The week between Christmas and New Year’s is always a time of reflection for me. The good, the bad and the funny of the outgoing year as well as looking forward.
I started 2022 in Los Angeles where I attended the Rose Parade with a friend who waved at every. single. unit. that marched down or along the route; even the Hare Krishnas who were the warm-up for the actual parade. For the first time, I realized how great it is to surround yourself with people filled with joy.
During the summer, we took a cruise and learned that memories you make on a vacation are more important than the pictures you take, right? A fellow tourist offered to take our picture and spurned my directions on how to use my phone. “No problem. I have one just like it. I’ll take two, in case your eyes are closed.” Both pictures were identical, so I’ll never know. Humor makes any situation better.
Apparently, steel drum bands are having a moment. (https://www.panyard.com/celebrating-the-steel-pan-in-high-schools-and-universities/ ) I gleefully snapped up 2 tickets to an outdoor concert this fall, eager to have a group of Jamaican men transport me to the Caribbean. I envisioned swaying to calypso music with an umbrella drink in my hand. Instead of Harry Belafonte tunes, I listened to Happy Together by the Turtles and Louie, Louie, the classic 1963 hit, played by a group of locals from the west valley that are as Jamaican as I am. Don’t get me wrong, the music was lovely, but when your vision collides with reality, shift your expectations, and drink the rum anyway.
In October, I returned from a few days away to discover both of our toilets had been outfitted with bidet attachments. These are now available on Amazon for as low as $25 and can be installed by someone who knows what they are doing and can fit in the tight spaces around a toilet. But I’m telling you, we deserve comfort at every stage in our lives. Trust me, look into this, it’s life-changing and at the same time, you feel slightly more worldly.
Travels, from Canyon de Chelly and Monument Valley in Arizona, the hiking trails outside Las Vegas, a cruise from Boston to Montreal, all helped prepare me for the biggie – Alaska. Each trip had their thrills and besides the raw beauty, it’s about the goodness of people, especially locals who shared snippets of their culture.
After living here for three years, this past year was pivotal in cementing new friendships. And in the winter, friends visited from MIchigan. Starting over in a place is hard and developing new friends isn’t easy but once you have a good friend, don’t let go.
The highlight for my year however was time spent with family. A lunchtime visit with my brother and sister-in-law who were camping near Tuscon, visits with sister #1 who spent time nearby staying with her daughter, and a visit by sister #2. She should never forgive me for the running around we did over five days. I wanted to make sure she saw every sight within a fifty-mile radius. Museums, hiking trails, concerts, new restaurants… it really was quite exhausting.
In October, I spent a week in Wisconsin where both of my sisters live, and the three of us spent five days joined at the hip for the first time since we had to share the backseat in the family car. My sisters make me laugh more than anyone else, and family roots run deep even when they can seem shallow.
I’m fortunate to live a comfortable life filled with quilting activities, workouts at the pool, bocce ball and a fun book club, which stretches my thinking most every month. We get out and enjoy concerts and theater often in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Our motto is to do while we can.
I’m not oblivious to the economic, emotional, and physical pains others have suffered through and continue to do so, but for this post, I wanted to focus on the lighter side of life. I hope you don’t mind.
So, as I wave good-bye to 2022 with the same jubilation as my friend when we welcomed in the year, my wish is that 2023 is filled with good health, prosperity, and kindness for you and your loved ones.
Happy New Year, old friend. Enjoy sharing your escapades.
Thanks, and who are you calling old?
So glad to read this thoughtful post! I was beginning to wonder if you had decided to delete this blog from your busy life. Wishing you a happy & healthy 2023!
Thanks, Sue. When the time comes to say good-bye to the blog, I will let you know.
So wonderful and fun to read this! Lovely synopsis of the year, and wise words to live by!!
Thank you so much. It was a fun year to reflect on.
Awesome summary of a busy year. Family, friends, business, and hiking. I’m jealous.
Thanks for sharing
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Thank you. Ellen.
