The Return of Optimism

I'm not totally sure, but I seem to have totally lost the spark to write the last couple of weeks.  And I despite my best efforts, I had not even managed to pull myself together to write a wrap up post for the year that past until now. 

2012 was a tough year. And Hurricane Sandy for sure did not make it any easier.

I shouldn’t say that it was all bad—tons of great things happened. I decided to leave a job I loathed and started something new. I got a slew of new clients, so I got to see a little more of middle America—especially all those trips to St. Louis. Rich and I took our first kid-free real vacation. Riviera Maya in Mexico was all I had dreamed of.  The summer started with my little girl turning two, and realizing that she is not so little anymore. Time has really flown by!

We had a beautiful summer filled with lazy days in the backyard, day trips to the beach, and a few picnics in the park.  We finished up our summer with some amazing days at the beach with Cami in Montauk.

We went for wine tastings at the Long Island Wineries. We became the proud owners of a cute little Shih Tzu named Angel. This was also the year we almost completed the renovation work on our house—soon we can start enjoying all those weekends “weekend-warrior free.”

Turning my thoughts to 2013, I feel optimistic. I don’t make new years resolutions. Ever. They never last and as soon as they are broken, you feel like you failed.

But for some of you who know me, every new years, it's time to pick a theme to celebrate in the coming year. I usually pick something I feel has been missing, something I need to embrace; do more of; and sometimes even less of.

After much contemplation and self-reflection, and this year is officially the “Year of Simplicity”—a year of less. A year that I hope will be filled simple fun. A year with fewer commitments and less stress. A year with more spontaneity and less of pleasing others. 

This is also going to be the year of less stuff. I know that sounds odd for someone that adores bags, cute dresses and pretty shoes, and often feel the compulsion to buy all the things I love. But after spending some time clearing closet and moving things around the house, I started to feel overwhelmed by all the things in my house. Every box and closet door opened, more things appeared. How many summer dresses can one possibly own. It is definitely time to start getting rid of stuff and not replenishing!