As 2008 does it’s final lap, it’s time for reconciliation. I am a big one for tying up those loose ends while dressing the tree, and accountability is my middle name. So, in retrospect, how many of those New Year’s Resolutions I jotted down back on December 16 2007 on the transatlantic flight back to Cape Town for my wedding did I really manage to keep these very full 12 months? Here’s my very public come- to-Jesus reckoning.
December 16, 2008
1. Simply stress less. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on what is life-changing.
2. Put Alan, and Us, first. Always.
3. Build on our circle of friends. Open ourselves to meeting people, look after old friends, and renew lost connections. Make time for those we love.
4. Take advantage of San Francisco, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Rediscover what we have loved, and find new favourites.
5. Travel, travel, travel.
6. Save.
7. Get a great job – both of us.
8. Keep the healthy upkeep – look after our God-given bodies.
2008 was surely a landmark year for us. If friends are what makes the world go round, we certainly did some good housekeeping this year, cutting away the rotten dead wood, making fresh, healthy connections, and spending happy times with old trusty faithfuls. Travel was top of mind, as we took out a chunk of the year to explore together a corner of this world close to Alan’s heart, and closer to home, conquered the American pastime of road trips. Saving gets out the elevator when it spots travel, so I’m forgiving myself for that one. As a newly married couple, we also took on the largest challenge of all, which involved complete career turnarounds. Alan said “no thank you” to a deal with the devil, and I finally found that it was writing that was really in my heart. My “3rd helping, please” darling has slimmed down even further since landing back on American soil (something I have made up for on his behalf) and we both love to run those Lyon St stairs together. San Francisco is as beautiful as ever on this milky morning, and with the store next door piping out the carols at 9am, I remember all it is I love about her. And in these last days of the year, with airport holiday travel, Christmas shopping at Union Square, and concentrated family time, we’ll do our best to work on the stress less and put us first agreements.
Watch this space for my 2009 Resolutions. As they say…”many people look forward to the new year for a new start to old habits”. Happy Holidays!
Cool post keep it up