Well here we are - January 2009. Christmas has been well and truly packed away now in our household. I am always a bit reluctant to take the decorations down, especially the tree - the house seems bereft somehow, but it is done.
We had a lovely Christmas. Daughter and her little 4 year old had been with us for several days beforehand, having to leave for home on Christmas afternoon, and we were joined for lunch on Christmas Day by my mum and OH's aunt and uncle. Boxing Day was quiet - just the two of us - and in the early evening we went to friends, who were holding a small supper party, staying until around mid-night. A couple of times we had friends to lunch. Long and leisurely, both occasions went on until around 8.30 pm. For me that was great. I didn't have to attend any parties, straining to catch what people were saying and trying to outshout everyone else over the LOUD music, and still enjoyed "the Christmas spirit" with family and friends.
2008 was a good year as far as I was concerned. I made two trips to Australia and my first visit to India. My seventh grandchild (second grandson) was born, in fact it was only this time last year that we learned he was expected. Apart from a few aches and pains my health was good and, it being my first year of retirement, having time to myself I was able to be more organised, caught up with some outstanding chores and some outstanding friends! I also discovered the world of blogging!
So what will 2009 bring, apart from my 65th birthday! I have to admit to a certain amount of trepidation when I look forward to the year ahead, not a feeling I usually experience. Our house is still for sale and whereas this time last year we thought we would have moved into our new home well before Christmas, we have now accepted the fact that, in all probability, we will see another full year here so will make the most of it.
I do worry about the impending recession, especially when we read or hear of major stores going under. The firm my daughter works for appears to be having difficulties and, in Australia, my son says his work is drying up and he hasn't any need to return to work yet following the Christmas break. Perhaps that is where my nervousness stems from. However, not usually being one to make new year resolutions, I am determined to be more assertive and positive from now on. I usually rise to any challenge, so here's to 2009, best foot forward and I will take it on the chin, if necessary.
Anne
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
19 comments:
Happy New year Strawberry Jam Anne!
For our family, 2008 was a very bad year but I did start blogging so I can say that is one thing that really went well. (You reminded me of that!)
IMy daughter told me not to think about what the year has ahead as both of us are living one day at a time just to survive.
However, each year when I pick up my Christmas card list, several friends or relatives always seem to be missing.
Looking forward to the warmer weather though! And the grandchildren help us to keep pleasure in our lives, bless them!
Happy New Year!
Shaky start for me, but onward and upward. Our decorations are still up, but will come down this week, and once I am over this virus, it will be time to organise a 'back on the wagon' eating plan.
Blogging was on my list of resolutions last year, too, so that was one thing that went well!
Glad you had a good time over Christmas. Like your new year resolution too. All the best to you for 2009. Flick x
Hi Anne, thank you for sharing your lovely Christmas with us. I for one can't believe how fast 2008zoomed by. Where did it go? Anxiety for the unknown seems to be something many of us are suffering from. I wish you the very best of luck in selling your house and may 2009 be one of your happiest. Love, Denise
Maggie - do hope that 2009 is a much better year for you and your family. Think your daughter is right about taking it one day at a time. Small steps and all that. Know what you mean also about the Christmas card list - can be a bit depressing but also like you thank heaven for the grandchildren who, indeed, are a blessing.
A x
Jay - hope 2009 continues along a more even keel than the latter part of your 2008. Do hope you are feeling much better soon.
A x
Flick - Happy New Year - good to see you back and look forward to some more of your posts in 2009.
A x
Denise - 2008 absolutely sped by for us too. Could do with a slightly slower pace from now on! Thank you for your good wishes and may 2009 be a special year for you too.
A x
It only took me a day to rip down the ornaments and put out the tree...but I'm looking forward to Christmas again like always...I hope your 2009 is mellow and smooth Anne...and giving of all you need!
hugs
Sandi
Happy New Year and I hope you are successful with selling your house this year. We haven't decided yet as to whether we will put ours up for sale again.
I am so looking forward to following you through your blog in 2009.
Gill in Canada
(also thanks for recommending my blog to others, that's greatly appreciated)
Glad that you had a good Christmas. I got flu, a few days before and I'm still suffering a bit. No energy, plus lingering cough, etc. Christmas visits and having people to stay turned into a bit of a chore, as I didn't feel well. Never mind - I did enjoy seeing everyone!
I find loud music a problem, too. It's hopeless when no one can hear you and you can't hear anyone else.
It sound as if you had a good year. 2 trips to Australia and one to India plus another grandchild? Impressive!
I'm a bit apprehensive about looking back over my year. I think it might have been more bad than good, so I'm putting it off a bit.
I like your new year resolution, I am trying to adopt the same attitude! 2008 wasn't the best year for us either, so heres hoping 2009 will be kind to us all.
I am interested to know more about your wildlife pond, I wanted ours to be for wildlife so decided against fish but the first spring after we made the pond, 21 tiny baby fish appeared we assume they came in as eggs on a plant. I am considering making another pond, just for wildlife, so I hope you might do a post about yours sometime! Hint hint :-)
Hope 2009 will be a good year for you.
For us 2008 was a mixed year. We have had better and we have had worse. I got my blog up and running which was pleasing.
My New Year's resolutions are the same as last year which says something!
Sandi - like you I am already thinking ahead to next Christmas. No major plans yet but just little thoughts, presumably because it is still fresh in my mind! Thank you for your good wishes.
A x
Gill - thank you for your kind thoughts and comment. A x
Mean Mom - do hope you are now fully recovered and that 2009 is a better year for you. A x
Fern - I do hope that 2009 is a better year for you too. As for the wildlife pond - I may do a post on it - thanks for the thought. A x
CW - Happy New Year to you too - hope that 2009 just brings good things. A x
Happy New Year Anne. I hope 2009 is a healthy and happy year for you and your family. The economics are going to be tough, no doubt about it, so I'm hoping your kids are okay.
A BIG birthday this year! Are you going to do something nuts - like skydive?
XX
Hi! Just came across your blog and enjoyed it. Good luck with your resolution to be more assertive and positive - it's all one can do in these trying times!
Pam - have had a few thoughts about how to celebrate so you never know! A x
Varga - thanks for dropping by and the kind comment - will be over to visit you later today. A x
SJA...thank you for dropping by my blog and leaving your lovely comments. I do appreciate that.
Good luck with the house sale and the year ahead. I usually dread the coming year but this time I've decided to be upbeat! I'm sure 2009will bring good things for all of us. Hugs. Hxx
Post a Comment