Time

It doesn't seem like its been over a year since my last blog entry, but low and behold it is. I've been distracted, initially by the lure of social networking (a.k.a. Facebook) and then by many other things that have taken up my time and energy.

In reflecting upon how time passes I've realized how little, in retrospect, the aspects of our day to day life matter. Sure, they seem of utmost importance at the time..."I have sooo much on my to-do list for the week" or "we are doing such and such this weekend" but when you look back upon the years do you remember those random weekends or to-do lists? Those particular stressful days at work that seemed so critical at the time? Those little obligations you rushed around for throughout each year? I find that I don't remember those things, which is almost surprising when I think about how much stress and worry I put into the details of day to day life.

In looking back upon years past, what really stands out are the more defining things. Where I lived, who my significant other was, where I worked...and of course the big events of the year. I can tell you about the vacations taken, if I moved, and if I changed jobs. I can tell you if I quit smoking, who I loved, who I lost. When considering any given year, its those things come to define that year for me. Not the little concerns.

When I think of 2004, the thing that defines it was our first trip to Europe. 2006 equals our wedding+honeymoon, and two moves to my memory. When thinking of 2007 I remember some important people I lost and buying our first house.

When looking back upon 2010, undoubtedly I'll think of it as the year of pregnancy. I found out I was pregnant early in February and we'll welcome our first baby in late October. Consequently much has been left undone this year as I navigate the waters of baking a baby...the joys of it and the array of discomforts. Little else has been in my mind other than this baby boy...looking forward to bringing him into the world and figuring out how the heck to take care of him without totally screwing him up.

So here I am. I've got no completed projects under my belt for this year (though the nursery - formerly known as the yellow room - is seeing some improvements; posts on that are forthcoming), my garden is overrun with weeds, and my laundry pile is literally up to my shoulders. I like to consider it practice for when the little guy is actually here and I have a better reason to let the to-do list go.

Yet something in me decided perhaps I should start this blog back up again. Perhaps I'll look back at my posts in a few years and instead of just thinking of this as the "year of pregnancy", I'll have more flavor and color to my memories of this time. For once time passes, you can't get it back.