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Monday, 13 December 2010
On the importance of not feeling guilt
JYC has taken a bit of a back seat in recent days. I have a poorly boy & am feeling quite tired and not very Christmas-y. As Shimelle says at the start of every class, there are no deadlines & no detentions with this class. It's just a guide to help you achieve what you want to achieve and take back the magic & wonder of Christmas. So JYC updates will resume when life has calmed down a little. Ta-ta for now!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
JYC 2010
Day 8: Do you see what I see?
Usually a photo-heavy entry today - will upload from my laptop when I get a chance.
Usually a photo-heavy entry today - will upload from my laptop when I get a chance.
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Tuesday, 7 December 2010
JYC 2010
Day 7: Still to do...
When I feel like life is getting on top of me, I make lists. To-do lists, to-buy lists, to-make lists, guest lists, idea lists, gift lists, the lists go on and on. Writing things down, making things concrete and visible usually makes me realise it is possible after all. It allows my brain to rest and the fear of forgetting something vital passes. This year's list isn't as long as I'd thought it was but things get added as I remember them. Each task is broken down into steps and the joy of ticking things off is remarkable. And no, you can't see the lists yet. That would spoil the surprise!
When I feel like life is getting on top of me, I make lists. To-do lists, to-buy lists, to-make lists, guest lists, idea lists, gift lists, the lists go on and on. Writing things down, making things concrete and visible usually makes me realise it is possible after all. It allows my brain to rest and the fear of forgetting something vital passes. This year's list isn't as long as I'd thought it was but things get added as I remember them. Each task is broken down into steps and the joy of ticking things off is remarkable. And no, you can't see the lists yet. That would spoil the surprise!
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Monday, 6 December 2010
JYC 2010
Day 6: A tale of 2 Christmasses
Before you, I woke at 7 to see my presents. This year, I'll wake at 3 then want to sleep in.
Before you, there were two stockings at our fireplace. This year, there are three, with room left for more.
Before you, I wanted our Christmas alone, just us two. This year, I want to share it, and you, with our families.
Before you, I worked over Christmas or New Year, or both. This year, I'll be at home to celebrate, all day & all night.
Before you, Christmas was a holiday, time to relax. This year, it will be all go, all the time.
Before you, I asked for books and pretty paper and luxury goodies. This year, I'm asking for frying pans and graters and practical things (although there's some pretty paper coming too, courtesy of your Dad).
Before you, Christmas was becoming a let-down, stressful & pressured. This year, I'm determined to make it fun and carefree, just for you.
Before you, I woke at 7 to see my presents. This year, I'll wake at 3 then want to sleep in.
Before you, there were two stockings at our fireplace. This year, there are three, with room left for more.
Before you, I wanted our Christmas alone, just us two. This year, I want to share it, and you, with our families.
Before you, I worked over Christmas or New Year, or both. This year, I'll be at home to celebrate, all day & all night.
Before you, Christmas was a holiday, time to relax. This year, it will be all go, all the time.
Before you, I asked for books and pretty paper and luxury goodies. This year, I'm asking for frying pans and graters and practical things (although there's some pretty paper coming too, courtesy of your Dad).
Before you, Christmas was becoming a let-down, stressful & pressured. This year, I'm determined to make it fun and carefree, just for you.
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Sunday, 5 December 2010
JYC 2010
Day 5: Counting down
As far back as I can remember, the countdown to Christmas started with the first Sunday of advent & the lighting of the first candle in the advent wreath. Different churches, different wreathes but the same ritual. Our present church doesn't have a lot of ritual or an advent wreath but we're reminded that Christmas is coming by the celebrations planned.
Back home we had calendars &, in later years, a candle. We were never able to keep up with the burning and it used to be a race to catch-up & have just a stump left on Christmas eve.
Our countdown? This year it's making arrangements and trying to finish all the presents in time. No calendar or candle for me this year. December seems to have crept up on us all of a sudden & the new year will arrive before we know it!
As far back as I can remember, the countdown to Christmas started with the first Sunday of advent & the lighting of the first candle in the advent wreath. Different churches, different wreathes but the same ritual. Our present church doesn't have a lot of ritual or an advent wreath but we're reminded that Christmas is coming by the celebrations planned.
