"Five hundred, twenty five thousand, six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?"
"The Gift of Time"
Another journey around the sun is coming to a close. 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. 8,760 hours. 525, 600 minutes. Every second is a gift. How do you measure, a year in the life? How do you measure your gift of moments? Let me count the possible ways...
2 weddings
4 mother of the bride/groom dresses (because I couldn't decide)
184 blog posts
6 college applications (still waiting to hear on 3)
1 trip to Europe
5 times I drove the Better Half to the "Poor House" (an underestimation)
Too many "I should haves, would haves, could haves"
Not enough "I dids" (truth? I never will feel 'I did' enough "I dids")
An increase in patience
A decrease in frustration
Two cycles of "Insanity" workout
Two sore knees
Increased one clothing size (say what!?!?)
"How YOU Doin'?"
Family Photo "Before"
184 blog posts
6 college applications (still waiting to hear on 3)
1 trip to Europe
5 times I drove the Better Half to the "Poor House" (an underestimation)
Too many "I should haves, would haves, could haves"
Not enough "I dids" (truth? I never will feel 'I did' enough "I dids")
An increase in patience
A decrease in frustration
Two cycles of "Insanity" workout
Two sore knees
Increased one clothing size (say what!?!?)
Probably most importantly, I blinked 5,606,400 times. Considering I've seen lives change this past year in the blink of an eye...I believe I've defied the odds for now.
"In daylights, in sunsets,
In midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty five thousand, six hundred minutes
How do you measure, a year in the life?"
-Seasons of Love (Rent)
"How YOU Doin'?"
Family Photo "Before"
Truth is, my most important gauge is in remembering the love and the laughter. As long as it is greater than any sadness and tears...then my trip around the sun is one to be celebrated. FYI, twas a successful 12 months to be embraced because...
Love + Laughter > Sadness + Tears
The reason for the abundance of love and laughter is my family, who always make me laugh and is always loved abundantly. My most important measure...
5 kids
1 mother
1 husband
2 sisters
2 bros-in-law
3 nieces
2 nephews
There is more family. But this is the family that plays a leading role.
"Seasons of Love"
Family Photo "After"
With my 55 years worth of trips around the sun, I'm racking up the laughter, the love, and...the frequent flier miles. Cherish the laughs. Cherish the love. Cherish the blinks of the eye.
**********
Hard to believe it's almost time for another New Years Eve ball drop. Another Ryan Seacrest Rockin' New Year's Eve. Another resolution-filled and optimistic begininng. Personally? I love spending New Year's Eve at home. In my pj's. With the Better Half. Some movies on television. And some wine. And...a resolution of two of my own. Next Tuesday's Song-ography suggestion is...
"This is the New Year"
A Great Big World
Thanks to all those who have made another year of Song-ography possible. And thanks for linking up! Happy New Year to everyone, and...let's be safe out there!
(click on image for description of Song-ography)
Great post, I like your take on the song. Its all about family!
ReplyDeleteI bought This Is (Almost) The New Year back in 2010.....it was by Ian Axel then. I had to Google that because it's the same song....same video that I saw back then and fell in love with it...and what do you know....it's the same thing.....Google has that A Great Big World is his new project. I think he sounds a little like Christopher Cross. Anyway, I am sooooo happy to find out that others are still discovering his music. Sheer talent!
ReplyDeleteI also love Seasons of Love....rented Rent just because of it. I don't remember a lot about that movie now....it didn't leave a lasting impression on me....but that song is unforgettable!
So glad your year past brought more smiles than tears....That makes a good year all by itself! Beautiful family for a beautiful lady who doesn't look a day over 30, in my opinion!
You are way too kind, thank you. :). And thank you for the interesting background on next week's song! I only know it from its most current version. I will now Google its 2010 version!
DeleteEvery time I think "whoa, what a year" I am reminded of yours. Visits with you visa-a-via your blog has truly been among the moments I count and cherish when measuring life rotating around that big red ball in the sky. Thoroughly enjoyed your images and post on Seasons of Love.
ReplyDeleteHave a Spectacular New Years!
Terrific family photo. Happy New Year. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, a lot of love in that room. I have so enjoyed your blog this year, you are a true inspiration for me. Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the family photo before and after!! Great way to summarize the year.
ReplyDeleteThe present is the best before it's unwrapped. I love the shot of the guy bending down!
ReplyDeleteThat is quite some year lovely lady... and oh my you have a truly beautiful family. I am glad it has been a good year overall, the same is true for me.... and that is all we can ever hope for!
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
Great year, Kathy! I know that every year is hard in its own right, but often there is so much more to celebrate if we look close enough. Thank you for sharing your goodness with me. I find myself smiling at the wisdom you shared.
ReplyDeleteNice family photos! :) I like how you broke it all down in your list too, very specific, lots of big events!
ReplyDeleteHello, this is my first visit to your blog and what a welcoming post to read. Thank you for such gracious words. By the way, I see my years in a similar light -- new trips around the sun. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLMAO...love that HOW YOU DOIN shot! Beautiful focus on the present. This is a great post Kathy.
ReplyDeleteMe too - on the pj's! Took Friday off, so I'm looking forward to a four day weekend...and many hours in pj's and sweats! I'm not sure how you "top" two weddings in one year - such a beautiful family you have. Thanks so much for "inviting" us all to join in ~ it's been wonderful sharing your joy! I hope 2015 is the year we get a nice long face to face visit!! Big hug and wishes for a wonder-full new year!
ReplyDeleteLOL, love the 'how ya doin' shot! I have a similar one, only from the football field, but really adore the family shot! Have a wonderful New Years eve, lots of happy here to celebrate! xo
ReplyDelete