Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Poised on the precipice of a new year


I love turning the calendar over to a new year. I think of it as a fresh start: a clean slate I can mark up as I choose, a story that I'm excited to write. There are few things that rev me up as much as possibility and I associate the dawn of a new year with an abundance of possibility.
As individuals and as a couple 2013 was a difficult year for us, one that required a lot of growth and change. I've been writing this blog since August 2011 and I still wrestle with being authentic and real in this space while keeping what should be private private. Having a blog does not mean being an open book, and people should not expect that that's what it means. *I* should not expect that that's what it means. Vulnerability is not a comfortable coat to wear, and what I write here always opens me up to scrutiny and sometimes pushes me out of my comfort zone. It challenges me and I like that but sometimes it also makes me shrink back, reluctant to share. Thank you for knowing you aren't seeing everything behind the curtain and reading anyway.
We are each on our own journey in this life, and I'm really glad I get to share pieces of mine with you, and hear pieces of yours through our interactions. I love your comments here, conversing with you on facebook, and talking about something you liked (or didn't) on here in person. Thank you for another year of being on the other side of the screen.
What's ahead? I feel at peace in my heart approaching 2014. I'm kicking it up a notch at work and I'm on the verge of offering sponsorship and advertising on this blog. Things are humming along for me, and MFD is in a great place as well and is looking forward to working at a new brokerage office with a lot of great opportunities ahead for him career-wise. We're anticipating an awesome 2014.

I don't make resolutions. I'm much better keeping myself accountable with seasonal goals (you can see my winter goals here). However, I do have some intentions for 2014: acceptance, possibilities, and self-discipline. I want to be more accepting of things I can't change, more aware of all the possibilities I have, and more self-disciplined in regards to my health and wellness. Like put the fucking cookies down and back away type of self-discipline.
And, as with every year, I want to be better, kinder, stronger, braver, smarter, more aware and more fierce.
Whatever else you do today, do yourself a favor and leave your old shit behind in the vestibule as you close the door on 2013. Don't carry it with you into another year.

What about you? Do you make resolutions or set goals for the year?

I'm wishing all of my mum friends good luck tomorrow, especially MFD and the men of the Joseph A. Ferko String Band. Mummery is a great, storied, long-time Philadelphia tradition MFD has been involved in for 26 years. This is the first year in many years that I won't be having a parade party in the warmth of my own home but will instead be down on the street catching a bit of the string bands. It was originally forecasted to be a high of 28, but now it's a merciful 36. Still, I'm pretty sure I was wearing flip flops last year. Layers, be kind to me. Check back here tomorrow early for a link to watch the parade live (string bands should be on around 1:30) and see how Philly does New Year's Day.
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28 comments:

  1. MFD is in a band?! how awesome! what's even more awesome is that outfit!!

    i love this post and you're 1000000% right as always - leave the past in the past and don't let it impact the future. i usually never make resolutions either but i decided that it was time to let my laziness stop ruling my life and DO SHIT. offering sponsors is also on my list too -- OMG WE ARE BOSOM BUDDIES FOREVER. happy new year, steph. i'm SO GLAD that we connected - you continue to inspire me with your wise words and everything hausfrauing xoxooxoxox

    -kathy
    Vodka and Soda


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  2. I think you share pretty well out here in blog land! I think you keeps it quite real, yo'. Happy 2014!

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  3. Steph, I love your blog so much and I'm so glad you have the self-discipline to keep it up! Hoping you and MFD have a wonderful year in 2014 and would really love to (finally) meet up the next time we're up in your neck of the woods! xo

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    1. Thanks Lia! I'm happy you read it! I'd love to meet up if schedules permit in the future! Happy New Year!

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  4. I can't thank you enough for all that you do share on your blog. I totally accept that it is not the whole story but what you do share is very meaningful and heartfelt. You have such an insightful perspective that I really admire. I am so glad to have connected with you through our blogs and hope 2014 is a very good year to your and MFD. P.S. That is a kick ass outfit and I will be checking out the parade feed.

