New Year

I have always believed that Birthdays and New Years are good for us- its a restart- a chance to begin again- 

Each year on my birthday I make a list of things I hope to do in the next 364 days prior to my next birthdate- but this year I decided to skip it- mostly because it always depresses me when I discover I have done (typically) NOTHING on my list- some years its not a bad thing- like the year I decided I should buy an ocean whaler- but being the way I am- and that is another blog- not reaching set forth goals is discouraging.

But today is New Year- and although I am tempted to start my list - I have decided to switch it up a bit and this year I will make a list of things I will NOT do.

1. I'm not going to watch a movie with subtitles.  I live with a person who speaks Spanish and understands Spanish as well as she speaks and understands English-- so movies in Spanish are not "foreign" to her.  I don't speak Spanish- thus, movies in Spanish are still foreign to me.

2. Along this same line, I'm not going to say- " Whatever you chose on Netflicks is fine", because its not fine.  If the budget for the film is not over 10 million- we are not ordering it.

3. I will not take a ativan (and then proceed to drink 2 or maybe 3 margaratias) at a party for my sister-in-law's (or any friend or family) boyfriend.  I have to keep track of twins this year and I can't be wandering around Old Town Pasadena with vomit on my shirt (I am confident it was my vomit).

4.  If any person (even a health care provider) says anything about Gioconda's weight I will not say- " We have been eating a lot of fast food.".

5. I will not worry and/or fret that I have too many (animals) or not enough (money) of anything.

6. I will not allow a day to go by without kissing Gioconda.

7.  I will not forget how thankful I am every day:

That my family has their health,  and that although our families are very different (Des Moines and Nicaragua) we all come together to celebrate the big (and small) events of our lives. 

That Gioconda is the type of person who is willing to endure 2 years of fertility treatments- and significant heart ache to have  (not one but) two babies.

That I am glad I have the big white dog, even though Pinnter hates her.

And, that I live with people who keep my life interesting- and give me something to write about every day. EVERYDAY.

This is most likely more than I can not do over the next year- but as always - I will try.