Twenty Three

What I've learned in my twenty-third year as it draws to an end:

my parents still know best
Vegas is good fun
colorful to-do lists at work are the only way to go
a picture is worth WAY more than a thousand words
true friends tend to be there for you in the most unexpected ways
marriage is amazing
marriage is hard
going to weddings as a guest is so fun
reading the Bible daily is challenging and worth it
laughing should be a part of every day
Pizza places don't inherently know your address
Being assertive is a great way to grow (in career and otherwise)
blogging is addictive
traveling is always a priority
skiing faster does not necessarily equate to falling harder
driving faster may result in a ticket
Red wine is, in fact, delicous
three people know me best
God is good
Froggie's cuddling is therapeutic
sailing is relaxing and exhilerating
writing hand-written notes is important
weddings are quick
family dynamics are forever changing
honeymoons should happen every year
car accidents in New York are no bueno
love is a decision, an emotion, and a story--all in one, and all independent of each other

Investments

In the midst of my current, uninspiring drought of creativity...I have been encouraged. Several people have asked about this blog, and why there has been no post in over a month, and so I have turned my attention back to this outlet I love so much.

It is not that I have not been thinking about writing. In fact, if anyone could read my thoughts on a day in, day out, basis, they would find them playing out in a novel-like format. I think in "chapters", in "themes", in "beginnings and endings", and so on.

I write and re-write scenarios in my mind. I browse the dictionary for new and descriptive words...for fun. I love to write. And I have missed writing.

But, as previously stated, I have felt utterly uninspired. The holidays, while fun and adventurous, were slightly exhausting (note: 36 hour layover followed by a 13 hour drive), and I have been left feeling weary.

But, as the season for goals, aspirations, and resolutions has arrived, I have succumb to the "trap" of making a resolution, and intend to stick to it.

My resolution?

To make larger, more meaningful investments.

I want to invest in to fewer relationships (not spreading myself so thin), and to really take the time to know and care for the people in my life.

I want to intellectually invest in reading more, challenging my mind...and have addtionally taken on the goal of reading the New Testament alongside my husband this year.

I want to invest in my career, and go the extra mile on a daily basis.

I want to invest time in the kitchen, and challenge myself to make new recipes on a weekly basis.

I am sure these investments will adapt and change over time, but my goal will (hopefully) remain the same. I want to spend more time on the people in my life, the passions that I have, the faith that I know, and the self-improvements (i.e. cooking) that I need to make.

Along with these investments, I want to keep up with this blog. I love the way it acts as a time capsule--I can clearly see the way my outlook changes as I chronicle little tidbits from day to day. So thank you to those of you who have encouraged me to keep writing. And best wishes to you, in 2012!