Wednesday, December 27, 2000
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Wednesday, December 27, 2000 |
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Looking back By JUDY KILGORE I don't do New Year's resolutions. I have found that since you always break them, it's a waste of time. The best I can do is say, "I'll try to do better next year" without committing to one specific area...I usually succeed that way. But I think one can't help but reflect back over the past year and have at least a mild curiosity about what may be in store for the coming year, when Dec. 31 finally rolls around. One thing became painfully apparent to me after this year's Christmas holidayI definitely ain't as young as I used to be. I thought I had given myself enough time to prepare but, as usual, I hadn't. Christmas Eve found me scurrying around at the last minute cleaning, wrapping presents, and preparing for the onslaught of "little people" into my home on Christmas Day. It was my year for the grandkids (I have to "share" them with the other set of in-laws) and in my excitement, I overdid. As a result, I got only about an hour's worth of sleep, lasted through the day, and crashed into bed with a resounding "thud' Monday night. By Tuesday morning, I could barely move, much less make my brain work. So, my first "do better next year" attempt will be to start preparing in June for the Christmas holidays instead of November. Surely that will be enough time. This past year I also entered into my second year of semi-retirementthe best thing I ever did for myselfalthough I find myself wanting to do just a little more work-wise. We are working on that one. I guess I have more writing years left in me than I thought, although Medicare looms just a few years awaya sobering thought for any freshman senior citizen. I know this coming year will bring a sad time into my life since I am living with two canine senior citizens. One, a 14-year-old German shepherd, will not make it to Christmas 2001. We struggled to get her through this one and I am facing a decision I don't want to make. She has been a part of my life since 1987 when I picked her out of her litter and have never regretted my choice. Although she has been a pain in the behind at times (I always pick dogs with spunk) we finally came to an understanding that I was the boss, not her, and life has been relatively peaceful since then. This past year also brought a new hobby into my lifegenealogy. I plunged into it with both feet last January and it has become a passion. I have surfed the net, trekked through old cemeteries, and sneezed as I pored over musty courthouse books looking for that elusive record that would break down my "brick wall." I have made many new friends and found many relatives. Next year, I know I will meet more new cousins and relatives as I continue my quest to "find my folks." Last year our little "country church" grew by leaps and bounds and, although I took an extended hiatus and no longer serve as organist, I am looking forward to watching Cokes Chapel continue its progress into the 21st century. The church's service has now spanned 3 centuries...1800, 1900 and 2000. Awesome! I have also kept up with each of your churches as you have grown and progressed over the past year. Many have already mentioned new programs, new seminars, and changes to take them into the year 2001. I'm looking forward to sharing your good news with the community. I know I haven't thought of everything, but that's enough to get me started on my "do better" list. I have found that ideas for "New Year's" resolutions have a way of coming to you at different times during the year. Guess that just goes to show you it's never too late to make improvements and changes...things that can help make our journey through life more worthwhile. I promise I'll do better...
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