2012 - The Year of More Cowbell

If you have never seen the SNL skit, "More Cowbell" you might want to watch it before reading my post...I'll wait...............Okay, now that you have watched it, I can continue.

In roughly eight hours and thirty minutes, 2011 will be history. Long gone. No more. Out the door. It was an interesting year. I have been reflecting on 2011 today and I concluded it could have had "more cowbell". You know...a little more "umph" a little more "snap" a little more "go get 'em Ginger." So, that is why I am pledging 2012 to be the year of more cowbell.

A brief rundown of the events in 2011 include:

1. I FINALLY stopped the horrible habit of biting my nails...gross!

2. I got rid of a pair of shoes that I had glued, super glued and gorilla glued more times than I would be willing to admit. I loved those shoes...they for sure were "more cowbell" kind of shoes. But, they just didn't make it through all the repairs. I bid them a fond farewell (much to the applause of my friends Connie and Maria!)

3. I lost some weight...gained some back....lost a little more and gained the little back. So, I'm pretty much even there. I guess it is better to have lost and gained than to have gained and gained. I'm going to give the exercise a little "more cowbell" in 2012.

4. My daughter began high school...WHAT? That one was really tough!

5. I learned a lot about people, hurt, pride and trust. I learned I will always let people down, people will always let me down and in the end if you still have a friend after all that you better hang on because they are the real deal.

6. I witnessed the Lord answer prayers for friends which brought such joy to my heart. A special "more cowbell" for that!

7. I discovered the amazing, unconditional love of some of the sweetest kids I know. My life would not be the same without the sweet hugs these sweet little boys and girls gave, "Miss Ginger" at church. Teaching Sunday School was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

8. Finally, I learned I cannot "fix" people. I can love them, but cannot make them love me in return. No matter how much I want to blame myself, I have realized the way I look does not drive people away. It is about them and their journey in life. I could not have realized that without the love and support of two of the greatest women I know. I love and admire you both to the moon and back!

Here is hoping your 2012 is filled with "more cowbell', love, happiness and sunshine!