I won't pretend that this was an easy year. Plus christmas time is always a hectic time of year for me. This year was no different. I got an incredibly late start; about 4 weeks too late. It makes the season less enjoyable to be in a constant crunch mode. I say the same thing every year, and it always ends the same anymore. Stressed out and in a panic, then depressed its past and over. Christmas seems to start on November 1st anymore, and usually by Thanksgiving I'm pretty burnt out on the music, decorations, and everything. Even though I've accomplished nothing by then. No presents finished, no tree yet, no decorations. So then, after Thanksgiving, about a week or two will pass, and I will panic. That's xmas for me.
So right now, I am in a holiday downswing. I've visited with all my family, gave out all the presents I hurried to finish or buy, and now its just a couple days till the new year. I'm just a little disappointed its over. Time moves too swiftly, leaving little room to savor a moment.
All in all, it was an enjoyable time. I spent a nice holiday with my family, and then the second part was spend with my Sweetheart's family. As every family knows, it is hard to coordinate a large family gathering, and I've been lucky to be able to see everyone almost every year.
The year is coming to an end, and I will be spending some time over the next few days taking stock and revisiting lessons learned. I will be planning and evaluating what's important and what isn't. I will be taking what I need with me and leaving behind what I don't.
I hope 2012 brings opportunities. I feel like 2011 has been a bit unbalanced. Its either been more work and little play, or no work and no play. I know that just because the calendar has been reset it does not mean the balance has been restored. I wish I could say that "new year" means all the ongoing unpleasant crap can't cross the timeline into 2012 with me. The journey will continue. I remain hopeful though, the balance will be restored. This year, I expect great things.
