Sunday, December 31, 2006

Happy New Year!

Hafsumorebeer! Er, excuse me. Allow me to try that again.

Happy New Year!

I’ve spent a lovely morning up in the loft here at Casa Sundry, reading the Sunday paper over coffee and looking out the window at the snow-covered roofs and the brilliant winter sky. Now that I’m informed and caffeinated, I am in a reflective state of mind. Here are some thoughts on 2006 and hopes (I do not do resolutions) for 2007.

Reflections on 2006

I think it’s safe to say that 2006 was a pivotal year in my life, and one I will remember.

I had a nasty spill early on in the year that I thought would destroy my life. Instead, I was honored by supportive friendship and the grace of people, and I learned how to forgive myself. I am a stronger person than I was in 2005 because of this, and while I wish it had never happened, I am still grateful that it did.

In the spring, I traveled to Italy and had the single best vacation I’ve ever had. Walking through the streets of Rome reminded me that life is still out there to be lived, and grinning like a fool, I felt lighter than I had in years. My visit to Florence with my sister showed me another dimension to her, and I loved learning from her. She and my brother-in-law were incredibly good to me.

I went to Memphis and reconnected with an old friend.

I developed an interest in the theater, going to several plays, including one on Broadway.

I got better at dating. I fell in love. Ex-Boyfriend hurt me terribly, but we had some wonderful times together. After we broke up, I was still strong enough and hopeful enough to go on.

The 2006 election restored my hope for my country. Americans woke up and saw the right for what it was—an affront to everything we hold dear. The wars continue to rage, and there is a lot of ground to make up, but I have hope again. It’s been a long time.

My parents gave me an amazing gift that has opened up new possibilities for my future.

And, I started this bloggy thing. For years I’d talked about writing, but I never did it. I might not be turning out polished prose all the time, but I am writing. It makes me happy. I’ve also met some extraordinary people here in cyberspace. You make me laugh; you make me think. It is a privilege to know you. Thank you.

Hopes for 2007

As I said, I don’t do resolutions, but here are some hopes I have for 2007.

I’d like to be more flexible. Lately I’ve been thinking about finding another dance class or possibly taking up Yoga again, but I would also like to be a more flexible person in other ways. If nothing else, 2006 taught me to roll with life and know that it will get better. I’d like to continue with that.

I want to continue writing. I want to get better at it.

Knitting makes me happy, and I don’t want to stop now that the holidays are over. I’d like to find another pottery studio to work at. I’d like to get better at taking pictures.

I’d like to find a rewarding career path that still allows me to support myself.

I’d like to move. This home has been good to me for three years, but I would like to try something new.

I want to continue dating.

I want to travel again.

I want to keep learning about the world around me. Perhaps also learn a new language? It would be fun to do more than exchange pleanstries and order food. I enjoy fancy cooking, and I’d like to get better at that (and, Carissa, I also want to stop being so lazy and make my own lunches—bagels be damned!).

I want to continue to be a good and supportive friend. I would like to make new friends.

And, I suppose it would be a good idea to kick my occasional smoking habit.

So, I’ve reflected, and I’ve hoped. Now I must dash in order to get ready for the big New Year’s bash I am attending this evening.

Happy New Year!

7 comments:

Scout said...

Your hopes are inspiring, Sassy. Go for the dancing and the pottery and the career and the language study.... And thanks to you to for being a great blogpal. Here's to another year of blogship.

You write well, so keep at it.

Old Knudsen said...

2007 will indeed be an interesting year, it adds to 9 which means anything is possible.

dive said...

Wow, Sassy. That is a FANTASTIC post!
Great writing!

Here's hoping that 2007 brings you everything that you wish for (well everything good, anyway … kicking smoking is going to suck ass, but good luck anyway).

And many, many thanks for keeping a grumpy old man happy this last few months.

Have a great time this evening, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
xx

Carissa B said...

Hooray for knitting! And for killing bagels! I need to get on the "down with bagels" band wagon. Though, bagels aren't so bad I think if you bring them rom home. Or make a sandwich on them. I bought some sandwich bagels yesterday that are square and have 10g protein each. I'll tell you if they are any good. I'm thinking they might be good to make breakfast sandwiches on.

All that to say.....

Have you checked out the Sexy Knitters Club yet (there's a link on my blog if you haven't)? They're going to do a knit-along for a sweater that might be a fun new knitting project (it doesn't look too hard).

Chris said...

hey Sassy, "Happy New Year", cheers

james said...

Here's one fellow who's glad you took up the blogging thing. As for the occasional smoke thing . . . well, i'm not certain i can be the best of support, but hey, here's to hoping.

Happy New Year to you.

Sassy Sundry said...

Thanks, everyone.

Hope you had a wonderful New Year!