3 Days Late and a Dollar Short

I can't believe another year has come and gone. Where does the time go? I'm not much of the New Year's Resolution type, but I thought I'd try something new this year. I'm going to take the time to write about my life each and every day. Not just the "glossed over, everything is great" stuff, but the real deal - the good, the bad and the indifferent.

What prompted me to start this journey is the stack of holiday cards I received this holiday season from friends and family. It forced me to contemplate my life - Where have I been? Where am I going? Where will life take me next? And of course I would be lying if I didn't say that on some level I wonder how my life compares to everyone else's.

It is amazing that a simple holiday card can conjure so many emotions. For the most part, I really enjoy seeing pictures of everyone and reading the personalized notes. Below is a smattering of the inner dialogue that went through my mind as I ripped through the pile of cheery red envelopes:

Wow, the kids have really grown!
Holy Smokes! She looks so much older than me!
Skinny bitch looks better now than she did in high school!
Crap! They ALL went to Europe? Plumbers must make bank!
But, for some reason, the ones that really annoy me are the extremely detailed letters that people send out. I have one friend in particular who sends out a typed, single-spaced, front and back letter that details in wondrous splendor how perfect life is. Really? Did not ONE bad thing happen to you guys this year? Just once, I would like to receive a holiday "update" that says:

Hello Friends!

I am sure glad 2010 is almost behind us because it sucked balls! Me and the hubs were on the brink of divorce but luckily stumbled upon this amazing therapist. Stay tuned for 2011! As we work through our issues - ones we knew about and others we didn't even know we had - I will be sure to keep you posted. Also, it was a real drag staying home with the kids this year. I have NEVER scraped so many cheerios off of the hardwoods in all of my life! Who knew a college degree could come in so handy! Johnny continues to wet the bed and Bobby continues to bite his classmates. On a brighter note, we are one of the few Americans who are not in foreclosure. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Love, The Smith Family
I guess the "real" letters aren't as fun to write - given the longevity of the written word. Perhaps it's better to focus on the fluff that occurs in one's life rather than the harsh reality of life uncensored. So, there you go. The subject of this blog. I hope you will enjoy this daily journey I'll be taking throughout 2011 - albeit 3 days late. Stay tuned and enjoy the ride!