Happy New Year

Resolution for 2025 - be more social. I could hardly be less, so to that end, we invited our neighbors and Steph et al for drinks and appetizers* New Year’s Eve. At 5:00 PM. I didn’t completely loose my mind and consider staying up until midnight. No, Gracie and I were happily tucked in bed at 10:30, listening to the fireworks.

The theme parks started their shows, which we can hear but not see, at 6:30. Across the street, Vanessa and Ross shot off some at 9:00 for their daughters and friends. Gracie shot to the window to see what was happening. After that, she retreated to our bed, seeming unconcerned. I was surprised. The rest of the evening, especially 11:00 - 1:00, was a continuous thump from houses around the lakes. No need for the city to spend money when all the local residents will spend theirs. Grant came to bed eventually.

His foot is still really sore, and it is swollen all the way of his calf. He got a by from exercising from Denny this week, which meant I got all the attention. My ribs are letting me know I did extra sit-ups this week. 

In 2024, I did keep up with reading a magazine article or two every morning (my 2023 resolution) Right now all I have are 1 Wings (Xerces magazine), 1 Audubon and 2 National Geographis on my reading table. So I think I can call that a habit. I did fall off the “finding delight” bandwagon (see January 1, 2024), so I may reread the book about that. I did a pretty good job of buying less, so I think I can claim that as a habit too.

For 2025, which I have declared the Year of the Molt, I plan to clean one shelf, drawer, or box per week, with the idea that I can shed even more stuff. I did my underwear drawer last week, moving to the front old bras and panties which will get one more wear, then be tossed, rather than washed. I will make a post to record my success. I will dive into the nostalgia boxes in the garage. 

The major shed will be the pounds I’ve gained and retained over the past couple of months. I am happier when my clothes are just a little looser. That dang eat less, exercise more works, so I started my arm exercises again this morning. A habit I’ve had and am recovering.

All in all, 2024 was pretty darn great. Here’s to 2025. Prost!

                            ———————-

*We went a little overboard, baking mushroom rolls in puff pastry (delicious and easy) and cheese puffs (meh); plus grapes, chips, crackers, pepperoni and mozzarella cubes, nuts, pretzels, and garlic bagel chips.. I made glühwein.

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