12 reasons

This could be our backyard!  But its not, yet.

Two weeks are left of this year and one week until Christmas. This month has been significantly different than last year in December. Last year I was burned out in many ways, over-committed, sleep deprived and definitely trying to run faster than I had strength (so to speak). For someone who loves December as the grand finale to my favorite season, autumn, last year just didn't cut it! I was tired, ornery and couldn't see clearly enough for the things that make me happiest to become the highest priority. Depressed is a good way of summing up the effect that had on me. It wasn't all bad, especially when I look at Christmas day pictures, but was bad enough to make me consider a change very early on this year. I re-evaluated my life and felt like I could make some adjustments. I made plans early on to commit to things that would make this year better. I have had to let go of some things for other things and the adjustments have been good. So here are my 12 reasons this December is better than last. Not all inclusive but things I probably failed to do or recognize last year. These are also in no particular order.

1) Ornaments on my tree!

2) House was decorated early.

3) My Smooth Jazz Christmas station on Pandora is fantastic and on often.

4) New to us, comfy couch to curl up on and enjoy the lights on the tree.

5) No post Halloween sickness with traditional lingering chest congestion junk and persistent cough!

6) Appreciating my family more and taking the time to truly be mentally with them as well, instead of thinking of the million other things I think I should be doing.

7) The abundance of great people I'm surrounded by.

8) There hasn't been a single snow day or sick day yet this school year, so everything has been on schedule. This of course was totally out of my control but so appreciated. Now only 2 days of school left and Nick is off work for the rest of the year and groceries are stocked. So bring on the snow!

9) I used my china for the first time in years. It is no longer packed in boxes, well some of it isn't.

10) Albert is MY dog, he likes me and wants to curl up by me when I take the time to just sit and relax.

11) Less busy-ness to clutter my life, even though I'm still plenty busy. 

12) Deciding this year I was going to just take this month and really enjoy it.  Smart choice! NO REGRETS!

Disclaimer - please do not think that life is fairytale every day!  Today I would have gladly turned in all 3 boys even for a few hours to eliminate unnecessary emotions.  But overall it is turning out to be a nice month.