Oh, what a year it’s been! A rollercoaster of emotions, a labyrinth of challenges, and a plethora of moments that had me questioning my life choices. As I sit here, gazing into the abyss that is almost my past 12 months, I can’t help but marvel at the wisdom I’ve gained and the profound life lessons I’ve… well, not really learned.

Let’s be honest; reflection is overrated. Who needs self-awareness when you can drown your sorrows in a glass of your favorite adult beverage? So, grab a drink and let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery.

January: New Year, New Me (Just Kidding, Same Old Me)

Ah, the enthusiasm of a new year! I don’t make resolutions, so I didn’t declared war on carbs or join a gym. Fast forward to February, and my gym membership caused me and my old lady body to pull a calf muscle. It almost took me off the roster to stay with the grands. We rallied through, but my grandson reminded me that “you’re always icing your leg and not playing with me.” My heart hurt in that fact as much as my calf pull. We did rally though, and it was a great 10 days.

March: The Month I Mastered the Art of Marriage (Not Really)

Hauss and I took a trip to Savannah for our 27th wedding anniversary. (yes, I fell to the floor in that fact) Ah, Savannah, the city that oozes romance like a leaky pen oozes ink. What better way to celebrate 27 years of wedded bliss than with a trip to a place that’s basically the love child of Spanish moss and humidity? Cheers to 27 years of enduring each other’s quirks and still managing to find romance in the midst of horse poop-scented air and deep-fried everything. Our love is as resilient as Spanish moss and as enduring as the charm of Savannah!

May: Spring Adventures and Spontaneous Decisions

Savannah, (again) the epitome of Southern charm and the perfect backdrop for our annual girls’ trip. Because what better way to celebrate our enduring friendship than by subjecting ourselves to heat, humidity, and the constant threat of our hair becoming a frizzy mess? So, here’s to another year of enduring each other’s text messages, navigating the treacherous terrain of our next journey and its memories. May our sarcasm be as sharp as the humidity was heavy, and may our friendship survive yet another adventure in the charming absurdity of our annual trips. Cheers to us, the unsinkable P4 conquering theses adventures with style and sarcasm!

September: Reflecting on Reflection and Other Paradoxes

With the end of summer came the deep contemplation of life’s profound questions, like whether I should switch to red wine for a more sophisticated reflection. Spoiler alert: I stuck to the classics – vodka and zero regret.

November: The Gratitude Challenge (Failed Miserably)

Ah, the gratitude challenge – 30 days of acknowledging the little things. Turns out, this year I was short on counting and gratitude. But who needs gratitude when you have a full glass and an empty to-do list? Just kidding, I find myself swimming with gratitude for just who has been placed and has stayed with intention. It makes me a bit verklempt.

December: Wrapping Up the Year with a Bow (or a Ribbon of Regrets)

As the year draws to a close, I ponder the significance of it all. Did I achieve my goals? Did I grow as a person? Well, let’s just say I’ve mastered the art of pouring a drink without spilling – that’s personal growth, right?

So, here’s to the past year, a glorious chapter in the book of my life – a book I might not read again. Reflecting on the past may be overrated, but raising a glass to the future? Now that’s a resolution I can get behind. Cheers to another year of questionable decisions and the liquid courage to make them!