Hello new year

2010, I thought you'd never get here. I've been in serious need of a do-over for a while now. The arrival of a new year is really nothing much more than a state of mind (aside from the fact that we really need to go ahead and prepare for the tax man), but even feeling mentally fresh and new works for me. We came home from a week away with family, and I immediately jumped in and began de-Christmasing the house and dusting the corners (sometimes literally, sometimes mentally).

I'm not ready to let go completely of the white twinkly lights though. January in Seattle really need twinkly lights.

Let's put 2009 to bed as I hit some highlights, some of which I did not ever bring up here in this space.

- Komforte Chockolates was successfully launched after a ton of hard work. I can take zero credit for those long hours that made it happen. That was all Peter (and his partners, Robert and Frank). I brewed and poured coffee, managed the household, made sure we all had food to eat and clean clothes to wear, got everyone where they needed to be, played pep talker and cheerleader when I could see he was doubting it all, but he did it. Peter is the smartest and kindest man I know. If I didn't know before, I realize I am one lucky girl. The older I get, the more I am aware of how damn lucky I am. Thank you to each and every single one of you who supported our effort, either through buying, spreading the word on your blog, anything. It all made a difference, it truly did.

- I bought my mom a webcam for her birthday. A simple web cam. Now, when you are my mom's age, tinkering on the computer as she does really won't introduce you to things like webcams. But now, thanks to that little $30 camera, from North Carolina to Seattle, she sees us (and we see her) once a week at least. And because we only make it out to the east coast once a year, and she no longer travels here, THAT, my friends, is a bigger happy than I can put into words. My advice? Do this for your faraway parents if you haven't already.

- My Dad's health scare and consequent good news only solidifies in my mind that he does, in fact, have nine lives and I am so glad he does.

- We are down to one kid's car seat (and probably only still have that one because I'm reluctant to let go of it.) This feels more monumental than it should.

- 2010 is the year Emma moves on to middle school. I feel the next level of independence. I am proud of the person she is becoming...still, it tugs.

- We as a family realized we can't say yes to everything. And we're better because of it.

- Working for ourselves for the second year in a row has proven to be full of more incredible highs and lows than I think I've ever experienced. But we're making it, some days by the skin of our teeth, but we are absolutely doing it. Throw our hats up in the air, cause we are making it after all.

Here's a little recap of 2009 I put together. (Press on the little play button arrow thingy on the right hand corner on the bottom to start the slideshow).