Author: Karen Hartline

Deep Thoughts

Gonna make a change…

Karen Hartline

themeword

Yep, it’s that time of year…time to make resolutions. And just like every year, I have high hopes that I’ll keep those resolutions. That’s when I think back to my 2008 resolutions and realize I can’t even remember what they were. I’m sure it was along the lines of workout, journal, read, etc. Same ol’, same ol’.

But this year I’m serious. No, really I am. It’s time for CHANGE, which is a theme that we’ve been living with for a few months now and it’s definitely something I think I can get on board with. For the past few years, I’ve been in this “thing”…kind of like a running river. I’m definitely going places (Oklahoma City–>Madison, WI–>San Francisco) but it’s like I don’t know where I’m going. I’m just along for the ride. Which has been great and very entertaining, but I’ve been the passenger. Just along for the ride.

With my theme of CHANGE, it’s actually a way for me to take control. To be proactive. To set goals and plans. To achieve. To make a difference. To do something good. To live life.

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about the start of a new year. It could be due to the excitement of starting a new job next week, but I don’t think that’s it. I believe I’m finally ready to make the change and start living life for me.

Here’s to an amazing 2009! *Cheers

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Twas the night before Christmas…

Karen Hartline

I often don’t like coming to my parents house in Saginaw, MI. They moved here a few years ago. It’s not ‘home’ for me. It’s not where I have memories of growing up. I don’t know anyone here and I’m usually pretty bored. This time, things are different.

I’m really enjoying the slower pace, being able to turn the computer off for a few hours throughout the day and not feeling guilty about it. I’ve had time to do some things that I don’t usually have time to do, or don’t make time to do, like read. Granted, I’m reading Chick Lit right now (Bright Lights, Big Ass, if you must know) but I do have The Tipping Point with me and will probably start it within the next few days. That’s a more ‘intellectual’ read that I’m not embarrassed for people to see me reading.

It’s so peaceful here. The snow fall and having our lab, Chloe, laying at my feet definitely helps me slow down. Lunches of grilled cheese and tomato soup (which I can NEVER make the way mom does. No idea what her secret is…) and starting the day off at the dining room table with a cup of coffee are things that make the time more enjoyable. These are things I don’t get when I’m ‘home’ in San Francisco.

I still have a few more days in Michigan before heading back to the hustle and bustle of California. There are a few things left on my list that I want to accomplish while I’m here, where it’s quiet. I just hope I can fit some of the ‘slower pace’ into my suitcase to take home with me. Could definitely use some back in San Francisco.

Hope your night before Christmas is a good one. There are great things on the horizon over the next week…time to reflect and be thankful for all we have, which is more than we realize.