NEW YEARS 2019
A couple years ago I started a new tradition. Instead of New Year's resolutions, I write myself a New Year's letter. It's like an annual diary entry. It's not a recap (like holiday letters), but more of an assessment of my life to date--the quality, accomplishments, emotional state--evaluating the year behind and anticipating the year ahead, and where I am as the year changes over. It sometimes comes across as stream of consciousness--very informal. This year, I've decided to share it here.
12/31/18 - Here I am in Oregon. Mission half accomplished. It's a good thing I plan to live forever, because that's what it's taking to get this house built! Probably a total of five years--from plans (concept was a lot earlier) to move-in. But what else would I be doing? And I'm actually almost glad that it's dragging out--I might never feel this creative and inspired again. During the initial work with the architect--when anything and everything on the house was possible--money not even a glimmer of consideration!--I truly was having the most fun I've ever had! I couldn't wait to get to it every morning, my mind raced, my imagination soared--I was elated. And that hasn't changed much. I still love being immersed in the house. I love thinking about it, talking about it, imagining living in it... It's a good thing I don't talk with anyone on a daily basis--I'd drive them crazy!
My concentration is on the house, but I've added a puppy to the mix, and I'm trying to establish a social life here. That takes effort for me--I'm a loner and a homebody by nature--my pets are really enough for me. I thoroughly enjoy being home alone, shopping alone, traveling alone. And I'm very content puttering around my home or absorbed in my computer. But I do like eating out and going to movies--and they aren't much fun alone. So, that's one of my ongoing resolutions--reach out.
The real benefit to my move is that I see my family on a more regular basis. I've really enjoyed that my daughter and her husband choose (or feel obligated--I'll take it!) to spend time with me. I see them just enough for me, and I hope not too much for them. They've introduced me to activities in Portland I'd probably miss or skip on my own. I've met many of their friends, and they don't even seem too embarrassed by me! They feel much more a part of my life now.
And the ability to jump in the car with John Grisham and drive to Seattle to visit my parents (versus catching an Uber, sitting around the airport, the flight (if on time), another Uber, etc.) is pure joy. My time visiting is relaxed and even flexible, since I have a wonderful "sleep-away camp" for Sadie.
I've found the climate adjustment easy--with more sunshine than I expected--and such a beautiful autumn, that any rain is worth it! Since getting Sadie, I've probably only put on a coat (for the hood) three times to walk her. But then, if you grew up in Seattle, you don't consider a drizzle, rain.
I feel as settled as one can, living among boxes and stacks of furniture. And, although it's not my preference to live in flux like this, knowing there's a house at the end of the tunnel makes it fine. And since I'm usually "all in" on the decorating, this minimalist living is a welcome vacation.
I'm setting my sights and hopes on Christmas 2020 in my new home! That means moving in by the second half of the year. I have to believe everything will fall into place and move smoothly along. The fact that tomorrow is 2019, makes it seem almost imminent! Time flies. And I'll be sitting here in front of my screen writing my next New Year's letter before I know it!
12/31/18 - Here I am in Oregon. Mission half accomplished. It's a good thing I plan to live forever, because that's what it's taking to get this house built! Probably a total of five years--from plans (concept was a lot earlier) to move-in. But what else would I be doing? And I'm actually almost glad that it's dragging out--I might never feel this creative and inspired again. During the initial work with the architect--when anything and everything on the house was possible--money not even a glimmer of consideration!--I truly was having the most fun I've ever had! I couldn't wait to get to it every morning, my mind raced, my imagination soared--I was elated. And that hasn't changed much. I still love being immersed in the house. I love thinking about it, talking about it, imagining living in it... It's a good thing I don't talk with anyone on a daily basis--I'd drive them crazy!
My concentration is on the house, but I've added a puppy to the mix, and I'm trying to establish a social life here. That takes effort for me--I'm a loner and a homebody by nature--my pets are really enough for me. I thoroughly enjoy being home alone, shopping alone, traveling alone. And I'm very content puttering around my home or absorbed in my computer. But I do like eating out and going to movies--and they aren't much fun alone. So, that's one of my ongoing resolutions--reach out.
The real benefit to my move is that I see my family on a more regular basis. I've really enjoyed that my daughter and her husband choose (or feel obligated--I'll take it!) to spend time with me. I see them just enough for me, and I hope not too much for them. They've introduced me to activities in Portland I'd probably miss or skip on my own. I've met many of their friends, and they don't even seem too embarrassed by me! They feel much more a part of my life now.
And the ability to jump in the car with John Grisham and drive to Seattle to visit my parents (versus catching an Uber, sitting around the airport, the flight (if on time), another Uber, etc.) is pure joy. My time visiting is relaxed and even flexible, since I have a wonderful "sleep-away camp" for Sadie.
I've found the climate adjustment easy--with more sunshine than I expected--and such a beautiful autumn, that any rain is worth it! Since getting Sadie, I've probably only put on a coat (for the hood) three times to walk her. But then, if you grew up in Seattle, you don't consider a drizzle, rain.
I feel as settled as one can, living among boxes and stacks of furniture. And, although it's not my preference to live in flux like this, knowing there's a house at the end of the tunnel makes it fine. And since I'm usually "all in" on the decorating, this minimalist living is a welcome vacation.
I'm setting my sights and hopes on Christmas 2020 in my new home! That means moving in by the second half of the year. I have to believe everything will fall into place and move smoothly along. The fact that tomorrow is 2019, makes it seem almost imminent! Time flies. And I'll be sitting here in front of my screen writing my next New Year's letter before I know it!
Comments