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  5. i agree whole heartedly about your blog NOT being an open book. some things are just not something i want to discuss and i like it like that. I don't really make resolutions either but i like to look to the future and map out some plans. I have so enjoyed my friendship with you and excited to continue it in 2014!

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  6. Sponsorship on the blog?! Guess who wants in on that. I'll give you a hint, it's me.

    Happy NYE! Hope it's a good one.

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  7. I love that - "be fierce." Happy New Year! Love you bunches!

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  8. Here's hoping you have a wonderful 2014!

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  9. I love your blog, and I'm really glad to have gotten to know you better this year.

    Happy New Year! Stay warm tomorrow. :)

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  10. Im in my phone, and it's being a total dick biscuit. Just know that im so very grateful for this crazy internet/blogging world to bring us together. Im proud of the strides you and MFD havr made enduring some tough stuff. Im thankful for our friendship, and I love you. Cheers to 2014! <3

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  11. I love reading your blog and seeing your photos. Where do you find all of the quotes? The Neil Gaiman bit about making mistakes is one of the best! I miss the Mummer's parade since I moved away from home. I can't wait to see what 2014 brings after all of the wonderful things that happened this year. Good luck to MFD tomorrow and stay warm. Happy New Year to all of you!

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    1. Thanks Heather! I find the quotes on google images...I usually know the quote I want to use so I search for it like that. I'm a quote freak from way back in junior high.

      Happy New Year!

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  12. Such an inspiring post. Thank you!

    Like you, I don't make resolutions for the new year I definitely have intentions though. At the forefront: growing personally, growing friendships and learning to take better care of myself mentally and physically.

    The only resolution I ever made was 7 years ago (to stop smoking). It was a big one so I guess I'm saving my next resolution for something just as lofty.

    Happy New Year
    Shannon
    www.brasshoney.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Shannon! Those are some great intentions - I think we could all stand do do all of those things!

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  13. 2013 made it to my top 3 of worst years ever.. and I stayed away from blasting it to the public. Here's to an amazing 2014!! HPY!!

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  14. Happy New Year to you and MFD! I will be watching tomorrow and cheering on Ferko! Best of luck to them! I know they work so hard every year to put on an awesome show. I'll never forget when I was living in Bridesburg and heard "When The Saints Go Marching In" as I was doing dishes in the kitchen. On of the bands were practicing down my street and I started screaming and of course had to call my Mom. She loves the Mummers. Cheers to 2014!

    P.S. I agree, next time Lia and David are in the area...we have to get together. Sandy's for some Beef and Ale :)

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    1. haha that's awesome Al! I thought the parade was really good today.

      Sandy's for sure!

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  15. Happy last days of 2013. LOVE MFD's outfit! How fun!! I'm with you. I don't do resolutions, this coming year it's a REVOLUTION. Cheers to 2014. Better be better than this last one!

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  16. omg LOOK at him in that photo. I love it so much!

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  17. I love what you said about vulnerability. I struggle a lot with hitting "publish" on serious posts because I get nervous letting people in... even in "real life." It can be really hard to find that happy medium.

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  18. JMJ, I just saw this. Busy mall walking and de-Christmasing today. Mall walking is my free gym with a warm climate and oh so close. Feel better to move myself and grateful that I can. Godspeed to all of us & everyone, everything, everywhere for positive energy and love and lights! Make our earth like heaven- or as close as possible and savor and be grateful for every big and little thing. Love Steph's DalaiMOMMA

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  19. I hadn't known it as Mum day before but love it! Can't believe MFD is in the parade!! I agree with your intent in this post- it will be interesting to come along with you as it all plays out.

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  20. 2014 is going to be your bitch :)

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  21. This mummer thing is too cool. I haven't done much reflecting on 2014 - not sure if I don't want to let myself down or if I am just lazy. And amen to keeping it real but distant when others are involved - our husbands' stories are not ours to tell, no matter how funny or true. I think you do a great job. Cheers to the new year!

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