Saying Hello

Tomorrow I will wake up, brush my teeth, fluff my hair, and make a cup of coffee. But, to say tomorrow is no different than today, is saying you're the same as you were 365 days ago. It's not. You're not. I'm not. 

This year was not easy and did not lack any sort of challenge or struggle. But it was full of so much laughter, so many memories, and lesson after lesson after lesson that has made me all the more stronger. Tonight I will eat too much, cheers too many, and have only hope and love in my heart. Tonight I will say goodbye, but tomorrow I will say hello a thousand more times. 

Cheers to the New Year,

SRS

Weekend Musings: Elf Culture

The days following Christmas always leave me with a very empty sadness (not dramatic at all). This year, however, I've tried to hang on to the season of Cheer as tight as possible. The decorations are still shades of red and green, a couple cookies remain untouched, and I haven't quite delivered all of my gifts. I'm pretty sure that I think about Buddy the Elf at least once per day during the month of December. I'm either watching him on TV for the fiftieth time or daydreaming about maple syrup. And guess what--December 28th can still be full of Christmas cheer! Things we can celebrate...

1.// Saying "Thank You"

Whether your grandma sends a yearly pair of socks or your significant other makes the cutest homemade picture frame, a gift is a gift, no matter how small. One of my favorite post-Christmas activities is writing out tons of thank-you cards. I believe in saving money in the same way I believe in sending others hand written notes--it's totally necessary.

2.// Printing family pictures

I'm a lover of Instagram as much as the next girl, however there's nothing quite like touching a glossy picture full of laughter. The holidays are a perfect time to update the picture frames around your house. Whether your family and friends dress to the nines for holiday gatherings or meander around in matching PJ's, nothing feels quite as cozy as happy memories.

3.// Relaxing for a few seconds

The days in between Christmas and New Years are like coming to the surface for air. No more last minute shopping. No more lines. No more lists. No more empty bank accounts. I've always used this time to reflect on the past year and prepare any resolutions I have for the year ahead.

4.// New presents!

We must always remember the reason for the season, however presents are an added perk that you cannot deny enjoying. Revel in the excitement of consumerism and stay up all night with that new iPad!

Cheers to cheer,

SRS

I'll Be Home For Christmas

With the holidays in full swing, I've thought a lot about the concept of "going home" and how suddenly this involves planes, trains, or automobiles. I think there is a lot to be said about the particular place where you grew up, where your parents live, or where you just feel loved, appreciated, and the most comfortable. Today, however, I am remembering the place I go home to every day--where I kick off my shoes and learn how to live with myself.

The center cushion on my couch. The cushion that houses me when I rest my feet at the end of every long day. When I wake up leisurely on a Saturday morning and drink copious amounts of coffee and watch Food Network marathons, just because I can. When I greet friends who are passing through and have taken a few meaningful hours of their life to catch up. When I escape work to take a desperate lunch break, and some times forget to even eat lunch.

The left side of my bed. The side that welcomes me when the day is done. That has a few tea stains after a night of sipping my stress away (I leave wine for another room). That has seen a few dry eyes after staying up past my bedtime to read just 5 more pages. That has a seen a few not so dry eyes.

The only two windows. The windows that show me the stars. That catch me every morning as I wake up and every night as I fall asleep. That glimmer all of the lights that shine through the darkness. That make the cars and people below seem so small and the birds seem not so small.

The place where pictures are strung across the wall. The pictures that hold memories of laughter, joy, and love. That remind me, no matter where I go, home will always be where they are.

Cheers,

SRS