My new year was brought in with family, and though I've never been the type of person to pretend everything is perfect in my life when it is not (despite this being common online etiquette), I can honestly say I wouldn't have wanted to bring in the new year any other way than with my mother. It was just about perfect.
My husband and I returned to Columbus a few days ago, after visiting my grandmother in Toledo. My family is okay but could be doing better. My grandmother's neighborhood in Toledo is rough and her health is declining. My mother's foot is hurting after multiple surgeries. My sister is having health problems. We all argued quite a bit. My husband wasn't feeling well. I am allergic to Mom's cats. And yet, it was just about perfect. We ate; we laughed; we fought but made up; we pet the dander machines because allergies or no, cats are adorable; we talked about hardships but also set our worries aside; we played Royalty (I kicked ass), which is a cool little game that should make a resurgence; and we laughed together. We reflected and resolved.
In other words, despite the challenges we all have, New Year's Eve was near perfection. 2014 comes with promise and love, and this is exactly how it should have come. I have no doubt that this year will be fantastic. Even if this is just another day, it's always another opportunity. And I'm taking it. Just like every year, here are my resolutions...
2014 Resolutions
Eat well and stay healthy (as far as I can control)
Make a new friend this year (choose wisely) and be
good/supportive to the friends I have
Get a place with a backyard for Ahti
Spend my time wisely
Read more
Write more
Get a novel contract (We Arrive Uninvited)
Get my short story collection published (The Getaway State)
Finish Rattle novel (My
Name is E)
Ensure that Don’t
Tease the Elephants is a strong little book (forthcoming March 20)
Be good to my family, and help as much as possible without
trying to control or change, only support
Stay focused!
I wish you all a wonderful 2014, and I hope you feel the hope that the day (symbolic or not) can provide you.
HAPPY 2014!!!
Bummer! It drives me even more insane to admit this.
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