2013

Wasn't it only a couple of years ago when we were all panicking about our computers crashing in the new millennium?  How can it really be 2014 already?  And what happened in 2013?

As I quickly look back over the past year, this is what comes to mind:

• Chevrons.  How could I go 52 years without knowing what a chevron is?  And then all of a sudden -- BAM -- they're everywhere!  What's that all about?
• My House.  I kept thinking that 2013 would be the year I'd get my house more organized.  But I didn't.  It's embarrassing to have to keep all the doors in my house closed when company comes.  
• My Daughters.  With the marriage of Daughter #3 this past year, all three of my girls live far away from me.  And, as much as I know it's good for them to have their own lives, the selfish side of me wishes they all lived a little closer.
• Spanish.  Just because I read the scriptures in Spanish every day, doesn't mean I can actually speak the language.  Something tells me that "and it came to pass" and "wo be unto you" aren't phrases that actually get used in every-day Spanish.  I should probably take a class. 
• The Empty Nest.  As hard as it was transitioning to this stage of my life, I think this past year I finally started to get used to it -- and even like it.
• Journal Writing.  Thanks to some inspiration from a woman from church, I just completed my second year of writing in my journal every day!  (Which is most likely why my blog has been suffering.)
• Progressive Lenses.  After a year-and-a-half of poor eyesight, I can now see again.  It's a miracle!!
• Missionaries.  Having the missionaries live in our home for a few months this past year, has really made me more missionary-minded.  And I like it.
• Eyelash Extensions.  It seemed liked 2013 was the year for eyelash extensions.  Not for me, but for about 83% of the rest of the female population in my town.
• Pinterest.  Is it a good thing or a bad thing?  Yes, there are some cute ideas, but hasn't it set the bar dangerously high?  No longer can you just host a simple baby shower or celebrate a holiday meal the way we used to.  Now every gathering has to include tiered serving platters, vintage picture frames, mason jars, and fabric bunting banners.  And chevrons.  

All in all it was a pretty good year.  Will you all please join me in a toast to 2013.  With vintage mason jars, of course!

Dixie