New Year’s Day brings out the grandest and most noble ideas in all of us. We will lose weight this year. Or get out of debt. Or finally cross number 5 off our bucket lists!
But for me, the New Year has brought a realization that I just can’t ignore any longer – I need glasses.
Yes, dear readers, if you haven’t noticed, I’ve been posting less and less over the past two months. At first I thought it was my new job.
Different hours and experiences left me more tired, and by the time I got around to blogging, I just couldn’t do it. And then there was reading recipes. Do you know how small the type can be on those things? I haven’t made anything new in ages (or posted about it), because I just didn’t enjoy it anymore. I never realized it was because I couldn’t see!
And don’t get me started on reading books. My favorite past time left me tired beyond belief. Every time I sat down to read, I could barely make it through two paragraphs before the words started swimming before my eyes. Again, I thought I was just really tired. Who knew?
The final straw came a few days ago. I was cooking for my parents, who were visiting from out of town. As I adjusted my arm several times to get a recipe into focus, my mom asked me if I needed glasses. The thought never even crossed my mind. You see, I’ve had 20/20 vision forever, the only one in my family, and have been very proud of that fact. Of course everyone told me that after age 40 I would need glasses. But I didn’t believe them.
Well, I’m a few years past that milestone, and yep, I need glasses! My mom loaned me her reading glasses, and I could see! I am embarrassed and relieved all at the same time. So yours truly bought her first pair of reading glasses this week, and I plan to visit the optometrist soon. I should be back to blogging, and cooking, and reading in no time!
My new reading glasses!
With that in mind, I’ve been thinking about my New Year’s Resolutions. There are definitely some things I’ve been missing lately and can’t wait to get back to them.
This year I resolve to:
1. Read more books. It’s time to turn off the television and get back into the written word. I may even visit the library – oh joy!
2. Explore Meatless Mondays. This is a movement that I can really appreciate – saving money, calories, and the environment with one simple change. Look out recipe books and blogs, here I come!
3. Learn how to take better photos. I’ve seen several Groupons for digital photo classes. It’s time I learned how to use my fancy camera. Besides, I don’t want to miss the beauty that is all around me.
4. Breathe, as in “take time to.” I’m a jumper, someone who leaps before she looks. I jump into projects or situations before I really take the time to think them through. I also tend to judge (and yell at those I love) before I learn the facts. My first reaction should be to stop and breathe. This one will take a lot of work…
5. Laugh loudly and often. If we’ve learned anything from 2012, it’s that life can be difficult and fleeting. I want to revel in the day-to-day activities and enjoy every moment I’ve been given!
And my blogging promise to you:
I will continue to search for the best in food, family, and fun in South Jersey and bring it to you right here. But this year I’m looking for quality over quantity. I don’t have a rigorous posting schedule. Instead, I want to work on writing well and serving up information that you can really use.
Stay tuned for another great year. I’m so glad you’re along for the ride!
I first realised I needed glasses when I had to start sitting at the front of class because I realised I couldn’t read anything on the board! Also I’d walk past people that I knew in the street without even seeing them hehe, I got a few angry texts from people thinking I had ignored them. I particularly like no. 4, I too jump in head first and often have to try and backtrack! Great resolution x
Posted by veghotpot | January 1, 2013, 3:45 pmI’m glad I’m not the only one who took awhile to realize that she needed glasses
Gee, sure hope I haven’t walked past people I know (but I bet I have)!
Posted by Jennifer M. | January 1, 2013, 3:48 pmI once got lost with my friend on our way to a party and I said “why don’t we ask that man over there in the red coat and black boots for directions” and she replied “becky, that’s a postbox!” My dad even told that story at my wedding haha so embarrassing!
Posted by veghotpot | January 1, 2013, 4:08 pmLovely post, and wonderful resolutions. There is no shame in wearing glasses. Looking forward to hearing more from you!
Posted by Susan | January 1, 2013, 5:59 pmThanks, Susan. And Happy New Year!
Posted by Jennifer M. | January 1, 2013, 6:06 pmI’ve been saddled with glasses since the 8th grade! I really had a hard time with them back then in the late 50′s. Glasses just were not cool! Now, in my senior years there are other things to get used to! As for taking better pictures, I get my new DSLR tomorrow! I only have taken 14,000 pictures with my first and feel that I too need to learn a few things. I did become a published photographer in 2012. Dad.
Posted by Bill | January 2, 2013, 10:21 pmMy dad commented on my blog. Cool! Welcome, Dad
Posted by Jennifer M. | January 2, 2013, 11:04 pmI got my first pair of glasses in the 7th grade and I was shocked that I could read every word on the blackboard
Judy
Posted by Northern Narratives | January 3, 2013, 2:22 pmIt seems like I’m in good company, even if it took me a little longer to get here
Posted by Jennifer M. | January 3, 2013, 2:23 pmJennifer, I enjoy your blog and liked the story of your glasses. I feel ya on the 20/20 vision. However, I know one day I’ll need them too!
Second, take your time. It is your blog and you are the supreme boss in matters. Just do what you can and at your own pace. I go through spurts. One week I will write a lot. The next week or so may not write anything. I schedule them all the time. That way there’s a balance and I haven’t dropped off the earth for a few weeks.
Third, I enjoy how you always mix it up. With things to do, crafts to make, or food to eat. It is a little sprinkle of the different spices of life you write about.
Keep posting. I enjoy what you have to say and that’s most important.
Posted by Yummygal | January 5, 2013, 1:47 amThank you!
Posted by Jennifer M. | January 5, 2013, 8:28 am