2010... Wrapped Up In A Pretty Bow :)

2010: Can't say I am going to miss you (please let 2011 be a better year..pretty please) but on that same note  I/ we had some good times in 2010! ;) So lets focus on that!

#1: I started My Sarah In The City Blog...Yay! I am having so much fun with it, and I appreciate all the great feedback..Thank you! I look forward to doing even more with it and 2011! Thank you to all the great people who let me interview them this year..it so much fun getting to know people and what they LOVE to do! There are so many inspiring, creative, hard working, fun, and fabulous people doing extraordinary, special, and wonderful things here locally. We are a lucky city to be filled with such talented, giving, and interesting people. I also appreciate you reading my own personal ramblings with such positive feedback...Thank You- Thank You- Thank You! xo

#2 I learned about "True Strength": I have had many friends including myself who went through some major surgeries this year! We have all been very lucky with the amazing love and support we have gotten from our friends and family and each other. I also learned we all have the ability to be quite strong even when it's the hardest to be. I hope 2011 is a very healthy year for all my friends who have struggled this year with their health as well as for everyone else. With that said though the number one story of strength and survival I have learned from this year is my grandfather's story! At 89 years

old my grandfather's appendix ruptured (not quite a common situation for someone that age). An appendix rupturing in someone my age is quite dangerous let alone in someone who is 89. My grandfather made it through a very long surgery, he made it through a long hospitalization, he made it through an infection that hit his whole body and in turn ended him up on life support. We were told he would probably not get off life support..but he did..then he couldn't talk or eat, and then he started to. A few weeks ago the "miracle man" celebrated his 90th birthday at home with his friends and family. My grandfather is a fighter, he wanted to live, he didn't give up when his body was trying to. He showed me what true strength was. When I was at the hospital saying what I thought were my last goodbye's to him I kept thinking I wish I could have told him all this ONE more time while he was awake; how much I love him, how much he means to me, how much he has impacted my life in such positive ways, and to thank him for being an amazing grandfather. I was VERY fortunate enough on his 90th birthday to retell him those things face to face. Not only did my grandfather teach me strength he taught me to never put off what you want to say to someone! Always tell people you love how much they mean to you...you don't realize how important it is for you until it is to late. I love you Grampy!!!! xoxoxo

#3 You can always reinvent your life/ You are never to old to start over or to start something new!:  Since I have had some time on my hands during my recovery from my 3rd hip surgery I realized that life is short and you should do what you love. I got a new camera from D (Thank you so much for my dream gift), I have been writing my two blogs, practicing my guitar again and doing more creative things in general. Which is what I feel I am am truly meant to do in this world. I am not sure where all this is going to take me, but I am not going to let something like a 36th birthday for example make me believe that I don't have the capability for great change and to follow my passions to see where they take me...AGE SHOULD NOT MATTER..only what is in your heart! That is a lesson I have definitely learned this year and I am still currently bringing that lesson and mindset into 2011! There is a lot out there in this world..even for a chick with a "difficult" hip ;)

#4 Love At First Site: I became and Auntie to a BEAUTIFUL (and I am not being biased) niece, and I became a "mama" to a feisty, fun, and cute puppy name Sky. Both in their own way have expose me to the world of unconditional LOVE. From the moment I met my niece I knew that she will be one of the most important people in my life...for the rest of my life!  It is a feeling that even I did not understand until the day my sister gave birth. I can't wait to see all that Lil L will become as she gets older. She is the BEST!  My puppy Sky has already become a very important part of my family, and she has also presented D and I with are own little family. I felt like she was part of my family from the moment D surprised me with her, and the bond between us gets stronger every day as I care for my little "baby". Sometimes life gives you lemons, but it also gives you babies and puppies too :) So in that case in the end my world was somewhat balanced out this year ;)

#5 A Weekend Away...is always needed! Bethel NY (The site of Woodstock), Stowe Vermont, NYC, York Maine. All small jaunts away from my city..the longest was a 5 hour drive, but they all gave me a burst of new energy and a better outlook on life. I think we all need to sometimes get away just so we can appreciate what we have here at home. Long far away vacations take planning and more money (they are also needed too, but I can't personally do them as frequently ), but short little jaunts are good rejuvenators for your soul. With all that happened this year those mini trips really help me mentally during my recovery from surgery. ..made me feel like I was still living life and doing new things..we all need that feeling..so I say..don't put off life's little adventures.. just go for it!

.....and last but not least I am happy to be living back in Salem (moved back here in 2010). I love this city and I have been having a blast getting to know it, and the people in it even better this year!!! Cheers to 2011..may it be a good year for us all!!!!! xoxo

ps. Stayed tuned for some really refreshing, fun, educational ,compelling, and of course FABULOUS interviews coming at you in 2011 (maybe one will be with YOU!!!)

Peace, Love and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!