2011. The Year Of The Crap Storm.

I know I’ve had worse years. The year of my divorce. The year beloved grandparents or family members or friends or former students died.  The year we noticed that yes, the recession had finally hit my husband’s business, our business – our only source of income business.

But 2011 wasn’t all that great, either. My annoying/embarrassing/can’t even talk about them health issues – times two. More finance crap. Having to pull your boys out of their/my favorite school because you just can’t afford it any more. Parents, with whom you already have a crappy relationship, ignore your birthday. Renters who run out on the lease they signed on the house you still have left from the housing bubble that burst just as you were purchasing your new, now overpriced, home — all this just before the holidays hit. Spending ignored birthday cleaning the rental house that former renters trashed beyond recognition. Our beautiful 1950’s bungalow BEYOND recognition. We’re talking about vomit paint colors and crayon drawings all over every wall, solid wooden doors that some teenager used as target practice with knives, covered in pock marks – and yes, that is door(s), as in plural. Missing light fixtures, stolen appliances, broken window panes and every screen ripped to shreds. Carpets that haven’t been vacuumed in…well, EVER. Hardwood floors with unrecognizable stains or burn marks. (How do people live like this?) I could go on but I’m getting too depressed remembering.

A crap storm of events.

And I’m still hopeful.

Still.

Because in between the crap there were some beautiful moments, too.

Daughter going off to college and coming back with 4 A’s and 1 B. Two little boys who adjusted to their new school with amazing attitudes,  knowing full well why they had to switch and never complaining about it despite missing their old school so very, very much. An old friend who contacted me out of the blue on my birthday, to remind me how much she missed me and our friendship that had fizzled. Making a significant dent in our debt crisis. And finding a new renter, with a solid income, who loves older homes as much as we do.

Silver linings in a crap storm.

That’s what I need to focus on.

Silver linings.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy New Year full of silver linings for any crap that comes your way!

More Sage Advice From Jane or New Year’s Advice Sure To Come In Handy!

Happy New Year, y’all!

See you next year!*

*I’m sorry. I just love saying that. I know it’s all 4th grade but that’s where my humor gene is stuck, I guess!

 

Happy (Jane’s) New Year!

While checking out other blogs, familiarizing myself with this new world (to me, anyway) I’ve noticed that many of you started your blogs in January. A New Years resolution kind of thing, perhaps? On top of your list? Right up there with eat less and move more?  Quit smoking? That sort of thing?

My deadlines or start up dates have always been the start of the school year. I still think of Aug/Sept as the start of a new year. I suppose after being a student for so long (elementary, middle, high school, college, and more college because I liked it so much and couldn’t get enough but not enough for another degree, apparently) and then teaching once I was finally “finished” (although, I dream of going back) and then getting the kids ready once I had them – you get the idea. I just fell into a routine.

My projects are always slated for “the school year” or “the summer.” I even get my new calendar in August – or July if Barnes and Noble has them in stock yet. I get the 18 month calendars and then only use it for 12 because of course another new “school” year is upon us again.

And since I’m not teaching anymore or going to school myself I find it a bit curious that I’ve never broken the cycle and celebrated the New Year with the rest of the world in January. I mean, we do the whole party hat, watch the ball drop, champagne toast sort of thing. But I don’t think of it as a time for a new calendar, what will the new year bring, gee I should start yoga again or I’ll begin my diet now sort of thing. That starts in September. 

My new year just started – minus the party hats and confetti.  My goals this year are: drink less sugar filled calories, do yoga at least 4 days a week, send out one snail mail note or card to someone I love once a week, make time for girlfriends at least twice a month and clean out all closets by the end of the “year.” With all the detours my life provides this list will be a challenge. But I’m up for it. After all, it’s a brand new year!