I honestly didn't know if I'd attain that g'ma status given my own late mommy hood so to say I'm excited is spot on!

4.  Declutter Challenge - I started one last year - an in-depth 13-week program by MaryOrganizes.com that encompasses the entire house - but lost steam waaaaay too soon.   Um, like, I got through the first week.  Maybe week and a half.  Maybe.  Probably not.  Since I'm an admitted clutter-bug, I really needed to see this through.  I love the idea of minimalist living but honestly, I can't realistically see me embracing a barren home landscape.  But I know I have entirely too much STUFF, so, I'm going to give it another go because....

5.   Ben & Elizabeth (kids), Charley & Lucy (dogs), Edison (cat), Stanley & Snickers (guinea pigs), unnamed rats to come, and I will be MOVING!  To Washington!!  Finally!!!  If you've read my post titled Choice.  Chance.  Change.  published 5/15/16 you may be aware of my desire to relocate with my kids.  There are TONS of things I could elaborate on... but won't.  If you want to know, ask me.  Long story very short - my you're-not-moving-because-I-say-so ex-husband gambled and lost and although no one really wins in these situations, we will be moving at the end of this school year.  Without hesitation, I'm embracing the whole-family scenario.  It's how it's supposed to be.

So, yeah, 2017 holds lots of new possibilities.  A lot of choices, chances, changes all around.  The first quarter of the year will be focusing on that decluttering thing, the second quarter will be packing and preparing - all in the midst of everyday demands and challenges.  I'm excited, nervous, anxious - pretty normal stuff.  Ben, E and I will be leaving what we've known for the past 9 years but looking ahead to new adventures, experiences, and opportunities.  Please, truly, wish us success.  Wish us well.  

Eleanor Said it Best

This morning I crossed paths with a friend.  "I read your blog'" she said.  She was surprised at the content since she hadn't heard any negative talk.  "I'm waiting for the next one."  So, here it is.

My last blog was an emotional, knee-jerk reaction to a comment, a comment not made by someone I regard as a close friend.  Once again, I let my own insecurities dictate a reaction.  

Eleanor Roosevelt said it best:  You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.  

She nailed it.  

Choice. Chance. Change.

Some decisions are by choice.  Some are left to chance.  Either can lead to change.

I believe my children and I are quickly approaching a change because of someone else's choice.  Life deals some funny hands.  I'm not talking funny as in 'ha ha' but rather funny as in 'oh, really?'  Ten months ago I remarried but my husband lives two states away so we have traveled back and forth for the past 2 1/2 years.  I know - it's weird.  It's just where we are.  His work and my kids have kept us apart.  He has valuable work connections after 30+ years in his field and my kids have a dad they love - so whaddya do?  One way or another, you make sacrifices and decide to make it work.

So, 'another' has happened.  My kids' dad received the dreaded pink slip last week.  We live less than a 1/2 mile apart in a tiny, remote community with virtually no opportunities or options.  He won't be able to stay where he is which inevitably means a move for him.  A month or so ago, I requested from him a move to join my husband; he said "My life is the way I like it."  His choice.  Pink Slip.  My chance.  

I know some people think I'm being selfish by wanting to move.  First and foremost, um, yeah.  I want to be with my husband.  Selfish?  Darned right.  Second, for all you who have yet to walk in my shoes - zip your lip and your secretive speculations.  My guess is most of those who have some negative opinion or judgment haven't bothered to learn all the details or history.  Bottom line, your opinion is based on a whole lot of what you don't know nothin' about.  

So, yeah, I'm hoping my kids and I can move.  There are some special folks here I'm very fond of but I'm ready to shake the dust off my sandals and go where I know I'm loved and appreciated.  My choice for a chance at change. 

Two Sides

No matter what you hear, no matter what you see, know this:  There are two sides to every story.  And to each, their side is right.  What you do with that will determine your future.