Alexandra Bogdanovic's Blog: That's life... - Posts Tagged "2015"

Another Christmas has come and gone. I suppose it's time to dismantle the "Charlie Brown" Christmas Tree I made out of some branches from our back yard (even though I just put it up a few days ago).
It's time to bid adieu to 2014, and start thinking about the coming year. And with that in mind, I thought I'd share some of my hopes, dreams and aspirations for 2015.
In no particular order, here they are:
-- I hope I hit the lottery. I don't really care which one. Mega-Millions, Power Ball... It doesn't really matter, as long as the jackpot is worthwhile.
-- Barring that, I hope I continue to do well in my online paralegal certificate program and graduate in March as planned.
-- I hope that a few New York City-area lawyers in need of a good paralegal read this and keep me in mind.
-- I hope my memoir receives some more accolades in the regional literary contests I entered. I'll find out soon, so please keep all bendable appendages crossed.
-- I hope a few more people actually decide to read my memoir.
-- I hope I actually find the time to write my second book.
-- I hope I actually find the time to read a few good books.
-- I hope to make it to the family reunion that's been planned in honor of my grandfather's 100th birthday in the spring.
-- I hope I get to laugh more and worry less.
-- I hope the world stops going "sideways."
-- I hope our leaders stop engaging in hateful rhetoric.
-- I hope that all of my friends in law enforcement go home safely after every shift.
-- I hope we learn to be kind to one another.
-- I hope we learn to respect each other's differences, even if we don't fully understand them.
-- I hope each and every one of you has a happy, safe and healthy 2015!
Until next time, "That's life..."

January 1 is a very important day at our house. We don't just celebrate the beginning of the new year around here. We also celebrate Eli's birthday.
For those of you keeping score at home, he just turned nine.
Of course, I'm not sure whether he's on his "first" life or his "ninth." But any way you slice it, he's definitely been through a lot.
So, with tongue in cheek, I present Eli's guide to longevity and happiness in 2015.
1. Read.
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Eat only the finest foods.
4. Meditate.
5. Spend plenty of time with family.
6. Avoid stress.
7. Play.
8. Exercise.
9. Do not work too hard.
10. Find joy in simple things.
11. Bask in the sunshine.
12. Ignore negativity.
13. Appreciate true friends.
14. Forgive those who have used or betrayed you.
15. Stand up for yourself.
16. Bite and scratch (fight) only as a last resort.
17. Take pride in your appearance but do not succumb to vanity.
18. Take nothing for granted.
19. Never forget how awesome you truly are.
20. Live.
Until next time, "That's life..."

In the spirit of the holidays, I've decided to end the year on a positive note. So without further ado, here in no particular order are 50 simple things that bring me joy:
1. The sound of Eli (my cat) purring.
2. Getting "Eli hugs."
3. The sound rain makes on the windows.
4. Photo walks on foggy mornings.
5. Hanging out with Mom.
6. Traveling.
7. Friends.
8. Tim Tams.
9. Australian meat pies.
10. Cherry Ripes.
11. Freshly fallen snow.
12. Photo walks in New York City.
13. Flea Markets.
14. Volunteering at Adopt-a-Dog.
15. Horseback riding.
16. Premiere League football.
17. English accents.
18. Australian accents.
19. Hanging out with Grandpa.
20. Aston Martins.
21. Teslas.
22. The New York Giants (but not this season).
23. The New York Yankees (sometimes).
24. Christmas carols.
25. Jazz.
26. The Peanuts (especially Snoopy).
27. A good book.
28. Coffee.
29. Chocolate.
30. Jeopardy.
31. Barcelona.
32. Belgrade.
33. Barraba.
34. Dogs.
35. A Broadway show.
36. Going to "Dexter's Pile."
37. Classical music.
38. Ballet.
39. A good bottle of wine.
40. Polo.
41. Visiting museums.
42. Rainbows.
43. Nature.
44. The beach.
45. Sailing.
46. Looking for sea glass.
47. Sunrise.
48. Sunset.
49. Silence.
50. Freedom.
Until next time, "That's life..."