Happy New Year!

The holidays are clearly over. I took the tree down yesterday. My neighbors have taken down their lights. Now we're just in to the swing of winter, and I have to say, there's no room for complaints. Yesterday it was nearly 60 here in Philly. I was outside in a t-shirt and pants and felt perfectly comfortable. I was complaining about the warm weather in December, saying it didn't feel like the holidays to me. Now that the holidays are over, I say bring on the warm weather! The only reason I need it to be cold at least one weekend day is because I bought a supercool, super heavy sweater that I can't wear to work (it's more casual than what I'd wear to work) and I'd really like to wear at least once!

I'm excited for the new year. Contrary to what a lot of my friends were posting on Facebook on NYE, my 2011 was a very good one. I had many good times with friends, John and I got even closer, we took a couple of fun trips, my job was stimulating and fulfilling. There were a couple of hiccups, but for the most part, it was a damn fine year. I'm looking forward to all that 2012 has to offer.

2012 is also the year I hit a milestone birthday. I'm going to be 40 in August. I can't believe it, no matter how often I say it or think about it. I'm not worried about it - I've always believed that age is just a number, and you're as young (or old) as you feel and act. I'm also fortunate that I don't really look my age. People are always surprised when I tell them how old I am. I bless good genes for that! However, hitting an age like 40 does get you thinking. I've never been one to plan out my life, and through all the ups and downs, I've been pretty happy with how my life is going.

This year, though, I think I'm going to take it up a notch. I've always been fairly healthy - despite my frequent Untappd posts about what I'm drinking. This year I'd like to be even better about my health. Take things a bit more seriously. My mom is dealing with some serious health issues right now, and I'd like to do what I can to make sure that the same doesn't happen to me. I really do enjoy running, and I want to make sure I keep up with that. I want to prove to myself that I can be healthy and still enjoy the things I enjoy (a big part of which is drinking). I've defined myself by my drinking for such a long time - hell, I even have this blog, Philly Beer Girl, which sums it up pretty well. This year I want to expand that definition to include all the other parts of Helene that help make me who I am.

I hope that as this new year kicks off, you set aside some time to decide what this year will mean for you. Who do you want to be, how can you add to who you are, to make sure this year is your best year yet? I believe we all have the answer inside of us. Good luck!