welcoming the new year in bed + week reflection

the new year started off with me snuggled in my warm bed after deciding — as an adult who, as it turns out, is free to make her own decisions — that despite my plans of ringing in 2017 while rocking out to El Ten Eleven, I really didn’t want to be out. so, at 11:15 p.m, I hopped in a Lyft and made my way home. and, honestly, I couldn’t have been happier with my decision (even though my driver, who will now be referred to as one-star Mark, called me old).

I’ve never really been a fan of being out on NYE, otherwise known as amateur night. it seems that everyone’s intent is to get white-girl wasted and annoy the shit out of me. if I’m with a group of friends whom I adore, the annoyance factor declines a bit, which is why I prefer to ring in the new year at a house party or at an early dinner out followed by a more intimate gathering somewhere in the absence of hundreds of strangers.

so, my first lessons of 2017 came at about 11 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2016 — know who you are and don’t try to force something else. and, lesson number two, you’re an adult and you can do whatever the fuck you want, even if what you want involves welcoming a new year at home and in bed. because guess what? it’s not really a big deal. your friends will understand. people won’t think you’re a total loser. in fact, they probably won’t care at all. and, the best part is, you’ll wake up the next morning hangover-free and ready to kick 2017’s ass. check and check.

“. . . you are as you are until you’re not. You change when you want to change. You put your ideas into action in the timing that is best. That’s just how it happens.

And what I think we all need more than anything is this: permission to be wherever the fuck we are when we’re there.” ~ Jamie Varon, To Anyone Who Thinks They’re Falling Behind in Life

week in review
last week’s gratitude: down-time
this week’s intention: embracing a new year
what I’m reading: The Lost Girls
impromptu drive to Manitou Springs + graffiti falls (pic 7, 8, 9)
completed Dressember challenge + thanks to all who helped me reach my fundraising goal! (pic 2)
breakfast + catching up with friend from Wyoming
Monday spent writing + planning for new year
NYE dinner with friends (pic 1)
tried a new restaurant (yum!) + time with a good friend
super productive work week
enjoyed a big winter storm from the comfort of my warm house (pic 3)
Raiders v Broncos with one of my favorites (pic 5, 6)
savored a three-day weekend
read + relaxed
lots of bookstore browsing — and a few purchases
booked a solo beach getaway
wrote note of gratitude + goodbye to 2016 (via FB and Instagram) (pic 10)
began Foundations of Well-Being program
Friday night dinner in with good friends
wrote + posted 2017: the year of curiosity (pic 4)
wrote + posted 2016 gratitude
wrote + posted week reflection

weekend happenings + intentions
host monthly creative writing group
finish 2017 goals + plan
write + post 2017 travel wishlist
connect with friends
read + relax
see La La Land
move