Cheers to 2012

We all know by now that I am no longer in the running for "Optimist of the Year Award", but it takes a certain brand of realist to appreciate life as I do.  At least I'd like to think so.  As a rule, I try to stay away from people who like to appear perfect or illustrate their lives to be such.  That is not to say that we should be constantly bringing each other down or constantly needing therapeutic conversations but come on people let's "get real".   I love the reality, substance and authenticity of peoples' lives.  I like to joy in your successes and mourn and grieve with your failures or sadness.  And then we get up and go again....like we should.  Obviously, I feel very sentimental and thoughtful right now  No, I don't love every second of life as I should but it is a journey.  Sometimes it is a difficult journey.  As a good friend and rapper would quote, "Life ain't a track meet, it's a marathon".

I just finished a war romance novel that I thought was really good.  It is called A Town Like Alice, (don't you love my old school punctuation, books underline, articles in quotations...blah, blah).  The storyline follows a girl who gets stuck in Asia during WWII  and had to walk over 1200 miles in a "death march", with a camp of women and children....it is a lot more than that, but I hope not to spoil any part, in case you should like to read it.  In some parts, the descriptions can get a little monotonous but overall it keeps your attention fairly well and has an interesting story line. 

However, I loved the main character and mainly I loved her persevering and positive attitude.  I felt that after finishing the book that I definitely could try to wake up every day and try a little harder, "be a little better" as President Hinckley would say.  Mainly meaning, I should try and look "on the bright side", "eat my eggs sunny side up", "look through rose-colored classes" or whatever way you look at your glass of life. 

With that in mind, here's to a New Year!  I LOVE even numbered years....aside from the fact that I got married in 2005 and my son was born in 2009.  I also generally feel that even numbered years just are good years overall for me, I know it is ALL in my head.  I'm just saying I'm excited for what is to come.  I haven't made New Years Resolutions but plan to soon...(not procrastinating is one of them...sheepish chuckle).  So here's to 2012 and staying in contact with all our wonderful friends!  (consider this your Christmas Card, as that was one New Year's Resolution that I failed at last year, boo, I know.)

Ahem...no comment.

Once upon a time there was a tiny family who liked to move around a lot.  Um...well not really, but they did anyways. Let's just call it a financial compulsion. really. Well this family moved to place that did not have inexpensive internet or tv. It was a long time and they got very bored at times, but alas they survived. Barely.                                                                    

Birthday boy eating cake.



Birthday boy!

This most likely is lunch...but who knows really.

Looooooong road trip.

More birthday boy.

Brownie ice cream cake, didn't really turn out looking nice, but tasted A-OK.

"Look at me from the side, do I look fat to you?"  Haha. DELICIOUS.

No, I will not post pictures of Alex's birthday cake....let's just say it looked like my cake decorating from college...maybe one day I will post it for laughs.  Missed you all, and so glad to be back ONLINE.