Another year in the books. The holiday high has just about completely worn off already and now we're solidly in the new year. 2013 feels good so far...
Christmas was nice, although a bit unconventional since, as a family, we spent it on different continents. That was not an easy choice to make, but I think we all made the best of it. Unconventional seems to be the way with a bi-cultural family. I like to embrace it.
Christmas was nice, although a bit unconventional since, as a family, we spent it on different continents. That was not an easy choice to make, but I think we all made the best of it. Unconventional seems to be the way with a bi-cultural family. I like to embrace it.
My sister and I were out doing some last minute shopping the Friday before Christmas. We had just parked and gotten out of the car when I noticed a card on an empty bench. Curious, I went for a closer look and read the envelope, "Open Me! Yes You!"
I looked around, a bit confused, but I obliged. Inside was a Christmas card with a scratch off lottery ticket and a message. The person who left the card was performing 26 random acts of kindness in honor of the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. I was their number 21. Such a small gesture, but so very touching.
Francie had a great Christmas. At 20 months old, she really seemed to comprehend it much more than I'd expected her to. Seeing her face in the morning after Santa visited us the night before was just awesome, there's no better way to describe it.
And now here we are, 12 days into this brand new year. 2013. It's got to be a good one, right?
I don't like to make resolutions, but I did take some time to reflect on the past 12 months and think about where I'd like the next 12 to be heading. I have some goals for the coming months, as I'm sure most people do. It's good to have something(s) to strive for, otherwise you just end up feeling stuck. Stagnant. Aimless. Like a hamster on a wheel, staying in one place. That just won't do.
This year, my goals seem tangible. I'd like to start driving again, because it's been about 5 years now since I really drove on the regular. I miss it. I think I'll have to take driving lessons to build my confidence back up. 16 all over again.
There are some financial goals that I hope to meet, and a monkey on my back in the form of a student loan that I cannot wait to toss off once and for all. I'm getting close. I want to be really mindful of my spending when it comes to clothing and all that jazz. I'd like to pick a number and stick to it, specifically I'd like to stay in the $200 range for the first 6 months of the year, but that seems a lofty goal. Maybe by writing it here, I'll be able to stick with it. Maybe.
I want us to really soak up Bulgaria in the Springtime; I want to appreciate every last little thing about it, the good, bad, and the ugly. Because I find myself missing it already. Please remind me of this the first time that the water goes off in our building for several hours.
And I want to laugh more. Maybe that sounds simple and silly, probably because it is, but it's true. I just want to laugh.
Francie had a great Christmas. At 20 months old, she really seemed to comprehend it much more than I'd expected her to. Seeing her face in the morning after Santa visited us the night before was just awesome, there's no better way to describe it.
And now here we are, 12 days into this brand new year. 2013. It's got to be a good one, right?
I don't like to make resolutions, but I did take some time to reflect on the past 12 months and think about where I'd like the next 12 to be heading. I have some goals for the coming months, as I'm sure most people do. It's good to have something(s) to strive for, otherwise you just end up feeling stuck. Stagnant. Aimless. Like a hamster on a wheel, staying in one place. That just won't do.
This year, my goals seem tangible. I'd like to start driving again, because it's been about 5 years now since I really drove on the regular. I miss it. I think I'll have to take driving lessons to build my confidence back up. 16 all over again.
There are some financial goals that I hope to meet, and a monkey on my back in the form of a student loan that I cannot wait to toss off once and for all. I'm getting close. I want to be really mindful of my spending when it comes to clothing and all that jazz. I'd like to pick a number and stick to it, specifically I'd like to stay in the $200 range for the first 6 months of the year, but that seems a lofty goal. Maybe by writing it here, I'll be able to stick with it. Maybe.
I want us to really soak up Bulgaria in the Springtime; I want to appreciate every last little thing about it, the good, bad, and the ugly. Because I find myself missing it already. Please remind me of this the first time that the water goes off in our building for several hours.
And I want to laugh more. Maybe that sounds simple and silly, probably because it is, but it's true. I just want to laugh.
A huge way to go for you and your family Lauren :).This post was inspiring, it really was!Wishing you guys all the best in the new 2013!
ReplyDeleteOh, bi-cultural (bi-continental?) families are hard at Christmastime. YOu're always missing SOMONE, no matter where you are, right? But I think the ticket is to make the most of the situation, just as you siad. SOuns like you have done just that, and are well on your way to a great year ahead. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Elena! I wish you all the best this year as well!
ReplyDeleteBi-continental is very appropriate, I like that! It's so true, someone is always missing someone in this situation, always.
ReplyDelete