Resolutions

Shirt: Gap, Sweater: F21, Scarf: Nine West, Jeggings: Old Navy, Shoes: Gift, fabulous local boutique (Brooke and Nicole), Vest: Belk, Earrings: F21, Watch: c/o Mimi's

I resolved not to make any resolutions this year, rationale being that I make them every year and all I'm left with come the end of January is a broken pile of promises and a guilty gut. And so I won't make any promises to get in shape or run every day or learn to cook something new or improve my {fill in the blank} skills. But I believe I will, in fact, weaken my resolve not to resolve. I have spent this Christmas holiday soaking in all of the goodness it has to offer. I haven't turned down plates of goodies, fires in the fireplace even if the weather is too hot to justify their existance, cup after cup of soul-soothing hot tea, kisses to furry puppy faces, staying up too late and going to bed too early, wearing yoga pants, opportunities to go shopping with mom instead of doing laundry, falling asleep on the sofa to the light of the Christmas tree, breakfasts with Mamaw and Aunt Essie, not setting an alarm, and an overall zeal for each day that, for me at least, is territory that has not been trod in the last few months. So my resolution of sorts is to allow the happiness...no, the joy...that has filled me from head to toe over the past few weeks to spill over into the post-holiday season. And to not feel guilty for taking time to "waste" on things that make me feel full and happy. Like a trip to Dollar Tree to spend 15 minutes debating whether to purchase a pack of colorful, striped pencils. Or a morning of coffee and muffins with all of the women of the family at our favorite local bakery. Because there is beauty in those simple moments that completely defies the pretty walls of productivity. I am comitting myself to time "well wasted" and to allowing myself to thoroughly enjoy the experience sans the usual side dish of guilt. Will I need reminding of this once the week after next rolls around and I'm back to the books plus one more class than last semester thrown in for good measure? Yes. And if you guys want to chime in and keep me accountable, chime away.

My uncle was in town visiting for Christmas last week, telling us of an trip he'd taken and he said something along the lines of, "usually you don't realize how great moments were until you look back later in life, but you know those times when you look around and actually realize how great of a time you're having while it's happening? That is truely an amazing feeling." And that part of the story stuck with me. Because that elated feeling of I'm so happy right now has been hovering around this season like a coat of morning fog and I'm not ready to let it go. I want to realize how wonderful a moment is when it's happening. I want to "waste" time being happy. So I learned how to make friendship bracelets with my sister last night and, for the record, we stink at it, but it was awesome. Plus we looked mighty gangsta in our awesome crotch-dangling pants, see below exhibit:

And I spent a good 30 minuts just browsing the aisles of my newest favorite dollar store for nothing in particular and spending the very thoughtful Christmas giftcard from my sister on new "office" organizing supplies. And I went to the movies with mom to see New Years Eve, which was the perfect, cheesy blend of funny, Cinderella story, and heartwarming tearjerker all wrapped up in a neat two-hour package and sprinkled with our favorite stars. And I am happy. Nestled right in the now.

Happy New Year lovelies! May your hopes, dreams, and plans for 2012 come true and may you ring in the new year in a most satisfying manner!
Love,

Ramsey