Happy New Year, Pam!
Same to you as well, Marty. Thanks!
I do so love reading your reflections on life, so please keep writing.
As Jake wrote our yearly Christmas letter I realized we also had a very busy year. Starting with the Rose bowl parade with you. A bucket list memory I will cherish. We had big trips to Mexico and Hawaii plus small trips around AZ. We ended our year with doing all ( I mean All) of the Fiesta bowl activities including the game.
We love SCW and wish our friends and family would move here. But we sure do enjoy the new ones we have made. Thanks for being apart of our new life in SCW, you always manage to make me smile or laugh.
May you be blessed with good health and new adventures in 2023.
Janelle, thank you. This just touches me so much. Here’s to a great 2023!
I loved this blog, Pam. It was so full of bouncy, happy cheer. Glad you still enjoy travel and new adventures! Best wishes from Florida!
What a joy to hear from you. Thank you. Of course, not every day is filled with such joy and cheer, but I do try to focus on that. Here’s to life!
Hi Pam – so true, all of it. “Family roots run deep and do while you can” especially! And the bidet attachment…my great niece got one for her brother for his recent college graduation and I’d not heard of such an attachment available from Amazon before. I suppose you got the warm water attachment? She got her brother, a cold water attachment, which sounds terrible! Happy new year from Terry and I in Kansas City!
What a college graduation gift – that is so funny. Thanls for taking the time to read and comment and yes, Happy New Year to you as well.
BIDETS!!! Yeah baby! Had the wonderful experience of a high end bidet while visiting my Japanese friend in Otsu City. Love them. I don’t understand why Americans haven’t “embraced” them.
Warmed my heart to hear of your time with sisters (and brother). The shared memories of past experiences—priceless.
Happy New Year Pam
Sue, you musy get this attachment to your toilet – it will transport you back to Japan. I’m not sure when I’ll be back your way, but will connect when I am. Thanks!
Great words to live by…thanks for the reminder!
Happy New Year, and may you be blessed with many new adventures.
Thank you so much, Barb. And looking forward to seeing you in the new year.
I laughed till I cried. I think there is no better way to start a new year. Here’s to old friends and new friends and cousins!!!
Thank you. You are the best, my joyful, hand-waving friend.
Thanks for spending some time reflecting on 2022 with us as witnesses. Your joy has spread to MI where we haven’t seen much sun this month. Thanks for sharing your sunny disposition. Have a spectacular 2023.
It is aways so nice to hear from you. Thank you and may 2023 shine brightly upon you.
I so enjoy reading all your posts!! You have a knack for delivering just what is needed most , be it history, compassion, or humor. Happy New Year!!!
Oh Susan, thank you so much! Happy New Year to you, as well.
My mantra for 2023 will be:
“when your vision collides with reality, shift your expectations, and drink the rum anyway”
🙂 🙂
Great mantra to have! And it doesn’t have to be rum, you know.
It’s good to see you back in blog mode. I enjoy your writing, and look forward to more in the near future.
Jeanne, thanks so much. This means a lot.
Happy New Year, dear friend!!
Happy New Year to you, as well! Thank you.
Happy New Year Pam hope 2023 offers as many adventures as 2022 and the same family moments you wrote about. We always enjoy reading your blog and sharing smiles. Will have to check out the Amazon purchases and bring Japan into our home. Keep writing and we will keep reading. Wishing you and Kathy the adventure and kindness you wished your readers.
Enjoyed the trip through your 2022 and hope that 2023 is just as exciting and stimulating. Live each year to the fullest!
Thank you, Joanne. I am so sorry I let this response lag. So far, my year is great and I hope, yours as well.
Pam – Life has been a bit hectic and while cleaning up emails I realized I hadn’t read this end of the year review blog…nice writing…I was visualizing things as I read along. Hope 2023 has started off well for you my friend!
Thanks, my friend. Guess I’ve been a bit negligent in checking for comments. Sorry.