Anything But Gray

New Year's is big for me because my birthday is right after it and I do the reflecting on the year that everyone else does on New Year's…but I think I do it double because my birthday is right there too.

My mother has always told me that I'm lucky that my birthday is so close to New Year's because both are times  when people reflect on their lives and think about the things that they want to change for themselves.  So I get to kill two birds with one stone. I think she is right.

A lot has changed for us this year. Big changes. Scary changes. Dreams come true type changes.
And looking back I am thankful. So very thankful.

All in all, leaving Alaska and moving back home has been wonderful. But the transition has been a tough road, financially. But in some stroke of fate (perhaps?) we are no different than anyone else right now. Everyone is having a hard time and worried about money, jobs and the economy. That is making this road much easier to travel. There is a "we are all in this together" mentality in life that is very reassuring, to say the least.  I know everything is going to work out and I know we we will weather this storm and come out okay. And hopefully having learned a few lessons along the way. And at least we are in good company.

I should be ready to have a nervous breakdown. But I'm not. Knowing that other people are struggling too is making my struggle feel less stressful. Not that I wish anyone to struggle, but knowing you are not alone, helps. Also, what we have living here makes up for what we do not have, financially. We may not be able to go out every weekend or shop on a whim, but we have our health, we have family that adores us, my friends, the ability to drive anywhere we want, stores to browse in, fun places to take the kids and sunny days. Glorious sunny days. That may not seem like a big deal, the sunshine, but when you live without it for so long…..when you get it back, it becomes the high part of your life.  And luckily Zak and I have always enjoyed the simple things much more than the big extravagant things. Both of us would take sitting in a car, parked somewhere with a view, with a six pack and just talking over any big fancy restaurant in the world. That's the kind of people we are and always have been……so appreciating and enjoying the simple things really reduces the stress….it really does. And I love it.
Even with it being hard, I am so glad we moved.

But I will say I do miss our Alaska people. A lot. love you guys!!! Much in the way that I made Alaska a home for me and I learned to accept being there and even came to enjoy being there, I still missed home with every breath I took. I miss our Alaska family and friends….with every breath I take. And I know I always will.

Having said all this…..my wish for everyone this year…..health, happiness and survive the economy!!

One of my own goals this  year…..be better about blogging! I was awful toward the end of the year and I am bummed. Having a blog is a great way to keep a time line of your life and there is so much I missed by not blogging. Well, not "missed" but I didn't blog and that makes me sad.  So this year…..that is one of my goals. To be better about keeping up on this!  I won't bore you with my other goals…..the typical ones……same shit, different year.
And I'll save you the trouble of reading it! LOL Just cause I'm cool like that! Ha!!!!
 

Happy New Year's!!!!!
xoxo