I don't do those "year of memories" type of posts some people enjoy at year's end, but this year has been a period of firsts around here.
First joint replacement, first car sale, were pretty big, and the reunion with the local art group was significant. Also an expensive year with appliances and plumbing and HVAC and kitchen wall repairs. And first for many years, Handsome Son is not working Thanksgiving so we will celebrate on the "right" day.
Then there's the last drive in the car, which I can't remember, probably the food pantry, and a very nice possible last, this sudden blooming of the little chrysanthemum out front
It just appeared overnight, when I was sure yet again that the season was done.
Shedding a car is pretty significant winnowing, and, the check having cleared overnight, corporate checks get the fast track, I've already directed the funds where they'll work for me. It's a change to have money coming in instead of rushing out.
Happy day everyone, it feels so free not to be concerned about tonight's cold rain turning to ice on the car. Not my circus, not my monkeys. Do you have a "not my circus" in your life just now?
Some very interesting textiles are coming my way soon, definitely my circus, thanks to a thoughtful friend, to add to my textile education and experience. So many good people and so much good stuff.
It certainly has been quite a year for you. How about another slice of fruitcake to celebrate?! And another, in honor of that chrysanthemum blossom. What a sweet surprise!
ReplyDeleteChris from Boise
Suddenly I saw that flash of white beside the path, what a surprise, because I had dug out and tossed the plant last year, some weird virus turning flowers brown before they opened. This must be from a root fragment I didn't get, and it looks healthy.
DeleteI'm hoping for less drama in the near future.
Love that phrase 'not my circus, not my monkeys '. It's helped me walk away from many a worry.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing to remember when we tend to get drawn in to problems we don't own.
DeleteSo great that Handsome Son is off for Thanksgiving. Sadly, I can’t think of anything right now that’s not my circus, not my monkeys. I need to let go.
ReplyDeleteYou're so responsible, Mitchell. I think you could try for a bit of flakiness.
DeleteWe always work around our daughter’s nursing schedule for holiday celebrations. This year, Christmas is at New Year. Two reasons to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds good to me. I think quite a few people celebrate on days other than the calendar one, but you'd never know it from the ads and those Christmas letters.
DeleteMore like Thank the Gods we survived that lot, now onwards and upwards!!
ReplyDeleteWell, there's that, yes.
DeleteYour “not a review” of some of the events this year does sound like one which was memorable! Sweet little flowers show the grace that comes along to surprise one.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are such a bonus. They're much healthier looking than the plant I'd dug out and tossed, but must have come from a stray root.
DeleteYou are seeing the bright side of being car-less.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling car free!
DeleteWe often don't realise how burdensome our troubles are until they are lifted, though mine are insignificant
ReplyDeleteYes, we tend to adapt and adapt, but we see the difference when circs change.
DeleteAll your 2025 "firsts" work together to improve your life, and that's great!
ReplyDeleteYes, all in all, I'm better off now in several ways.
DeleteI think that as we age, the idea of shedding the monkeys and stepping away from the circus becomes something we all become more comfortable with. Or at least, the idea begins to make a lot more sense. I feel this strongly. As the Chicks sang in a song once, "The beauty of just letting go."
ReplyDeleteI think about that a lot.
It goes against the grain of what many of us learned -- always take care of other people before yourself. But that can get us too involved in problems that aren't ours to solve.
DeleteA lesson often painfully learned.
DeleteYou've had a monumental year. It feels good to have money coming in instead of going out. Thanksgiving gets a new meaning with HS actually able to be with you on the day.
ReplyDeleteYour comment reminds me to take the game hen out of the freezer. I keep forgetting how soon I need to roast it. Yes, a year of happenings. But all good for now.
DeleteCongratulations on all your "firsts" and generally significant actions taken - so far! it's not over yet! - this year.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping the rest of the year is about less weighty stuff, three holidays coming up. For you too, fellow carfree Sag.
Delete"Not my circus, not my monkeys" is a great expression. That's how I feel about our upcoming Professional Development Day. I'm retiring in four months -- why do I need professional development?
ReplyDeleteExactly! You're as developed as you're going to get. Likewise New Year's resolutions, unless they're about having more fun
DeleteYou have had some good firsts. I'm glad you are happy about not having a car. Where I live it would be impossible not to have one. I think it would be a relief not to have to worry about it. I wish you a happy day.
ReplyDeleteUntil the advent of ride services, it was impossible here, too, little public transportation, none going where I need to. So finally I can manage.
DeleteI have a lot of monkeys to take care of right now in my circus and envy your care free (car free) life! I think your example of celebrating "no more car" is one I hope to remember when it is my turn...
ReplyDeleteWe'll see how it goes. I don't think I'll regret giving up the responsibility and expense. Yes, some monkeys just have to be dealt with, until they finally don't.
DeleteNot my circus was the silver lining to my being disabled two decades ago. Not having to go to a job or deal with scraping and shoveling snow was an unexpected blessing that I had originally thought was a curse. ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, I doubt if it looked that way at first, but in your climate, it's good to be free from snow chores.
DeleteYou have been busy. I’m glad you got rid of the car. It’s certainly nice having money going in for a change
ReplyDeleteThe last large sum went out for the heat pump. This is a nice change.
DeleteYou've had quite the busy year. How nice that you can spend Thanksgiving with Handsome Son!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
That IS a good bit of winnowing! Well done and glad the check cleared!
ReplyDeleteI am consciously trying to add more 'not my circus' moments into my life but sometimes I get sucked in despite my best efforts. Learning to say no is a good thing and I am getting better at it as I get older.
ReplyDelete