Another Trip Around the Sun

Happy birthday to my blog and Happy 2012 to you! I started blogging last year at New Year’s as a way to keep up with my resolutions, sort of like an accountability journal. Looking back, this was a great idea. Although my resolutions slipped out of sight, as do most, I realized how much I love to write, however simple it may be—and hopefully some of you enjoyed the postings along the way.

I know I say things like this all the time, but I honestly am flabbergasted by how fast time goes by (I’ve been told that’s a sign of getting older). After 365 days, 31 blog posts, over 1,000 pageviews (thanks guys!), and lots of laughs along the way … it’s time to rethink my resolutions and revise my writing.

My favorite thing about the past year’s blog is recognizing the kindness and caring hearts of people around me. I’ll continue writing about that because it makes my heart smile to think about the goodness in the world. Enter cheesy smile here.

As for 2012 resolutions…  My first is to make family more of a priority. I know I’ve been a little slack in making an effort to spend time with my family. Especially now that I have some amazing baby faces, thanks to my in-laws, family needs to be a definite focus. I need to be more pro-active so I can be FUN Aunt Erin for all of my nephews (the count is up to 5, in case you’re wondering) and Cousin, Niece, Granddaughter, Sister-in-Law, etc. Erin for everyone else.

Secondly, I know I’ve got to do a better job of making healthy choices. Ugh- I’m not getting any younger, and I need to take care of myself. This includes food and beverage selection and physical activity (notice, I did NOT say diet or exercise; that’d be a total cliché. Insert sly face here). *As I’m writing after a long day of family dinners and two weeks of “holiday” eating, I am not even sure if my school pants will zip tomorrow. And add a pouting face here.

And last, but not least, I am learning to sew. Yep, me- extremely impatient and uncoordinated and frequently spatially challenged. My dad bought a sewing machine for me for Christmas, and I’ve already sewn a half-apron and three fleece hats (two for my twin nephews… cute picture attached). It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning as I go.

This last trip around the sun was full of laughs and love, challenges and triumphs. As always, I’m sad to say goodbye to a year, especially a year with such amazing memories and opportunities for growth. But, with hope and faith, I am excited about the new possibilities ahead in 2012.  I hope you’ll continue to read along the journey.