Back home we had calendars &, in later years, a candle. We were never able to keep up with the burning and it used to be a race to catch-up & have just a stump left on Christmas eve.
Our countdown? This year it's making arrangements and trying to finish all the presents in time. No calendar or candle for me this year. December seems to have crept up on us all of a sudden & the new year will arrive before we know it!
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Saturday, 4 December 2010
JYC 2010
Day 4: Perfect Christmas
So I spent the day singing S Club 7 at Isaac! My perfect Christmas revolves around the people in my life. Naturally I'd spend it with Andy & Isaac but there are other people there too.
Since I had Isaac, I appreciate my mum more. It started when she spent 5 days with us right after he was born. No, actually it started before that. The morning after I had him, I wanted my mum. Going home these days is fantastic; I love talking with my parents, seeing them with Isaac & just chilling out. (My Dad's great too, just for the record.)
My sister & her husband live in Texas. They usually visit at Christmas but won't be making it home this year for the first time. I miss them a lot.
And then there's my new family (also known as Andy's family). There's dozens of them, literally they don't all fit in 1 house. Plus
I have cousins and grandparents and plenty of friends, near & far.
It's definitely the people that do it for me.
So I spent the day singing S Club 7 at Isaac! My perfect Christmas revolves around the people in my life. Naturally I'd spend it with Andy & Isaac but there are other people there too.
Since I had Isaac, I appreciate my mum more. It started when she spent 5 days with us right after he was born. No, actually it started before that. The morning after I had him, I wanted my mum. Going home these days is fantastic; I love talking with my parents, seeing them with Isaac & just chilling out. (My Dad's great too, just for the record.)
My sister & her husband live in Texas. They usually visit at Christmas but won't be making it home this year for the first time. I miss them a lot.
And then there's my new family (also known as Andy's family). There's dozens of them, literally they don't all fit in 1 house. Plus
I have cousins and grandparents and plenty of friends, near & far.
It's definitely the people that do it for me.
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Friday, 3 December 2010
JYC 2010
Day 3: Christmas cards
I'm not buying any cards this year. I have so many left over from the last couple of years that most people will be getting one of them. Personal cards are a big tradition in my family, though not in Andy's, so hopefully I'll be able to make those special ones. All part of our own austerity measures, though it's also fairly environmentally-friendly too.
When we first moved here, we were touched to receive cards from all our 'circle neighbours' and it's a tradition that's continued. You'd think I'd know who lives in which house by now...
I'm not buying any cards this year. I have so many left over from the last couple of years that most people will be getting one of them. Personal cards are a big tradition in my family, though not in Andy's, so hopefully I'll be able to make those special ones. All part of our own austerity measures, though it's also fairly environmentally-friendly too.
When we first moved here, we were touched to receive cards from all our 'circle neighbours' and it's a tradition that's continued. You'd think I'd know who lives in which house by now...
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Thursday, 2 December 2010
Journal Your Christmas Day 2
Don't go looking for day 1, it didn't quite get written down!
JYC has begun again for another year. Last year's album is finished... apart from all the writing. Oh well, it's a new year, new start. I really want to remember Isaac's first Christmas but I'm conscious of my lack of time. So a photo a day & a blogpost while I feed every evening seems doable. Of course, yesterday didn't get blogged but that's another story!
Day 1: Manifesto
Remember the details.
Be gentle.
Lay a pretty table.
Light a candle or three.
Recapture the magic & excitement.
Be grateful & gracious.
Have confidence.
Remember the reason.
Day 2: Winter weather
We have snow, like much of the country. Took Isaac out to look at some today, he wasn't keen. Brushed it off my hand!
JYC has begun again for another year. Last year's album is finished... apart from all the writing. Oh well, it's a new year, new start. I really want to remember Isaac's first Christmas but I'm conscious of my lack of time. So a photo a day & a blogpost while I feed every evening seems doable. Of course, yesterday didn't get blogged but that's another story!
Day 1: Manifesto
Remember the details.
Be gentle.
Lay a pretty table.
Light a candle or three.
Recapture the magic & excitement.
Be grateful & gracious.
Have confidence.
Remember the reason.
Day 2: Winter weather
We have snow, like much of the country. Took Isaac out to look at some today, he wasn't keen. Brushed it off my hand!
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5
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