Backwards and forward

It's been a hard year and like difficult times not without sweet moments and glad tidings. My issues pale compared to many- we haven't had a highly contagious and lethal virus sweep our community nor has a weather anomaly threatened our well being.  Our offspring continue to grow and thrive and if our ability to get along could be better, we are hardly unique in that respect. As a recently elected official to the board of my small village I have witnessed behavior that would shock and mystify many- but supposedly among elected officials, this is nothing new. So not a year that will stand out for many positives. (Well, our middle child had a milestone year with graduating high school and heading off to college- but as most parents will attest- your children's accomplishments are theirs' and theirs' alone. Living through them is not recommended.)

So, I am thankful this year is drawing to a close. To my more experienced colleagues in the political game, you undoubtably have much thicker skin than mine- which might be a good thing. (The jury's out on that one.)

In the meantime, looking forward to a happier and hopefully less stressful new year. And wishing you and your's the best of everything and happiness in 2015.

Made of (leaded) Glass

Last fall my friend Sandra participated in the Tarrytown village wide tag sale- an event which typically takes place on a Saturday in late September and elicits a fair amount of anticipation from all those who love looking at other people's discards (hopefully attractively priced). My spouse was trying to raise money to meet his pledge obligation for an LLS Race for the Cure and so Sandra invited him to participate with her and sell some of our unneeded household items (and who doesn't have those?). 

Early morning, during the set up I noticed that Sandra had an assortment of Lalique crystal figurine items for sale- and the retailer in me knew this was not the right venue for these high priced objets d'art. I struck a deal with Sandra and I am happy to report that I just sold the last item on Ebay. Hopefully in the new homes they have found, they will be appreciated and enjoyed by their new owners. All's well that end's well as the great bard would say.

Forgettable

I was raised in a non-observant Jewish household. Holidays were important to the extent that they fostered momentum to gather together. We were 5 kids plus mom and dad and those opportunities meant something. You either made it there or made the call. But events mattered.

Flash forward a few decades and we are parents of young adults. Holidays are a lot tougher. There is no glue. Everyone occupies their own distinct sphere and barring some major crisis- we amble along our respective paths. It's not what I envisioned- but I married someone from a different faith, meaning different values from mine in a whole host of ways- and as his family all live thousands of miles away, getting together is logistically hard.

With two kids currently in college, money is ridiculously tight. Sometimes, pretending we are okay takes a lot of internal juggling- and while in principal, we are okay. Stressors abound.

Christmas rolls around- and the kids need those presents under the tree. Not a lot mind you. But some new clothes, a few treats. Hoping it will bring pleasure as anyone who buy gifts will attest. And at the end of our present exchange I realized that not a single one of my family members bought me a gift.
Or made me a card. Or did much of anything.

I withdrew. Getting angry seemed too distressing. It's not that I need anything- it's that I wasn't worth making an effort. And now I am sad and shook up. I don't want these feelings-stuck with a dark cloud that I know will eventually dispel.

I have a new hip. It will be a new year. Maybe things will change for the better. Or I'll change for the better (and hopefully not for the worse.) I will seek gratitude. I will try not to let the hurtful (in)actions of others upset me.

And all the lousy, shitty things that happen and blindside me- there's no up side in making crap memorable. Just remember, forgettable. (or at least try).

Back before 2

I had a follow-up appointment with my doctor this morning at NYU Langone. Almost 6 weeks since  my hip replacement surgery and I appreciated the chance to review my progress with him. Walking back to Grand Central I detoured to visit Lord & Taylor and drink in the fun of their holiday windows. Heading north I stopped in at the NY Public Library to check out their current photography show brimming with insights and treasures. The city never fails to deliver a chance to engage and I love the stimulation even a brief trip inspires.

(Holiday) News Alert from the Hollow

James found me in the kitchen to tell me that Santa Claus was picking up garbage so I ran outside with my camera to check it out for myself. Just a small news dispatch from Sleepy Hollow and one that I am happy to share.