In 2008, I started a new job, moved in with my boyfriend, and got engaged.
In 2009, I smashed up my car, we planned our wedding and we got married.
In 2010, I started another new job, we bought our house, and we got a dog.
And in 2011, we became parents.

So guess what's going to top all that in 2012?
NOTHING. And this excites me more than you can imagine.

After years of big moves, big things and big changes, I'm beyond ready for a year to sit back and actually just enjoy what we have. Rather than frantically planning the next huge life milestone and carving out the next step of our master plan, I want to take this year to appreciate what we've already got.

A great marriage. A comfy home. A beautiful son. An annoying yet lovable dog. A job I enjoy. Wonderful friends.

You know what I want in 2012? Lots of naps. Baby giggles and coos and eventually, words. Long runs around our neighbourhood. Beach days and evening skates. Date nights and crafternoons. I want the kitchen to smell like something awesome is cooking more often than not. A fresh coat of paint here and there, maybe some new knobs on the cabinets, some new plants in the flowerbeds. I want to make the most of my mat leave, and when it's time to go back to work, I want to be completely refreshed and ready to jump back into it. I don't want to be run ragged from trying to achieve the NEXT! BIG! THING! all year. Basically, I want what I already have with some little adjustments from time to time. The same thing, only better.

I don't know when I stopped being content with what I have, but it's been a few years at least that I've felt like I'm continuously pushing for more, more, more, all the time. This year's about mellowing out, slowing down and appreciating the blessings and beautiful things I'm often too busy or distracted to pay attention to. I'm going to set goals, sure, but they're going to be all about making the best of what I have rather than starting at ground zero every time I get the itch to fix something.

So here's to 2012. I hope it's full of love, laughs, fun and good health for all of you, and that we're all able to find something, big or little, to smile about every single day.