Hello, 2013…Happy New Year!

Wow! What an amazing year 2012 was!! Some highlights: Adding full-time blogger to my resume, new writing opportunities, good times with friends and family, plenty of happiness and most importantly, learning to be comfortable in my own skin!!!!

Happy New Year, my wonderful friends!! May 2013 bring you happiness, magic and lots of love!! Now go get ’em!!

P.S. One of the first songs I heard today was the Beatles’ Here Comes The Sun. I’m taking that as a sign of good things to come in the year ahead! :)

The Coney Island Polar Bear Club

It’s become a thrilling (and chilly…) tradition: Every Sunday from November through April, hundreds of brave souls gather on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean for a refreshing, brisk swim. Physical fitness guru Bernarr Macfadden founded The Coney Island Polar Bear Club in 1903. He believed a dip in the frigidly cold waters — which can sink as low as 33 degrees — can boost immunity and stamina. Today, members will be participating in the special New Year’s Day Swim.

Yikes! Would you dare, friends? xoxo

An Open Letter To New Year’s Eve

Dear New Year’s Eve:
I must say, I feel a bit silly writing to you like this. After all, you’re not really a person, are you? Letters are written to people — people who can talk and feel and breathe. You’re none of those things. You’re just another day on the calendar. One out of 365 of them, actually. And you come around, well, just like clockwork. Year after year.

So, no, you are most definitely not a person. You’re more of an annual event — one I’ve experienced some 30 times in my life. You don’t have any power over me. Did you hear that, New Year’s Eve? Did you? You don’t have any power over me. Zilch. Zero.

And yet…I am writing to you. Today. Less than 24 hours until the chimes (and that huge ball in Times Square) ring in a new year. 2013. Sounds sort of like the future, doesn’t it? I mean, it IS the future. Tomorrow could be the first day of the rest of my life. And yes, that scares me a little. OK, sometimes it scares me a lot. Like I’m standing on my own sort of cliff, just staring down into…nothing. The bottom of the cliff seems to go on forever, leading to some sort of black hole vortex that’s bound to change you. Forever. You don’t want to jump, but for some reason, you can’t move away from the ledge. It’s scary, freeing, wild and intoxicating all at the same time.

Because when I sit back and think about you — really think about you — I realize something about you, New Year’s Eve: You’re both a blessing and a curse. You’re probably the only day of the year that people love and dread simultaneously. When they think about you in relation to the year that just passed, it can be downright depressing. I’ll be the first to admit that. But when you stop and think of what’s ahead — all the possibilities that go along with a new year — well, it can just fills your heart with hope and promise.

And that’s exactly what you, New Year’s Eve, have always symbolized for me. A new beginning, full of promise and hope and wonder. I wonder what you have in store for me in 2013. I can’t help but wonder what’s just beyond that ledge. So, 2013, I’m ready for you! Bring on your adventures that will become tomorrow’s magical memories! xoxo

[Photos via We Heart It]

Would You Rather: Spend the holidays close to home or travel?

If you had asked me this question 10 years ago, I would have matter-of-factly said, “I love to travel during the holidays, of course!” After all, I treasured our vacations south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and couldn’t think of a better place to spend my Christmases — and summers! But, we’ve spent the last few years close to home, and it was surprisingly enjoyable. We enjoyed quality time with each other, and I like to think that I’ll look back on these memories in 10 years like I look back at my childhood travels now.

So, it’s your turn, friends…do you prefer to stay home for the holidays or travel? What did you do this year? Last year? Why do you prefer one over the other? Let’s chat! xoxo

P.S. A HUGE holiday giveaway is coming up shortly! :)

[Photo via We Heart It]

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, friends! Where are you spending the holiday? We enjoyed a delicious breakfast and opened a few gifts this morning. This afternoon, we’re heading to the movies. Any recommendations? I also can’t say thank you enough for reading So About What I Said for the last four years. I am so grateful that you’ve welcomed my little blog into your life with such open arms. I wouldn’t want anyone else sharing this amazing adventure with me, so THANK YOU!!!!

I’ve got some fun, light-hearted posts planned for the rest of the week, but am looking forward to coming back with our regularly scheduled programming next week! Wherever you find yourself today, I hope you’re surrounded by loved ones, lots of joy and plenty of food!!! Cheers to you, friends!! xoxo

P.S. Harry wishes you a very Merry Christmas too! :)
 
P.P.S. More posts from Christmases past: 2009, 2010 and 2011.