Holiday Cheer

As I sit in a bath of Epsom salts recovering from a wonderful two hour ride on the trainer, I’m reflecting on the last couple of days. The wonderful things for which I have to be thankful.  The people in my life that give to me year round of their friendship, their counsel, their generosity of spirit…

And I wonder why we only celebrate the feeling of gratitude seemingly one day a year. And then taint it with the crass commercialism that seems to have overtaken the original purpose.

My last couple of days have certainly reminded me to be grateful for what I have, and who I know. First, the opportunity that avails itself for me in the new year at a new job. A great gift to have earned before the end of this year. And something for which I am grateful. And go into with some trepidation — in only that I hope I can live up to the expectations that the organization has of me.

For the gifts (real and immeasurable) from friends who have supported me over the course of the fall, and on whom I’ll continue to rely for advice and support in the coming weeks and months, I am grateful. And for new friends as well… Whom I’ve only just met – for showing interest in all my corny old stories! Even if you’re just humouring me….

For the unbelievable generosity that my kids have shown … How they continue to amaze me on a daily basis with their innocence, positivity, and unqualified love for friends and family… I am truly grateful and humbled. Those boys are my best friends. and I’m lucky to have them.

And given the year I had in 2011 still struggling to recuperate from a bulging disk, I am eternally grateful for a healthy body that continues to take all the abuse I throw at it on a daily basis, and bounces back stronger.

And to celebrate the holiday season, I continue my annual traditions!  I am opening a bottle of port and a package of very old cheddar cheese, and I will continue to sip and nibble from said bounty until the night before I head back to work (may take 2 bottles of port this year, as I am “returning” to my new job on the 9th, not the 3rd of January!).  As well as enjoying a bottle of bubbly on NYE.  I will also be enjoying an occasional tipple of whiskey from my new bottle of Balvenie — or any of the other near dozen whiskeys that I have in my liquor cabinet.  Though only a small taste since I do need to continue to watch my caloric intake in favour of losing the last 10 or so lbs to hit my target weight!

And more than anything else this last bit of 2011, I hope to make some great new memories.  Because above all other worldly goods we may have… its our memories that are our most prized possessions!