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OK, I will admit that this was far from a scientific poll. However, after carefully analyzing the results (with the tallying help of my intrepid assistant Debbie), I learned the following: of those who commented on my recent post about whether or not New Year’s resolutions are worth it 117 say yes So many of you had such thoughtful observations about why you do or do not make resolutions that it’s hard to single any one out. But one of my favorites was from Michele, who described her un-resolution tradition this way: “On December 31, 2006, my husband, then five-year-old son and I, participated in festival called Hogmanay (Scottish New Year). The idea is you write down on a piece of paper specific "pests" you want to get rid of in the new year (not your mother-in-law). There is a bonfire that's big enough to make you sweat on on a cold winter's night. It is into that fire that you throw your "pest." Instead of thinking about what you want, it really makes you think about what you don't want. It is such a cleansing mental process, and throwing that paper into the fire was so liberating. And I can attest, that what I burned never found it's way back into my year. We weren't able to make it back this year, but I continued the tradition on my own with a match and a piece of paper. For me, it's the resolution to the New Year's resolution.” I’m not sure what “pests” I would write down, although on a Friday when I’m typing these words with a 12-year-old who has been out of school all week with a sore throat and a low fever sitting behind me in my office, scheming ways to eat all the candy (necessary item #7 in my working life, right up there with coffee, my stapler and a box of tissues) from the glass vase on my table and — more to the point — far too much domestic drama this week than is to my liking — well, let’s just say my “pests” this week feel somewhat beyond my control. After the week I’ve had, all I want is a weekend of healthy family members, a healthy nanny, and a Monday that dawns without so much drama. If I write “drama” on a piece of paper and throw it into my fireplace tonight, do you think it will work?
Posted by: Staci| January 25, 2008 at 03:34 PM I'm glad you liked my post. If you're free on December 31, 2008 you can take a drive to New Jersey and feel the heat (http://www.thelhs.org/hogmanay4.html). Until then, the fireplace will do! I understand about drama. There are times when mundane can be just lovely. And, per Staci's post, there are also times when a swift kick in the crotch is a gift. Kristin, may your next week be downright boring. Hi, I've been reading this blog for a couple of months and love it...thanks, Kristin. I just need to comment on Staci's post. Staci, you and your familiy are in my prayers and this just reminds me of what's really important. I think that events like this help to pull us back in touch with our priorities. Although complaining to each other about our lack of sleep, the never ending curve balls that our kids send our way, and various other "pests" in our lives is hilarious and often therapeutic...this "adventure in chaos" that is our life is certainly precious and never to be taken for granted. Good luck, Staci. Staci, I've been thinking about you all weekend. I think when you say radiation, you really do mean "we," because you obviously will be and have been a big part of your husband's scary roller coaster ride. I'm so glad you two found this, and it sounds like you're doing everything you need to do. And Debbie is absolutely right; while sleeplessness and hectic schedules, etc. are what we all "struggle" with on a daily basis, what you're facing is *true* chaos, a real challenge. Good luck in riding through it; hang in there. I thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. From what I understand...since we "caught" it so early, there's a 98.9% cure rate and that sounds PRETTY dog gone good to me. Not to make light of the situation, but we truly are blessed, grateful, thankful and a host of other words, that it was almost like a little "bout" with a cold???!!! He starts radiation this week and that doesn't sound like it will be terrible??!! We'll see. My Sweet Husband just says he's "living large and leaning a little to the left!" Ha! I'm glad we can laugh about this. There's nothing like a little reality check and this weekend I think we all laughed and played a little more and for me...under my breath, thankful for every second I have him around! I hope you all had a restful weekend and Kristin I hope you were able to get all those "pests" under control! (Hope your father-in0law is doing better too!) Have a great week! Oh gosh, Staci....all the very best... 'not doubt' = 'no doubt'......sheesh. Thanks for your thoughts too Cindy H. Truly reminds us to count each and every blessing---even if it is a kick in the crotch! |
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Kristin, I'm right there with you on what a week---rather whirlwind it has been. I'm hoping this is not too personal info to be sharing on a blog but I'd like to think it's just REALLY important info that should be shared so that you too will not experience what my family has experienced in the past 5 days. Sooo, here goes: Last Friday, my Sweet Husband of 10 years and who just turned 40 in September was in for a little check of his "netherland" after being accidentally kicked by our littlest guy...anyway, long story short...after having an ultrasound and the urologist calling on a Saturday---you know that could never be good...or your first thought is maybe he's just being nice so we don't have to "wait" all weekend for the ultrasound result. Nope, it's a tumor and we were scheduled for surgery on Monday to find out it was a malignant seminoma and lots of terms that were pretty scary. After Barium Sulfate cocktails and CATSCANS we do have good news...even though yes, it was malignant, the pathology report came back as a PURE seminoma which is what we were praying it would only be. Sooo, again, long story short, this week seems like a dream to me and we are so thankful to our littlest guy for kicking Daddy! So, please pass this info along to all your loved one's and just get checked out---if you find this particular cancer early, the prognosis is VERY good. We (and when I say we, I mean he!) just has to have radiation now. As for those little "pests"...they can seem WAY beyond our control and I hope the weekend holds much health and happiness for everyone. I think the piece of paper is WAY worth the try ;)