Christmas was a big hit, except the dog ate my stocking. Seriously, my whole stocking, consisting of much dark chocolate. She walked around for an entire day shaking and falling down. It was terrifying. I'm happy to report that by day two, she was back to her old self. And by that, I mean she barfed chocolate chunks up all over the carpet and then ate the contents of the kitchen trash can. Or maybe I'm not happy to report that, but I sure am glad that we're not digging a doggy grave amid the hamster graveyard by the garage. As disgusting as she is, I prefer my dog alive. And she probably doesn't think I'm a ray of sunshine either, so you have to feel some sort of sorry for her since she can't even tell me I'm annoying or plug her ears when I talk. She simply puts up with me without complaint.
Heading into the New Year, I refuse to be shocked by January as I have every year of my life so far. The thrill of the holidays gets to my head and life seems so happy and exciting. I'm led to believe that by making resolutions and setting goals, everything will fall right into place beginning January 1st, but then it gets here and it's only dark and cold and depressing. This year, I will work into my resolutions solitude and dreariness. Window scrapers, winter weight and such cold that my brain actually shudders when I walk out the door are the reality. I will get to a point, as I have several times, that I will actually be searching online for jobs and houses in a warmer climate. Right when I'm at my breaking point and simply can't handle the cold any longer, springtime will show up and I will completely forget about winter for the next six brilliant months.
I do get to start the work year out in training, learning all about fire and when to send which ambulance where, so that's a major plus. The amount of stuff that I will eventually learn in my job is overwhelming when I step back and look at it all together, so I'm thankful that everything is spread out over months, maybe even years, to give my brain the correct amount of time to soak everything in. I've yet to endure a single day that I haven't learned something new...usually multiple somethings. I've also yet to find a day that I'm not happy to go to work. (But I'm still happier to come home).
Happy New Year to YOU, may you be happy, healthy and unafraid to LIVE! I mean, come springtime, when life's actually worth living. In the meantime, drive safely and sleep as much as possible.
