Thank You

We’re getting ready for a family trip to Disney World, and as you can imagine, I’m in the middle of a packing-induced anxiety attack. I had to take a break, though, to wish you all a Happy New Year.

I’ve started thinking about my resolutions for 2011, and so far I have three concrete goals:

1.Stick to my budget. I won’t go into detail about my recent holiday shopping activity, but I’ve been a bad girl and should be put in a long, dark time-out.

2.Finish a book.I belong to a book club and have become “the one” who never finishes the book. I’m not going to use motherhood as an excuse for not reading anymore, especially when I enjoy it so much.

3.Write. Creating The Runaway Mama has given me a new sense of purpose. I can’t wait to see what develops in 2011.

My “big picture” goals – balance and gratitude – are less tangible. I want to be the best mother I can be without losing myself and neglecting my role as a wife, friend, writer, runner, reader…you get the idea. I also want to better appreciate that each day I wake up with good health is a great day, and every crazy minute I spend with my kids, my husband, and my family and friends is priceless (and free…no shopaholic guilt required).

Cancer, divorce, death and near-death have been buzzwords in my house lately. It’s tempting to give in to the negativity, and in my case, go shopping and drink wine through a straw, but The Runaway Mama has taught me that in good times and bad, there’s always something to learn, somebody love and, hopefully, a reason to laugh. This is what I plan to do in 2011. Learn, love and laugh (and finish a book). I hope you’ll join me.

One more thing before I sign off until after the New Year… I’m humbled at the notion that anybody anywhere cares at all what I have to say about, well, anything. Your support for my blog is support for me – and shopaholism, colonoscopies and my kids. I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity to share my journey with you. Thank you.

If I survive my trip to the Happiest Place on Earth without losing my mind or my kids, I’ll be in touch soon.

All my best,

Jen a.k.a. The Runaway Mama

p.s. What are your New Year’s resolutions?