Friday Ramblings

Happy January.

It's an odd January for me.

The calendar tells me that it has been a year since my mom passed away.

A YEAR? 

Some days it seems it has been just a couple of weeks ago, other times it seems like ten years. Memories and time away does that, I think.

Do you make resolutions?

Not me.

I have learned that for someone with perfectionistic tendencies they aren't such a good idea and they actually add more stress to my life. Then there's the stubborn side of me that keeps saying, "Huh. You can't make me do that. I want to do just the opposite because it's way more fun, and don't we all need more fun??? Please??" Plus, when something better comes along, I'm all for it and I have completely forgotten my resolution. When I do make up my mind to do something, I get it done, but I have to have the say so as to when I start. June is nice. Or April. Kinda eases you into the year....

If you make them, do you tend to stick to them? Have you seen one accomplished?

I can honestly say no to both questions.

We have taken lots and lots of walks this break. The weather has been cold (for us) and beautiful. 

The other reason we are taking lots of walks is because Brenna is "working" for some concert tickets.

She is bound and determined to get to a Justin Bieber concert. We thought he was finished winging his way through our area, but noooooooo....

With our other daughter, we would ask her to work for the money to pay for her ticket. It's a little more difficult for Brenna to do this, so my husband came up with a GENIUS idea.

We have cut up last year's J.B. calendar, month by month. For every day that Brenna eats well and exercises this month, she get a piece of the "puzzle" and puts it back together. We will do this for six months, until the date of the concert in June. 

We have tried so many ways to get her motivated to move, to make good choices about food, and it has been a long, strenuous road.

We have hit gold on this idea. I have never seen her more motivated in my life. The trick will be to continue it month by month, but I tell you what, so far so good!

It's not a resolution, as we have worked on this issue for years. So, I'm motivated to help her as well, and I'm looking forward to posting about the progress.

Have you seen it yet?

Oh, my word.

Les Miserables.

Possibly the best movie I have ever seen. I was riveted, I cried like a baby, I was utterly drained when it was done.

The darkness of man, and the greatness of grace and redemption. Over and over and over again,  grace and redemption win out. 

It's tremendous.

So, here's to January.

And June. 

And April.

New beginnings, new words to live by for the year, so much to look forward to in the coming days. Sometimes it's just a daybreak, maybe it's a reunion, but whatever it is, I hope it's gentle and brings you joy.

 Iphoto for the last couple of weeks: