Ghost Pops, Sparklers and New Year

It is an exceptionally beautiful New Year's morning, here in South Africa, and one can hope that it will be a reflection of a beautiful year to come. I spent New Year's Eve in the best possible way, which involved balloons, sparklers, braaivleis, Big Bang Theory, a guitar and a more importantly: a most wonderful group of friends. Thanks guys, you know who you are, and you absolutely rock. 

 

Having already broken into a packet of Ghost Pops this morning (and it's only 07h30) I'm not going to jump into New Year Resolutions just yet. No, I'll be taking a few moments to look back at 2011, as many people are doing, if only to reflect on all that I can be grateful for. 

I'm grateful that I gave up caffeine. A good cup of decaff coffee tastes the same as normal coffee, without the heart palpitations. 

I'm grateful to have found a job that I love. A job is hard enough to find in itself, but to do something that you love... well, that's remarkable. 

I'm grateful for my husband. This year has seen a blossoming of who we are together, and I'm excited about what the future holds. 

I'm grateful for all the music. 2011 brought about some of the most ground-breaking music releases, and my love affair with music has only become more passionate and consuming during this last year. 

I'm grateful for my nephew's conception. I'm about to become an Auntie, proudest Auntie on the planet, and so thank you and good luck to my wonderful brother and his beautiful wife.

I'm grateful that after many years of struggling with my hamstring injury, I finally managed to kick my punching bag - for the first time since giving up kick-boxing. I'm having the time of my life!

I'm grateful for family. No words can express how amazing you all are. 

I'm grateful for all the simple things. A roof overhead. Summer heat, sunshine and pretty dresses. Big Bang Theory. The existence of chocolate. The discovery of organic products.

I'm grateful for the new people I've met who have added to the spontaneity and colour in my life.

I'm grateful for my first live concert experience ever - thank you, Kongos, you dudes rocked on every level.

I'm grateful for my blog. Grateful that one winter morning, stuck at home with flu, my sick boredom birthed this little website that has become an outlet for one of the things I simply love to do: write. 

I'm grateful for Grace, which was paid for at the highest price. My hope is that I never forget the Cross or the Empty Grave, and all that they represent.

Once I'm done with my Ghost Pops and decaff coffee, I shall contemplate my resolutions for this coming year. But what good are resolutions, if you don't take the time to look back and contemplate the wonders and successes of the year just passed?

So, this is all I want to carry into 2012. Forgetting all the disappointments, and letting go of the things that hurt, remembering only the blessings, and in turn, looking forward to the blessings to come. Setting new goals, making new decisions, praying for new adventures.


Come with me, fellow inhabitants of this planet. 2012 is here, and it beckons us to live it!