An Unexpected Hug: Bring it on!

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Bring it on!

2011 has, in many respects, been an odd year. Over dinner we had to think of three things that we were thankful for, happy about, proud of or had enjoyed in the last twelve months.

I have a lot to be thankful for. At the beginning of the year I was seeing a psychologist who really helped me to think about my behaviours and be mindful of my mood swings. When Anton noted (at dinner today) that he was proud of how much I had taken ownership of my feelings this year and how much stronger I seemed to him, I knew I had made progress. It is almost as though I can watch the negative thoughts coming in now, often memories of stupid things I have done in the past come back to haunt me, and basically I can tell them to 'SOD OFF' usually in a very loud voice!! That's a big advance for me. I still have a long way to go but I am still learning.

I am so proud of my kids. Not just my own kids who are the most awesomest, creative, caring, beautiful, thoughtful, intelligent... well you get the gist...but also the lovely GKP class I had the honour of spending time with. This year I made a point of going to all their prize givings and celebrations and they were joyful occasions. I may find my job hard but it has so many benefits! Oh and of course my two lovely children are the best of the bunch!!!!!

You can just see Reuben's head so both my kids are on here!

Physically it has been a rough year. I tore my calf muscle in February and it took so long to recover. To be honest it was my own fault. I hadn't prepared enough for a race and hadn't taken into account the fact that I am getting older and it takes longer to recover these days. As a result I am finishing the year far less fit than I would like to be and considerably heavier. But all this will change.

This could be a hugely long post but perhaps now isn't the time. Just for now a few things to point the way into the New Year.

1. The adorable Hayley Lowe has suggested running the Wellington Marathon in June. She suggested this today just as I was looking for new trainers. So guess what I am doing tomorrow. I am beginning a new four month training plan. I WILL RUN ANOTHER MARATHON THIS YEAR! There I have said it!!!

2. I am going to carry on learning Italian. I have enjoyed it and I want to improve. It is not something I find easy which is why it is such a challenge but I will meet it head on.

3. MY MOM IS COMING TO VISIT FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!

4. I will sew. I will embroider and I will try to create some individual pieces (thinking about dogs, cats, mental health and alzheimers as topics). I need a sketch book to get all the ideas down.

a possible model?

5. I will blog as regularly as the internet will allow (at least once a week) if only to record the running progress!

6. I will take each day as it comes!

As the internet is playing ball I have been surfing a while and found some lovely things that have inspired me!