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2021 // Play Nice

Well, how was everyone’s Christmas/New Year’s holiday? I was blessed to have some much needed time off from work and I definitely enjoyed it! We were able to spend time with some of my side of the family over the Christmas holiday and then rang in the new year with my partner's family in Houston. Our little area of Texas received about 3” of snow that we MISSED on New Year's Eve. It was the first time in five years that we’ve gotten snow and I’m still a bit bummed that we weren’t here for it. However, we had a blast in Houston and I still have faith that we’ll get another chance at snow later in January. Alas, it’s now the first full week of January and we’re all back to our regular schedules. I’m praying that 2021 is the year we get to clean up the mess that 2020 created. 

Now, I usually have a handful of goals I like to set out for myself at the beginning of the year. Then I come up with my “word of the year”. But this year I definitely slacked on all of those. With the pandemic wreaking havoc, I’m not sure if I’d even be able to accomplish many goals anyway. So, for now, I’m just praying for things to finally start getting back to normal. Or something that resembles it. Just like the majority of you, I’m ready to start exploring, traveling, and seeing shows again. I’m ready to walk around without a damn mask on. And I’m so ready for everything to stop smelling like disinfectant and hand sanitizer! I mean, wouldn’t that be so nice? Also, I’m still thinking about what my word for the year will be. And if I'm being honest, I’m not sure if I’ve ever shared “my word” with y’all? Since it usually takes me a bit longer to come up with it I think I just mention it to my sister-in-law and get on with the year. But in case you were wondering, last year’s word was “healing”. And y’all, it was so on point! My heart and soul did a lot of healing. I know that I still have so much more of it to do, but 2020 came through with a lot of growth and mending. So, on a personal level, 2020 was actually pretty wonderful! While the pandemic was/is awful, and the election stuff was/is miserable, I’m grateful for the areas that last year allowed me to work on. 

And last but not least, things around here will be changing up a bit. A lot actually. And I’m honestly not sure how often I’ll get to post on here. Sorry, Kim! A few months ago I was so sure that I’d have more time to sit down and write things out this year. To really give this creative outlet of mine some attention. I had a writing schedule planned out and some money set aside to give this blog of mine a little overhaul. I was so sure that this new year was going to be less hectic and include more downtime for me. I even looked into signing up for RCIA classes at my local church and into a summer ASL class because sign language is something I’ve always wanted to learn. Plus, I’m always being encouraged to find new interests and hobbies. However, things changed in a big way in a very short amount of time! So, none of that looks like it’s going to happen. I’ll talk more about the “why” on this in a later post, I promise. Just know that things may get a little quiet for a bit and that’s totally normal. 

For now, what are some of your goals for this new year? Any good news or bad news you’d like to share? Do you pick out a word for the year? If so, how do you go about it? I really hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s break! I know it was a weird one, and some of those we love weren't able to make it. But I pray that you were still able to find some joy and hope. Until the next post... 

Let’s get it, 2021!

Gratitude Journal // Twelve - Seventeen - Twenty

Gratitude Series: Sometimes, I let the bad in my day get the better of me. Other times, I get so caught up in my own little world that I forget to give thanks for all of the blessings in my life. I find myself taking things for granted over and over again. And that’s just not how I want to be anymore. So, right now, I’m choosing to give thanks for all of the things. 

• Work Bonus: Since changing job titles, and I’m assuming COVID-related issues, this year my bonus was significantly less than what it had been last year. And yet, still more than what I thought it would be. So, I’m really grateful for it. It covered all of the Christmas presents I wanted to get my family, one of my bills, and left over a bit to put into savings. I’m blessed. 

• My Abuela: She calls about twice a week to check in on us. One of the drawbacks of not living three miles away from my family is that I don’t get to see them every day the way I used to. This means that my time with my Abuela is very limited. And I definitely need to make sure that I start putting in an effort to call and check on her too. 

• Hallmark Channel(s): Yes, their movies are cheesy. Yes, every character is OVERLY nice. Yes, they do recycle stories. Yes, it’s basically a lot of the same actors. But you know what? I love them. I love that they are family-friendly. I love that each story has a happy ending. And I love that the biggest dilemma usually revolves around something not so complicated. Where will they get the perfect Christmas tree for the town's light festival?? Then, for the Christmas movies, there’s also a lot of snow, beautiful homes, and plenty of coffee. These movies serve as my break from all of the other stuff going on in the real world and I love them. 

• K: My partner’s mom has been wonderful. She helps with picking the little up from school every day. Always has them outside exploring. She treats Em like her granddaughter and even asks to be invited when Em has a performance. She’s welcomed us into her home since day one and she’s always up for helping whenever she can. 

• Our fireplace: I’ve always wanted to have a fireplace. I’ve wanted to decorate a mantle. I’ve wanted to have a fire going while drinking hot chocolate, cozied up on the couch with my family. And this year, I’ve been able to do just that. Now, the fireplace is a pain in the rear in regards to upkeep - which now I know. But there’s something really peaceful about hearing the logs crackle when the house is quiet at night. I’m really enjoying it on those cold nights. 

And that wraps up my gratitude post for this month. What are you grateful for today? This week? This month? What do you do to help bring some positivity back into your day if it's been a bad one? How do you make sure to stay grounded? And how will you be celebrating this Christmas season? I know it's been a minute since I've posted anything. Life at the end of the year gets pretty busy though. I hope every one of you is doing well though. Until the next post, I hope you have a wonderful day! Bye! 

“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.” - Unknown 

❤