Familiar

Today, as I was sitting at a picnic table, singing songs with Harlie and waiting for Scott to come back to the park with lunch, I had a familiar feeling come over me...a hopeful, peaceful feeling. The same one from just over two years ago, when Scott and I brought Harlie home from the hospital and we had three or four days to spend just getting to know her better before Scott had to go back to work.

And even now, after we've finished our PB&J's, apple slices and chocolate milk, the feeling lingers. Harlie is napping, Scott ran to get his haircut and Austin is helping his friend haul all of the necessary gaming gear to our house for a sleepover tonight.

Now, maybe it's just the sun and that soothing warmth on your back that fills you up after weeks of damp and dreary days. Because, indeed, the promise of warmer weather and a new season is exactly what I need right about now.

Or maybe, this is how it was supposed to go after all.

Here's to hoping...

2010 Recap

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

Go on an interview. Baskin Robbins doesn't count.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?


I don't remember making any.

This year I resolve to be kinder to myself and those around me that deserve all the love I can give them.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?


Although not literally close to me, Emily and Lenette, who are dear, long time friends of mine each had a baby. Asher was born in July and Mia was born in October.

4. Did anyone close to you die?


Not that I can remember, but my mind is mush these days

5. What countries did you visit?

None.


6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

Financial security.

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

August 19th. The day our life was turned upside down.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


I think the most obvious would be landing a J-O-B, however, there were little victories throughout the year that made a big impact on my life. Signing the lease last week on our rental felt HUGE.

9. What was your biggest failure?
The short sale. And also the way I took my frustrations out on Scott.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had bronchitis that lasted about a month. That was annoying as all hell.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
A security deposit and first month's rent.

12. Where did most of your money go?
GAS!!!! And food.

13. What did you get really excited about?
Trips out of town, to Livermore, Napa and Tahoe. My job. Scott's job. The email from Scott that said WE GOT IT!!!!

14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
I'm a believer

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder? About the same, but for different reasons. Life is so different now.
– thinner or fatter? Probably fatter.
– richer or poorer? Richer in opportunity, about the same cash-wise.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?


Blogging. Reading. Memorizing. Traveling. Exercising.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?


Fretting. Nagging.

18. How did you spend Christmas?

At (my parent's) home with my family. It was perfect.

19. What was your favorite TV program?

Brothers and Sisters...it's extra good this year.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?

Don't Say a Word by Barbara Freethy and Daily Coyote by Shreve Stockton

21. What was your favorite music from this year?


My favorite song would probably be The Weary Kind from the Crazy Heart Soundtrack.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?

I really liked Crazy Heart and Easy A :-).

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 32 and spent my birthday with the fam in Tahoe.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Not having to move.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?

Slouchy.

26. What kept you sane?

My friends and sister. Hands down

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.


Home is where your heart is