Friday, January 1, 2010

Farewell 2009

Here it is, 1:45 in the afternoon, and I'm still in my robe, reflecting on the last year. (With a 3 day vacation, I can afford to be somewhat lazy).

The older I get, the more I realize how little control I have over what the universe, or God, decides to throw at me. Bracing myself in the cockpit of my life, completely insecure about current world conditions, but with some controls at my disposal, I'm going to list what I want out of 2010:


  • To enjoy every day with my daughter while she is still living in close proximity
  • To not sob like there has been a death when she moves to Portland, even though it will feel that way (tears are already forming, so this exercise will not be easy)
  • To be more present in my grandchildren and stepchildren's lives
  • Donate regularly to The Humane Society and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Pay more attention while Jay is teaching me Dreamweaver and Photoshop before he leaves for Portland
  • Walk and move more; eat less
  • Cook at least two times a week
  • Prepare lunches in advance to avoid fast food temptations
  • Walk the dogs more
  • Take more photos
  • Blog more, and blog positively
  • Comment routinely on other bloggers' blogs
  • Call, write, and email my friends on a more regular basis
  • Be less judgmental, less critical of others (this will be a hard one :/)
  • Work on my fear of social situations
  • Read a good book and finish it
  • Pray more
  • Forgive more
Happy New Year to all my family and friends, including my blogger friends. I learn so much from each of you. You enrich my life in ways you don't even realize. May you be blessed in 2010.

Peace and love,
Louisiana Belle

9 comments:

Kittie Howard said...

What a lovely post, Gail. I think your daughter is one lucky gal...that you're so supportive. A long-time friend of mine harps on her grown daughter like she's two years old...just refuses to believe she's grown up...and Portland is a beautiful city. I can see you now, suitcase in tow, rushing to the airport for that special visit...and with your daughter eagerly watching the clock to meet you, to share her new world with you. Yep, it's gonna be just fine...hugs! Oh, did you see where they drained Alligator Bayou to build a sub-division???

Kittie Howard said...

Belle, also wanted to say that your daughter is truly beautiful, so poised. I'm proud for you!

Teresa Evangeline said...

There are more than a few things on your list I need to work on, as well. Hope 2010 is a magical, wonderful year for you, for all of us. Teresa

Gail Dixon said...

Thanks, Theresa. Let's hope 2010 is better for everyone.

Gail Dixon said...

Oops, meant to thank you Kittie for the compliments. Alligator Bayou drained for a subdivision?! Ugh. What is the world coming to? That's just WRONG.

Courtney said...

We want to spend more time with you,too. Those babies love you and Dad so much. :)

Any time you want to see them and you have some free time, just let me know, and I'll make it work.

Love you!

Gail Dixon said...

Thanks, Courtney. Look forward to more time with the kiddos. Love ya. :)

Autumn said...

Thanks, Kittie! I have the most beautiful, loving, supportive mom anyone could ask for. It's going to be really, really difficult to leave, but I'm confident that our relationship will stay just as strong despite the physical distance.

Mom, I didn't realize until recently that you were back to blogging regularly! I love reading your thoughts. And I love your resolutions. Let me know if I can help in any way! Hopefully it'll warm up soon so we can take the cameras outside.

Gail Dixon said...

Autumn, you are beautiful. End of story. :)