much blabbering

2008 was a powerful year. So much happened. So many blessings; our first home, Susy's arrival, wonderful opportunities to extend hospitality and be blessed by "Angels" :) Even in times of great sorrow, as with the passing of Job's father, there was peace and sorrowful joy in the company of my husband's family, and bonds were made deeper and stronger.

My delight in "small-town life" has been renewed, as I've enjoyed friends and neighbors stopping by "just because." And since I gathered the nerve to venture out with my two babies, I've enjoyed many walks to the local coffee shops, parks, lunch-spots, my MIL's house, local pet store.

I even managed to re-connect with a college classmate (another fellow art major) who is now a mom of two and a delight to be around.

Now let's see.... I *think* my only resolution for 2008 was to not cut my hair. And, a few trims notwithstanding, I've managed to keep the scissors at bay! No drastic hairstyles this year.... no money poured down the drain on haircut after haircut. It was a bit tough for the first 3 months-- there were times when I really just wanted to hack it off. But after a while there was a certain freedom in striving to reach my goal.... or perhaps, in keeping my goal, I was freed from the nagging feeling inside that "if only I cut my hair I'd be.... prettier, more sophisticated, more likable, more stylish..." I may keep this resolution through this next year, just to see how long it can get! I'm excited.

I worried a lot about what having two kids would be like, earlier in the year. I was petrified in thinking that I'd have a repeat experience with Vasi, who was a very intense baby and, paired with the nerves and cluelessness of a new mom, it all made for a pretty crazy introduction to motherhood. I almost wonder if there was some PPD? Maybe I was just in denial the whole time? I don't know. But Susy has been a very, very easy baby. And whereas before I felt so lonely and isolated pent up in my apartment with my new baby, this time it was much easier having my verbal 2-year old "helper" at my side, eager to give love and affection to her new baby sister and help keep me company. So, thanks be to God!!! Truly.

Did I read anything? Um.... the Little House books. And about half of the Anne of Avonlea books. And lots of blogs!

I was introduced to Facebook just a few months ago. Hmm. I haven't decided yet if it's been a good thing or a bad thing. Hahaha! It has the ability to magically eat up my time.... but I'm trying to get better with it all. Now that Vasi has given up her naps, I find that I need to be more careful with how I spend my time and it's sort of torn me away from the computer screen. This is a GOOD thing.

You know... I was thinking.... there are all sorts of interesting blogs. Blogs about people who are trying to accomplish different lifestyle achievments. People who are striving to make their lives better, whether they're losing weight, traveling around the world, abstaining from buying new clothes, living simply or uber-frugally. Day by day, week by week, their success (or setbacks) are chronicled. And sometimes I wish there were blogs of people who "gave up the internet." What? Oh.... they don't exist? Hehe. But seriously, I'm always secretly amazed by those people who are like, "Oh.... I barely have a chance to check my e-mail..." I find that, as Vasi gets older, I have less time during the day to check my online stuff. So I sort of cluster it all in the evening, after the kids are in bed. But then I feel a bit torn, because there are so many other things I could/should be doing. Sewing, reading, cleaning (I admit), drawing, writing.... So, I guess for 2009, I just would like to be more purposeful with my time.


Okay, so here are the lessons I finally learned in 2008 (not that I live them out completely, but hey, at least I KNOW now :D)

-Junk is exhausting. No matter how much "sentimental value" it holds, it is always 10 times more visually pleasing to have less clutter.

-Wear what you like. Wear what fits, what compliments you best. Wear what makes you happy. Get rid of everything else. Seriously. I've learned that I'd rather wear 2 shirts that I LIKE than rotate 20 different shirts that I don't really care for. Plus, it's not high school anymore, and nobody is keeping track of what I wear. And.... if someone is, then I'm flattered.

-I talk too much. Have I always done this? I don't know. I look quiet and unassuming, but once I get a chance to talk, I sort of don't stop. I never thought of myself as a talker, but there you go. Some things takes 26 years to realize!

Okay, there so much more I could blabber on about, but I have a Vasilopita to make for my little Basil baby :D

Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Happy New Year!