Every year around this time, I typically take a break from blogging. There is something about the pace of the world around me during the holidazeâ„¢ that makes me want to slam on the brakes and just slow down. It’s a good time to reflect on the year we are leaving behind and begin to plan for the new year of adventures ahead. In that spirit, Lach and I have been thinking about some new goals and some new traditions of our own.

Mentally, I’ve been craving some new interactions. I’ve been participating in some local discussion groups for a while and am going to my first ever book club meeting tonight. I’m excited to meet some new people that I’ve only communicated with online. The current book up for discussion is The Zookeeper’s Wife. I haven’t read as much into it as I’d like to but hopefully I will have covered enough to participate.

Physically, It’s been nearly two months since I last bought a pack of cigarettes. I still crave them occasionally but it’s been a lot less painful than I would have ever imagined. Now that I have traversed that hurdle, I’m thinking more about getting the rest of me (especially the crooked part) in better shape. We have the perfect area in the basement with a weight bag already set up. Now, we just have to make a few adjustments to the space and our diet, then get on a routine.

Professionally, I don’t feel like I have any right to complain because I am one of the lucky Americans that is still employed. Even so, I feel like there is so much more meaningful work that I could be doing. I have gotten to this place many times in my career but it’s no longer feasible for me to drive to Mexico and then stay off the grid for a few months afterwards. I want to get my portfolio site put back together again but haven’t been able to find the time or the energy to give it what it deserves.

Creatively, I’m running on fumes. I have to admit that being an artistic being can be exhausting. No matter where I look, my eyes fill in the negative space. Every room I walk into I can see what I want to be there, reminding me of all the projects I have yet to complete. Working in the creative world makes it that much harder to find the mental capacity for my many not-for-profit creative endeavors.

Spiritually, I miss tending the garden and talking to the dirt (and my food) every day. (Ever seen the bumper sticker “Tree Hugging Dirt Worshiper”?) What can I say, I’m still a southerner at heart but with a NW passion for sole food. I think I would find the peace of mind that I seek, in finding a balance between all of the above and my desire to live more harmoniously with nature. It’s about time to plant some garlic to talk to through the winter.

So, don’t mind my absence while I spend some time realigning our priorities closer to where we want them to be. If I’m not around before then, I hope that you all have a wonderful Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah or Festivus as you so choose. Cheers!