But Teresa, isn’t it a little late to be writing a “New year new me” post? Well hey, I get to make the rules here. My only goal this year, and pretty much every year, is to be “better”. What does that mean to me?

• Don’t give up
• Keep trying to get the most out of life
• Focus on what’s important
• HAVE FUN
• Love myself more

I would love to report that 2016 has been such a wonderfully amazing year that I’ve been too busy to post, but sadly, its been a little bit of a challenge. I’ve been thinking about this first post of 2016 for months, and haven’t made the time to get ‘er done. I have spent time pondering how I could rejuvenate my energy around this blog (which I really do love) and find a way to keep up with posting in a way that inspires me on my journey (called life) and maybe inspires or at least amuses you, gentle readers. So bear with me while I try a few things out. And please jump in with all your ideas and sassy comments. I love it!

Highlights of 2016 thus far…

January

We celebrated my parents retirement with friends and family. It was wonderful. We had a great time throwing them a party with my sister and her husband. The food was from Midtown Global Market. Amazing. OH, and new X-files. Is there a better way to start 2016?

February

I turned my attention to identifying and focusing on my core values. Family. Service. Authenticity. I committed to spending fewer nights cuddled up with my laptop, working. We made time for get togethers with lots of friends. Played games. Deadpool came out. ‘nough said.

March

Started out great with a fabulous dinner party with old family friends and a few new ones. We had planned an exciting vacation to the south to visit old friends, cuddle my psuedo niece, and eat all the foods in New Orleans. Sadly, our little kitty Charlie had other plans. He was admitted to the the kitty ER the day before we were to leave for said trip, and stayed for 4 days. Trip canceled. On the bright side, Charlie is still with us and doing well. We ended the month by celebrating Easter with the fam and were surrounded by our whole wonderful family and all the littles to entertain us.

April

Let me find something positive to say first…Ah yes, the first day of April was a delight. I took a half day off work and spent the afternoon with my littlest godsons and their amazing mama. I also made a thing out out bronze. Pretty great, right!?  The rest of the month went quickly downhill. The years of difficulties at work came to a head. Our unit got notice that it would be laid off. And as of Wednesday, I am a lady of leisure. Working a few hours a week as needed to support my unit’s transfer. It was amazingly hard to say goodbye to the team I worked with these past several year. I was very fortunate to have worked with such incredible people. I can’t wait to see what we all do next.

So what’s next?

I didn’t make a list of resolutions this year, just a list of things I wanted to do more of (or less of). So I think that will be the focus of this blog for a while. I’ll try to do one or more of these things each day, and share with all of you each week. And now, I have the added opportunity (that’s what we’re calling it today), of exploring a new career path. I’ll probably throw some details about that in here too 🙂 So what’s on the list for 2016? In particular order:

• Listen to more music
• Do more photography
• Focus on family first
• Spend more time with my godsons
• Make time to explore creative interests
• Play more SWTOR
• Work fewer evenings and weekends (nailed it)

I’m excited (and also a little nervous) about what life can look like in the coming months. Here’s a preview:

~Teresa