NYE 2010.......Who would have thought!

So it is NYE 2010 and it has been a while since I have even thought of posting anything.  I take this as a good sign meaning that I have been super busy and have firmly planted myself and grown.  In other words, I have survived!

It is a great feeling to know that just 1 1/2 years later I have  a group of great friends coming over to share in our tradition of Dungeness Crab, Minestrone and Sour Dough Bread, brought to you straight from San Francisco.  All of them are special to me in so many ways and I am honored to be able to share this evening with them and toast the many more good times to come in this next year.  I am blessed.

Looking back at this year I am remembering all of the things that have allowed me to call this new place home. Besides my amazing husband and kids and of course one loving doggie, I have found so many different things that make me the person I am today and have allowed me to call this southern state home.  I have learned to embrace where I am and what it has to offer.  I have explored new places and new things and learned so much along the way.  I have met some of the most amazing people who have done such a variety of things that together we are an incredible package.  I have made friends who I will cherish always even once the winds blow and reroute me to my next destination. (note here:  not anytime soon!)  I am luckier than most.

So when life takes you new places and asks you to settle down and plant new roots, do so with enthusiasm and style.  Don't hold any of yourself back trying to fit into a particular mold.  Chances are they have been waiting for you to complete their mold.  And when you meet people who are not willing to get to know you and embrace you, move on and find those who will.

May your 2011 be an amazing year filled with happiness and good health and loving friends and family.

Find a new passion

Now I don't mean the hunky gardener or pool boy...then again if you are lucky enough. Just kidding.  That would actually be a whole different post.  Possibly a "What not to do" one.

One thing I have found in this crazy world is that it is great to have a passion.  For some it is food, wine, running or reading.  For me it is food, wine, walking & ..........volunteering.  I can't help it.  My hand has a terrible habit of going up when someone asks for help.  I sometimes try to sit on it, but it still wiggles out from under my leg.  Then, when I  have finally controlled my hand, my mouth goes and says, "Sure, I can help!"  But I have figured out why this happens.  I really like to help out.  Some might call it a sickness (you know who you are Bob honey), some might call it a gift.  And some might call it just crazy!  But whatever it is for you, for me it is a piece to my puzzle.  It is what makes me tick.  It makes me smile!  It makes me feel useful!  And did I mention all of the really great people you get to meet when you volunteer?  Future friends for sure!

Now we all have something that we love and feel passionate about.  Maybe it is reading, walking, working with seniors, or even gardening.  These are all great things to use as a base to launch your social life in your new surroundings.  Look for the local garden club, go find a day center for the elderly, volunteer at school, at your local library even.  I have started walking with some really great gals in my neighborhood.  We walk at least 3 days a week with the dogs.  We drink coffee and hold poopy bags as we laugh along the trails of the Chatahoochee.

So write out a list of your favorite things or passions and then follow them.  You just might be surprised what great people you can meet from this simple act!  And in no time at all you will feel like you are thriving, not just surviving.

A move always means change....

A move always means change.  Some good, some not so good.  What I have decided is that change keeps you alive.  If we are not always changing, life would get a little boring.  I am learning to embrace all of the new things life has to offer.  New friends, new foods, new situations.  I try and make a point to try something new at least once a week.  Whether it is a new recipe, new coffee house (sorry Starbucks), new friends (the best part!) or a new route to walk the dog.  It is in part the change that makes us the special people that we are.

Now there are some changes that are OK to fight!  Like today when I went to the eye doctor and he told me I needed Bi-focals...........WHAT?  I am not liking that change, but I did pick out a very fun pair of glasses, so at least I will be stylish.  Pictures soon once they arrive.

I hope Y'all embrace the changes in your lives!

Snow Days in GA??????? What???

Imagine this picture......  a line of cars waiting for their turn to try and make it up the hill.  (The operative word is trying)  Apparently a few were not successful.  Here in the Atlanta area,  salt trucks are not common and they really do not make it into the neighborhoods.  And we actually have hills here, as opposed to the place up North where we used to live, so salt on a super icy day is needed.  The hubby actually parked his car and walked back home since he was not willing to go down the one hill he actually made it up.  

The kids of course are in heaven.  Not a lot of snow (under one inch)  but the ice and slide factor is there!  Thankfully I have kept my Northern living skills, and am fully prepared for the onslaught of hungry mouths to feed.  So if you can make it into my neighborhood, come on over for some grilled cheese, tomato soup, and my infamous hot chocolate.  For you adults, I will try and make hubby break into the good stuff!

Happy Wintering Y'all