Thursday, January 1, 2009

Dear 2009, Please be kind to us all


Good Morning, 2009, It's nice to meet you.

I'm the first one up this morning and, you will discover, that we share the early hours of every morning alone together sipping coffee, reading blogs, listening to the news and sometimes talking on line to Sara who is in the middle of her day.

I am really looking forward to getting to know you, 2009, and hope that together we can accomplish quite a bit. This is a big year for me, half a century of living. So, why don't we talk about what we want this year to look like.

In January, I'd like to drive to State College and help Ann and Ethan move into their new house, Let's set a goal to snowshoe or x-c ski at least two times a week and it would be wonderful to spend a weekend with some new friends.

February will have more daylight than January, so let's raise my snowshoe and ski expectation to three times a week and then add in a drive to Boston to hear Greg Mortenson speak at the Appalachian Mountain Club Annual Meeting.

By March, Charlie will be through with coaching for the season so we can enjoy some weekend skiing together. Maybe we could go to Quebec for a weekend ski trip--that would be exotic and exciting but not too far away or expensive.

Oh, April--Molly's birthday and cherry blossoms in D.C. If airline bargain tickets are to be had, a long weekend visiting her and spring time might help me get through my least favorite month in Maine. During Charlie's April vacation, nothing short of a complete economic meltdown will keep us from seeing the Yankees in their new stadium.

May will be the month that Jacob graduates from Northeastern University. That will be a very proud time. Beyond that, it's hard to imagine what else I would want to do in May besides prepare the garden for it's Memorial Day planting and lace up my hiking boots to climb some mountains.

In June, I will watch Archie graduate from high school. Nothing can top that but I will definitely be using my feet to propel me to new heights as, each weekend, I climb and climb and climb hoping to accomplish my goal of finishing the 67 4000 footers in New England before my 50th birthday in September.

I really can't plan beyond that--the summer seems so far away as I shiver in the early-morning chill of January 1. But, 2009, please be kind to us all.

11 comments:

Ruth said...

Happy New Year Beth. It has been a pleasure to get to know you in the past 13 months you have been blogging. You have specific and ambitions plans. Good for you! Hope you make it to Quebec City. A few years ago we stayed in a a Comfort Inn Suite in Ste Anne de Beaupre, just outside the city. It was well set up for skiers and had a kitchen and separate bedroom. It was right on the river too. Good memories.

Kim said...

Happy New Year Beth!! I admire all of your plans. Heck, I don't even know what I am going to do tomorrow let alone June!! ;o)

Pappy said...

Happy New Year Cuz. Nice plan. Mine consists of making coffee and reading the paper this morning. Pappy

Nan said...

What a completely unique approach to the new year. I really loved that. You have a great life, Beth. You know what, I have never climbed even one 4000 footer. :<)

Jayne said...

What wonderful plans Beth. Indeed, I hope 2009 is kind and gentle to us all. You are such a bright spot in my day.

Sharon said...

Happy New Year from Montana, Beth! As usual, you inspire me to new heights (poor pun ;)

Great milestones in your family's life in 2009. May the Lord bless and sustain you all,

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a nice plan for the new year. I hope God gives you all good health and safety throughout the year. I wanted to comment specifically on April when you go see the Yankees in their new stadium, We see them down here everywhere year round. I never thought of confining them to a stadium. Just a little southern humor. Take care

SJ said...

Love the post Beth!

beckie said...

Beth, I hope you and 2009 becaome great friends and that he is endeed kind to you. Your goals sound ver doable-for you anyway. :} I am sure you will get to the top of all those 4,000 footers. Septemeber birthday?? I knew I like you.

Mary said...

Yes, let's be optimistic in 2009. 2008 was challenging. It's been fun to know you, Beth. Your writing style keeps me coming back.

Keep climbing! 50 ain't too bad.

Happy New Year,
Mary

RuthieJ said...

Belated Happy New Year Beth. You inspire me to set some monthly goals for the new year. I haven't done anything yet besides pledging to finish at least 2 old unfinished knitting or crocheting projects each month.