A Holiday Recap | 2019
I haven’t been looking forward to 2020. More particularly, the New Year. The beginning of the year has always been the hardest part of the year – clouded with being sick or cold or the frustration of early sunsets or allergies. And this year, my mind was too aware of all those things so I decided I’m a second-half performer.
This entire holiday season sort of floated by, you’ll notice I haven’t been posting. I tried to be as present as possible & relax a lot & enjoy myself – which I was able to do. But I can’t be the only one that’s glad the holidays are over, a routine is sometimes the best medicine for mental health. I’m also learning to be around people, 2019 was a lot of Wafiq & I with an occasional client conversation but mostly just us. So humans are something I’m actively working on because I’m realizing being a loner isn’t the healthiest lifestyle, even though it’s currently most comfortable.
Being in Minnesota this year for Christmas was my NORMAL. I can’t believe I’ve skipped it for so many years. I love the cold weather, LOVE. And you want to know something Wafiq & I discovered? The people of Minnesota are crazy humble human beings when it comes to their home state. Let me tell you the difference between a conversation with someone from Minnesota & someone from Texas.
MINNESOTA CONVERSATION –
MN Person: “How are you liking being home for Christmas? I’m sure this cold weather isn’t what you’re used to, at least you don’t have to be here too long.”
Me: “I LOVE being here, I LOVE the cold, I LOVE the snow – it’s the best”
MN Person: “Awww yeah the cold isn’t too bad yet, I mean we get used to it up here, nothing like warm Texas weather though, that must be so nice.”
TEXAS CONVERSATION-
TX Person: “How’s Texas for the holidays? I bet you fucking love it, warm & perfect weather, such a great place to enjoy”
Me: “Yeah it’s nice. I miss the cold & snow around the holidays though”
TX Person: “You wouldn’t miss it in a few days after being there, it’s FREEZING. No way. Absolutely never. It doesn’t compare to this, this is perfect.”
I might have slightly exaggerated those conversations, but they’re pretty spot on. When I first moved to Texas I loved the pride Texans have in their state, but after living here so long I’m kind of over it? Like you guys, it’s 110+ degrees for a few months in the summer, can we at least admit that fucking BLOWS? Minnesotians are the complete opposite, they’re so happy you’re visiting, they’re quick to apologize for the faults (usually weather-related) of the state & they’re so humble about living in a fantastic place.
You can tell I liked being there? Maybe because it’s what I grew up around… If you haven’t enjoyed a winter or a Christmas with snow, I highly recommend it. No Christmas feels the same when I’m away in a warm environment.
Lucky for me, I had a child to hang with while I was in Minnesota. His name was Wafiq. You guys, he really wanted to embrace the snow on the ground & the winter season. I had to go sledding, build a snowman, and play in the snow. As much as I dreaded it, one of my goals has been to play more so I’m glad he convinced me to have that kind of fun.
We DROVE the 19 hours from Texas to Minnesota so we could bring sweet Bernice, and she also loves the snow. OMG if only I could give her more, it breaks my heart she’s stuck with these hot summers & no snow for most of her lifespan.
We came back to Austin just in time for New Year’s Eve & it felt so nice to have a day or 2 off at HOME! We’ve been working what feels like every single day of 2019 & although we’re home a lot – we’re never just relaxing.
This was the first New Years Eve Wafiq and I spent 100% sober! No wine, champaign, or Tito’s – WOOT! The first New Years’ Eve in a long time, probably since we met. That’s why this year was a super special NYE, to have Wafiq with me clear-minded, remembering the countdown, waking up fresh, hearing our conversations – true beauty. We ate classic meat & potato dinner, then hit up a comedy show until the countdown. Boom 2020!
I actually have a shit ton of stuff coming up – we’re traveling to Dubai so we can finally visit Wafiq’s family. My family is meeting us there. We’ve been trying to wrap up work here & get organized for that trip. Luckily, Dubai feels like a second home since I’ve lived there before. I’m super comfortable & I think that makes the travel of it all seem so easy. Praise god.
I also have my word of the year that I’m going to share THURSDAY! I’ve been thinking about it daily so I’m really excited to share. Last year my word was LOVE & it was powerful. I’m so attached to the word now, I don’t want to see it go. But I’m also just so excited about my new intention!
I’ll be back to posting on my regular Tuesday & Thursday schedule! I like my blog. I miss it when I’m away. I hope you follow along & we can get through the first few months of the year smoothly. Hehe, that’s my resolution at this point.
Have a great January, talk soon!
Be thoughtful
Xx