less ringing, more sleeping NYE + week(s) reflection

“Poetry is like passion–it should not be merely pretty; it should overwhelm and bruise.”
― Kate Quinn, The Alice Network

I’ve never been big on New Year’s Eve celebrations.

First of all, the expectation that you must stay out until at least midnight just puts way too much undue pressure on me. And then there are the unwritten expectations that you must have a fabulous time celebrating a fabulous year and ringing in what will surely be a fabulous new year. And what about that awkward moment when another expectation arises around the midnight kiss. Oh, and don’t forget this is all typically accompanied by copious amounts of drinking, surely to result in ringing in the new year literally with a ringing headache.

So, yeah, if you’re thinking it’s a little bah humbug up in here, you’re probably right. Not to say I haven’t enjoyed my fair share of really great New Year’s Eve celebrations — I definitely have. However, my preference, hands-down, is for low-key celebrations that include me being asleep by the time the ball drops. Imagine my delight when our red-eye return from Hawaii on Dec. 30-31 basically required this outcome for 2019. And, after roughly 12 hours of shut-eye (believe me, it was needed) I woke up refreshed, sans-hangover and ready to take on 2019.

I can’t say how my future new years will be rung in, but I am grateful for a quiet, cozy slower start to this year. Whether or not you share in my feelings about NYE celebrations, I hope your 2019 is off to a wonderful start and that the next 359 days serve you well.

week(s) in review
read: The Alice Network
reading: Braving the Wilderness + Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
DEN > SEA > KOA
spent 7 glorious days in Hawaii
celebrated Christmas oceanside
couples massages with the ocean as the backdrop
attempted stargazing on the top of Mauna Kea (stupid snow)
many miles + hours spent exploring the big island with the top down
learned a lot from our new best friend, GyPSy Guide (aka, Robert)
enjoyed a historical dinner cruise
ate A LOT of yummy seafood
visited-ish Volcanoes National Park (boo for the government shutdown)
wine tasting in Volcano
savored many beautiful sunsets
swimming + exploring the Pacific
visited many different beaches
educated on Kona’s coffee culture
amazed by the beautiful and diverse flora in the Hilo region
eye infection 😦
fought a cold 😦
checked off a few new breweries
rang in 2019 from bed (and asleep)
SO MANY puppy snuggles (missed my baby)
returned to work 😦
made a big purchase for ourselves + health
reflected on 2018
began 2019 planning + intentions
wrote + posted a fairly well-read year
wrote + posted 2018: the year of everything

weekend happenings + intentions
host first Denver Creates of 2019
continue 2019 planning + intentions
much-needed hair appointment
say goodbye to the holidays + take down decorations
dinner + catching up with good friends
rest + heal my broken-ish body