New Years Resolutions weren't a priority for me this year.  But I read this yesterday and it is certainly the year I would like to have.   “That was the day she made herself the promise to live more from intention and less from habit.” – Amy Rubin Flett

2016 was crazy-hectic.   And I was caught up in it.  Just trying to get through, but in reality I was like a mouse on a wheel, round and round but not going anywhere.  

David's work is demanding.  This year I would like to be more supportive.  Nicholas is going into year 6, and preparing for high school.  This year I want to walk every step with him.  Audrey is in year 3 and also needs to step up to new learning expectations.  Maggie has started the year in the junior preschool room of her child care.  

Me?  Who knows.  I am in a job that does not satisfy me in anyway - other than I show up and get paid, so I can pay the bills.  So I have regrets, leaving a job but on the other hand, this will also enable me (I hope) to be the support and the parent I need to be.  I know there are parts of these jobs that will be a challenge, but I want to make a difference in my family, and be the best that I can be for those I love.

 To be that, I also know that I need to give myself a little self care.  What will this be?  Reading, pleasure in the simple things and ensuring I am mindful of all around me, including the choices I make.

This year I read more than I have in a long time.

My list is:

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

The Light Between Oceans by M L Stedman

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J K Rowling

The Lady In Gold by Anne-Marie O'Connor

The Wife Drought by Annabel Crabb
La Rose by Louise Erdrich
Elephant Moon by John Sweeney
The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferante

Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson (audio)
The Good People by Hannah Kent

I did say Amen to Annabel Crabb: "so long 2016.  Don't trip over on your way out".  While I say I am not focused on New Years Resolutions, so many events during 2016 have made me want to think more about simple things, choosing less in order to really have more.  And for this reason I think of this Ted Talk on Gratitude.  My we all learn to be MORE GRATEFUL.

2016 ending

I was going to post about the books I had managed to read in 2016.  But I found I had posted a lot of Christmas/Boxing Day photos and had neglected to hit publish.

We had a great time over the 25th/26th December!
Christmas Day was with David's family, and at our house.  We were excited to be hosting this year.  (A great excuse to purchase the linen napkins I have been eyeing off for months...)

David and I had fun (and late nights) prepping food and planning the menu.

Boxing Day was a relaxed lunch at Orroral Valley.  A great spot that we will be certain to visit again.

I was determined to enjoy it all.  After a year of global misery and personal struggles I wanted to forget it all and to be in the moment.  And I did.  I even bought a new (for me) dress to wear on Boxing Day.