Resolutions, renewal, and reflection: New Year’s Day at the cottage

christmastree_cottage
the cottage Christmas tree!

It is mid-morning and my plan to wake and write early, didn’t come to pass, because I didn’t wake up, didn’t set an alarm, letting my body let me know when it was time to get up and get moving. But, that was it, when midnight struck that meant it was time to get some sleep, much needed sleep.

Our plans for New Year’s eve were dashed a bit and it was quiet at the cottage. So, we had to ring out New Year’s night in the same manner we would have rung in the night before, a backup plan. We had the traditional New Year’s Day dinner – roast pork, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes, the tree was lit and it was festive. We watched the last bit of the Rose Bowl and were disappointed when the Badgers ended up on the short end of the score. My two college teams – NIU and Texas A&M – play New Year’s night and Friday night, respectively and I’ll be rooting hard for both of them.

The break has gone quickly as all breaks and vacations do, though it didn’t help that I started it being sick. B and the kids arrived at the cottage Friday night and the kids have spent the days skiing and boarding at the local slope. They go every year, if there’s enough snow. Last year, the ground was bare and they skied only one day before it melted and was gone. This year they have been able to ski as much as they have wanted.

Last year on a whim, I purchased a Christmas tree for the cottage. It was 75% off and I couldn’t pass it up or so I thought. We didn’t set it up or decorate it then, but stored it in wait for Christmases to come. As B and I were planning our visit this Christmas, I mentioned the tree and we both got the same look in our eyes. Before the kids arrived, I unpacked the tree and began to decorate. Though it was a few days past Christmas, decorating the tree kept the spirit alive and O gave it her seal of approval when she got here Friday night. It sits in the front room and it’s been lit every morning and night since.

It has felt like the holidays and it has been a wonderful time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate for the New Year. I have been keeping up on my reading – especially my fellow bloggers and have read with interest their resolutions and plans for the New Year. As a seventh grade teacher, my New Year is the new school year. It’s the time when classes end students move on and I take time to reflect on the year past and the year ahead. January first is the time in between semesters and a magical time for kids. Somehow, when the students return from Winter Break they have changed and taken a step forward and are ready for the challenges ahead. The second semester is challenging and full of exciting learning for the students. It’s the best past of seventh grade and not because it means it is almost over, but the topics are engaging and the kids are prepared for what lies ahead.

When January first rolls around, I usually don’t make resolutions, instead I reflect on where I am with the goals I made before the school year began in August. At the midpoint, I have made progress, but I still need to keep focused on the using my time more wisely – a constant theme. As a writer, or blogger, I still want to write and share how making the days count works.

It’s lightly snowing this morning. Ivy has spied an ice fisherman on the lake and is growling and barking. O is enjoying a bowl of cereal and I’m sipping the last bits of this morning’s coffee. I have a couple more thank you notes to write and I had better get moving. Today is gonna be a great day. I know it.

 

3 thoughts on “Resolutions, renewal, and reflection: New Year’s Day at the cottage

  1. Aloha and Happy New Year, My Friend. Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that I have been keeping up with your writing. I, on the other hand, really have NOTHING interesting going on in my life to write about. Hope all is well and all are well. I wish nothing but the best for you and yours throughout the New Year 🙂

    1. I have been thinking of you, too. Happy New Year! That’s what Making the Days Count is all about! I have some pretty ho-hum days, more than I realize. Today is gonna be one of many to come – getting caught up with grading (which I have avoided quite well), unpacking, and making the day count. Got home last night – very late – and wanted to sleep in but w had to be at wrestling… it’s gonna be a great day! Thanks for following along.

Thanks for visiting MtDC. How are YOU Making YOUR Days Count?