Thursday, December 09, 2010

Summing up

I was reading some blogs written by the friends that live on my computer and I discovered something called Reverb 10 on my friend Beth's blog. The point of it is they provide you with a word that will allow you to reflect on the past year and they do this every day during December.

I think it's pretty interesting, although I don't think I'm going to do every word they provide (well and I'm starting over a week after the official start anyway). So the first prompt is this:

 One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)

I would have to say that word for me is change. With this being the year that I got married, moved (twice - once to South Dakota and now to Pennsylvania), left my job of almost 15 years how could it be anything else?

I think that sometimes people see change as a bad thing, but in my case all of these changes have been wonderful. I adore my husband and can't imagine him not being in my life. Sometimes it feels as if we've been together forever (in a good way!) and I'm amazed that it was merely a year ago we were getting engaged.

Moving to South Dakota was a great experience. It gave me the opportunity to live somewhere completely different than anything I had ever known before. People laugh at "midwest hospitality" but it really does exist and was something Keith and I actually had to get used to when we moved there. People saying hello on the street is a bit disconcerting at first!

And this move to Pennsylvania has been good too. Our apartment isn't perfect (the windows seem to leak cold air! and the floor has some odd bumps) but it is homey and I really do love it!

Leaving my job of almost 15 years was actually a great move. I think that in general I am much less stressed and happier. I had talked on and off for years about finding something new but inertia kept me from doing anything about it. So, yes, change is a good thing.

What would I like my word to be for 2011? I would say happiness. Probably cliched but true.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary!

It was great to have you living in our part of the country for a few months and to get to know you and Kieth. I explained to him early on in his 'prairie' life that we're only a couple of generations removed from people who settled this part of the country - my great grandparents homesteaded in Brookings. With the harsh weather and the long distances, they had to pitch in to help each other or they wouldn't have survived. That kindness and hospitality and willingness to help has carried on through the next generations, and I hope we don't lose that 'mid-west nice' attitude.

Hope all is well in Philly and the Tuesday knitting group wishes you both well!

Mary E.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary! It was great to have you living in our part of the country for a few months and to get to know you and Kieth. I explained to him early on in his 'prairie' life that we're only a couple of generations removed from people who settled this part of the country - my great grandparents homesteaded in Brookings. With the harsh weather and the long distances, they had to pitch in to help each other or they wouldn't have survived. That kindness and hospitality and willingness to help has carried on through the next generations, and I hope we don't lose that 'mid-west nice' attitude.

Hope all is well in Philly and the Tuesday knitting group wishes you both well!

Mary E.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
mary said...

Thanks Mary.

We are getting settled in here. We miss all of you!