New year same me...

The beginning of the new year is hectic for me. So much happens in such a short amount of time. I remember when I used to be able to stretch Christmas out for at least four days. I would go shopping and buy stuff on sale. Make returns from gifts that I didn't really want. I would visit family and get more gifts. Then visit friends and get more gifts there as well. But now, it is a maximum 2 days and there is no time for more.

Zariah's birthday is December 31st. We are no longer planning our New Year's Eve night out. We are trying to figure out what we are going to do for Zariah on her birthday. I am trying to make sure I put away all of the Christmas decorations so I can get ready for balloons and cake. I am trying to make sure I separate her birthday and Christmas. With the majority of my focus being on her birthday I find that I don't get the house clean before the new year. I m starting to believe the saying that how clean your house is on the first of January is how clean it will be for the rest of the year. This isn't looking good for HouseofLafond.

The week following Zariah's birthday is my birthday, January 8th. I don't make a big deal about my birthday however I do like to acknowledge it.  A cake, a great day and a nice dinner is sufficient. I know Hashim feels the pressure though.

In addition to all of that, when we were kids Hashim thought it was a good idea to wait until we were both 15 years old to become a couple. So he waited until the week after my birthday. So our dating Anniversary is January 15th. Our favorite thing to do for our anniversary is take pictures. We also like to go on a date, so there is some more pressure.

Once we finally settle down from all of our celebrations and get through the month of January then comes February. What amazing holiday is in February, Valentine's Day. So we are back to celebrating. We love celebrating all of these momentous days. Each day is special and very important. We actually enjoy planning for these days so that we can make them extra special. It is still a lot of work and it puts a lot of pressure on us. Stores don't make it any easier. As soon as one holiday ends the decorations for the next holiday are out. While I am thinking Zariah's birthday, the store is already screaming at me that it's Valentine's Day. These first few weeks of the new year have me on hyper speed. I rarely get around to a New Year'sresolution or come up with a word for the year. I definitely don't start any fast or new diet. There is no "new year, new me" happening. I have already decided to be the best me I can be. I try to get my house clean and keep my family filled with joy, laughter and peace. Without going broke or crazy!