Well it is time again to post my annual end of the year check in.
The holidays have traditionally been very depressing for me. However, this year was so busy, I didn't really have time to think, much less lament.
Christmas was very frenetic, and almost over scheduled. I had several places to be throughout the day and had to eat at every one. I felt somewhat obligated to eat at each place and noticed that my energy was quickly waning. I blew off my last activity, a party of one of my karaoke buddies, quite by accident. My one hour power nap turned into four hours and I missed the party!
I did have time to put together this little list to let you, Darling Reader, know where things are in my life right now.
I continue to "choose joy" every day. And sometimes that means "choosing Joy." And that is okay.
Financially, I am blessed. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food on my table with a little money left over to be a little blessing to others and still have some fun.
I still don't miss the satellite.
I am comfortable in my own skin now. Of course, my new gym habit (3 times a week for over a year old now) has my skin fitting me better than ever. Ha Ha! I am stronger now than I was when I was 30. Along with the strength and toned muscles, I am improving my balance. My cardiologist is impressed with the obvious side effects: a healthier heart! I blew my very first stress test out of the water.
Speaking of the gym, I am a key holder now. They trust me. They have included me in their mission. I am making a difference in people's lives. I think before it is all over, I may become a trainer myself.
I have developed a great group of friends, who love and encourage me. My trainer and her husband, the girls in my toning and lifting classes, the friends I sing karaoke with every week, folks at my church. My bestie, now a grandmother, has been burning the roads up in the six weeks since the grandboy's birth, so I don't get to see her as much as I used to.
I go out with a great group of friends, singing karaoke almost every weekend. I sing what I enjoy, mostly 70's pop. "Desperado," "Annie's Song,"and "California Dreamin'" are currently crowd favorites. But my signature song is Natalie Merchant's "Wonder." My favorite line is "I'm a challenge, to your balance. I'm over your heads, how I confound you and astound you." I try my best to applaud everyone who has the courage to stand in a roomful of strangers and sing. The applause is nice and many tell me that they can tell that I am having fun. Those in the inner circle tell me they are happy to see me having fun again.
Someone pointed out once, that I apparently can't cook, but I came to realize I actually don't LIKE to cook. So I decided to never cook again. I eat pretty well and have been pretty successful at keeping it healthy. I haven't cooked myself a meal in almost a year. This week, however, my trainer announced that she wants me eating a strictly regimented diet, so I may have to bite the bullet and break out the crock pot.
So many things to look forward to in 2018.
EnJOY it!