My Love/Hate Relationship with New Year's

I have a love/hate relationship with New Year’s.

My sister once told me that she loves January 1 because it’s a starting point. A chance to begin anew. I simply look at it as a way to measure time.

While January 1 marks the beginning of a shiny, brand new year, it’s also the end of another one, which always leaves me a little sad. After all, it has been a good year.

Some Great Things in 2010 {big and small}:

• It marked a full year at my ‘new’ job - which isn’t so new anymore

• I went on 3 (that’s right, 3!) vacations...

Our Antiguan Long Weekend Getaway

Our Yearly (and 2nd Anniversary) Family Trip to ArubaYellowstone National Park with Shaun's parents

• Shaun and I purchased our first home, which we adore

• We spent lots of time with friends and family at various dinners, parties and other gatherings

• We leased a new car that we love - a Prius! Yep, we’re that couple

• I realized that groceries can be delivered (and my life was forever changed)

• I got really good at painting my own nails

• I made a whole lotta cupcakes

Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes

Autumn Apple Cupcakes + Cinnamon Frosting

Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

• One of which was featured in many spots around the blogosphere

Dexter Season Premiere Cupcakes

• I learned how to make my Grandma Mary's famous apple pie, complete with homemade crust

• I devoured said apple pie 

• Friends got married and engaged

• I started The Avid Appetite, found lots of fantastic blogs, and made lots of blog buddies in the process!

Not to shabby, huh? And with all of these great things behind me, I have a bit of anxiety over a whole new year ahead. What will it bring? Good things? Bad things? It’s anyone’s guess. In case you don’t already know me, that little lurker Change and I are not good friends. I’m not sure why, other than...well...it seems as though I just don’t like him. I’m feeling my heart rate increase just a little by simply thinking about it.

And don’t even get me started on the whole ‘getting older’ thing. That’s not lost on me either. I received 4 different age-defying moisturizers in my Christmas stocking this year, with a smile and a “It’s time girls!” from Mom.

Though at least my younger sister was included in the ‘girls’ reference. (And by the way Mom, after trying them out, I really do love each of them so thanks!)

So with this great year almost behind me and with some anxiety on my shoulders (that’s where I hold my stress ;)) there are some things that I’m absolutely looking forward to for 2011.

• Good skin (see above)

• The Avid Appetite’s 1 Year Birthday (coming in a few weeks!)

• Traveling - back to Aruba, New Mexico and ????

• Working to get our new home painted and fully furnished

• Spending lots of time with my favorite guy

• Getting back on track with exercising and shedding a few pounds

• Enjoying fresh popcorn at a moment’s notice (though I guess that won't aid in the above)

• Continuing to cook, eat and write avidly...and making more wonderful blog friends in the process!

So there it is. All of my feelings on New Year's. What do you think? How do you feel about the impending January 1?

Comments

[Kristina @ Life as Kristina]

Came across your blog to see all those cupcakes (yes please!) They look so delish...even at 10am! I'm not a big new years person-never been psyched to go out and have big plans-i'm not sure why. haha. I've got a big year ahead of me so I may "celebrate this one"
Hope you have a great New Years!

[Rachel]

Thanks Kristina! So happy you found us!

[Lauren at KeepItSweet]

I have mixed feelings about the start of a new year... this past year was my wedding and it is hard beating that:-) On the other hand, since the wedding is over I have so much more time to think about other great things including my blog.

[Kimberly]

Love the New Year!! Cannot wait to tackle 2011! Also - I may the penne no-vodka yesterday, it came out great and insanely easy to make! Definitely keeping that recipe on hand!

[Mary @ Bites and Bliss]

You definitely had an amazing year!! Hope this next one brings even more adventure and good times. :)

[Baking 'N' Books]

Lovely blog! Found you through Tina's. I totally agree with the title :)...against my stomach's judgment unfortunately...

Lovin' those cupcakes!

I'm the same way about Resolutions and posted about it...meh, I'll just take it one day at a time.

Happy NY!