New Year

    Just celebrated another birthday after the start of the New Year. It was difficult as a young child with a birthday right after Christmas and New Year's celebrations because most everyone is ready to get back into a slower pace and a little quiet. My birthday was pretty understated. As a child it was rather disappointing. As an adult I think I prefer understated. It goes along with my desire to be average. Sounds strange doesn't it!? It's the result of having an other than average life so far (as I see it).
    Because of the chronology of events I'm guessing, the turn of the New Year followed almost immediately by marking another year of my life feels like a chance to start fresh. All cliches aside, I like the hope of something better. It's a chance to succeed at becoming a better, more organized, happier, and healthier me. My focus is always on the little things; making my checkbook a better record of our finances so we can budget at a glance if needed; stocking the cupboards with healthier foods that all of us can incorporate into our daily diets without feeling deprived; encouraging my family to start fresh and get excited about their own plans and goals.
   One thing at which I've not been good, that I want to focus on this year, is begin to do more of the 'just for me' things that I've delayed so I could take care of my family's needs. But they're all grown and now pretty much on their own, or will be shortly. 
   The types of things I'd do have changed a bit over the years, but there is still a list of them. On top is to get my degree.  I stopped going to school to have children, then put off going back so Jim could finish his schooling. Well, then the rest of life got in the way. You know the story. It's certainly not unique to me. It isn't unusual for mothers/wives to put the rest of the family first. Certainly my own mother put all of us before her own wishes. And in fact, my Mother-In-Law is my inspiration for this goal. She was quite the 'go-getter'. This might just be the year for some serious consideration. Happy 2012!