Honey, here’s what I know this year…

Man, sometimes it takes you a long time to sound like yourself.”

Miles Davis

Every time I take a friend or family member out for a birthday celebration, I try to work in this question to the conversation: “What do you know this year that you didn’t know last year?”. The question stumps people sometimes. And, sometimes, they answer immediately. I recently had my own birthday, and I’ve been pondering the question myself. I always consider my birthday a time of reflection and I try to think about how I want the next year to look. I think about my daily habits, what needs to change or needs work, and what I’m proud I’ve accomplished. I also think more and more about the people I spend my time with, and the impact they have on me.

I’ll address the “people” part first: I am blessed to have a wonderful family. I have a loving, kind, and supportive husband, who is just the best person I know. I have a lovely sister, brother-in-law and their children, and my parents are both still with us. I have amazing kids, and their spouses are equally wonderful. I don’t take that for granted. It is an embarrassment of riches. A huge thank-you to them for all they mean to me in my life, and how they influence me for the better (I like to think of my kids as “Corli 2.0” – they’re so much more evolved than I was at their age – here’s to evolution!).

I think of my friends, old and new. There are so many of you to thank (another embarrassment of riches!). Whether we’re getting together once a year because we live far away, or we see each other on a regular basis for walks in the park, lunches, crafting afternoons, bookclub meetings, evenings out for a show – I thank you for your kindness and friendship. No one is an island, and I am so grateful for the tribe I have.

I think about what I want my life to look like next year. Here are a few areas I want to develop:

• I want to get my weight back down to what it was last year. This should take about 4 months to achieve. I’ve established a list of “rules” that I will follow. So far, so good.
• I want to spend some time playing the piano again. I don’t play regularly any more. I have decided to put practicing on my calendar at least 3 times per week. Excited about this! I also want to start singing on a regular basis. After retirement from being a church Music Director for 20 years, I took a break. I miss it. I’m working on some stuff that may really end up being fun!
• I want to start recording again (see above list item!). I have a home studio, and one of my goals has always been to record all my favorite Beatle’s songs (I have transcripts of all their works – every part, from french horn to strings). I’d love to do some recordings with my family of these gems!
• I want to get better at sewing. I sew in a “crafty” way. I’m not making garments, although, who knows about the future? I’m happy to make a small quilt or a tote bag. I so enjoyed the Christmas stockings I made this year. I want to build on that. I also want to spend more time doing punch needle and embroidery. These hobbies really make my soul sing!
• I want to take better care of my skin. This sounds odd, I know, but I am lazy at night, and sometimes all my face gets is a warm washcloth and a promise to do better tomorrow. I’d like to have a simple routine that I follow every night. I’ve been reading a lot about Parisian women’s skin care routines. Most take excellent care of their skin and wear little or no makeup. This sounds like a good strategy to me. This may require a few purchases and possibly a trip or two to the esthetician. Getting that organized. (Any good recommendations for skincare products? Please share here, on the blog!)
• I want to continue my walking routine (I walk 1.5 – 2.5 miles per day), and add some strength training. I have 1 and 2 pounds weights. Simple, but effective over time. I just need to do it!
• I really enjoy cooking. I want to get in the kitchen and tweak some recipes to make them more friendly with the rules I’ve established for eating. I think it will be a fun challenge.

I will keep you posted as to the progress of my year. I’d love to hear about your plans. Share with us here on the blog!

Until next time, my friends!