Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Milestones

Never has a bra felt more uncomfortable than it did yesterday on my first day back to the office in eleven days. I'm sorry that those are the first words you have to read from me in 2016, but it felt less - therefore more - appropriate than "Happy New Year! Our tree is still up and we still have the lights on every night to display the Christmas cheer to our neighbors." 

So, this is January. We're back in the office, back in town, back to reality and looking forward to what wonders the year of 2016 may bring. I'm ready to tackle this turn of the atmosphere and treat it as a precious gift to replace memories of January's and February's of the past with new awestriking examples of love, comfort, safety and happiness for the future. 

Before I embrace 2016 too closely, here are a few milestones in my world that deserve a mention today.

:: It's been six months since we crossed the Mississippi River on our 2,438-mile drive across to country to bring me to my new home, but not without a few bumps that remind me why I moved and what it means to be together, together.  

:: I made it to the other side of the first round of big holidays away from Oregon, but not without a few bouts of homesickness and multiple calls to family there and friends elsewhere for help, comfort, laughter and advice. In some instances, mindless crafting and post-Christmas giving lifted my spirits too.

:: I've celebrated another milestone of my sobriety from french fries with 14 years and 5 days without a lick. The few unavoidable sniffs and the search for fry impostors have quelled the addiction I dropped my freshman year of high school as I pursued making the Varsity softball team. The only thing this sentence did was made me feel old because it's been 14 years since I was a freshman in high school...

:: Don't forget the streak. Streaks are made to be broken, but not this one. 113 is the count and that's all the time we have today, folks.

What's up in your new year?

13 comments

Frikken Duckie said...

I know how you feel! I always get homesick during the holidays especially, even though I've been away from home for about 9 years!

And I don't know how you can have the willpower to not eat fries for so long! I would have caved as soon as I passed a McDonald's or something.

Happy new year!

Myra said...

Holy crap that's a long time without french fries, girlfriend. You are a baller for holding strong! I walk down one street here where I see the sign for frites and you better believe I'm standing in line waiting for them, lol! #NoWillPower

Hope you had the most wonderful holidays! xo

Nadine said...

I would imagine that the first holiday season away from your family had to be hard. I have been lucky enough to live within driving distance of mine. You and your french fries streak is both motivating and sad all at the same time LOL!

Anonymous said...

You amaze me constantly and in so many ways, but probably none more so than your sacrificing of French fries. I honestly could not do it. I don't say that about a lot of things, but I do fully believe I couldn't give up Ffs. Congratulations on surviving your first holiday season away from what you know—and help me out here, maybe I'm missing something obvious, but what's 113?

Helene in Between said...

Bras are the WORST! and congrats on 6 months. I've dealt with some home sickness too, but it's so worth it to just be somewhere new and enjoy it! congrats on the no fries! you're incredible!

Kristen @ See You In A Porridge said...

i'm sorry but i'm missing what the 113 streak is? help a sista out.
i can give up stuff. i applaud you for giving something up for 14 years. i love potatoes french fries more than breathing, so i would not want to give it up. i will eat your share of fries for you, i got you girl ;)

Kristen @ See You In A Porridge said...

ps homesickness hugs xx

Life with Lolo said...

The bra story was way better than Happy New Year, haha! I can't believe that you haven't had a fry in 14 years, my heart slightly breaks for you. Not even like oven fries or potato wedges? Ok, clearly my Idaho is showing when I'm worried about your potato intake... anyways, great milestones and here's to a whole new year of them!

Unknown said...

No fries...? How long since you ate a Little Caesars pizza? Lol. Have you and your bra made up?

Kristen

Unknown said...

No fries...? How long since you ate a Little Caesars pizza? Lol. Have you and your bra made up?

Kristen

Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee said...

I can't believe it's been so long since you had fries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is restraint right there!

Anonymous said...

DOES ANYONE EVEN KNOW WHAT STREAK THAT IS?! ;)

Cos I'm still proud, and jealous, hahaha

Kay R. said...

Thats a really long time without french fries haha!