It doesn't take much...

It really doesn't take much to make me happy!

I have realized that I enjoy life the most when it's simple.

Like today.

That's why one of my motto's for 2013 is:

Simplify!

Swimming with friends early in the morning is a great way to start the day. Even if I am out of shape because I took 2+ weeks completely off from swimming. But, turns out the extra body fat came in handy today because I got to hang out in the water after practice and hear some great stories from JL. My favorite part was when he admitted: I love traveling by myself. Other people tend to just get in the way! Glad to find out I am not the only one who feels that way at times...

Came home to happy kids and a very kind husband who agreed to let me leave for some skate skiing before I even had time to finish breakfast. Good times in the car with the Spinti family on our way to the Nordic Center. I got to ski by myself for 2 beautiful hours on great snow in the sunshine. Happiness!

Then Karl brought the kids for some family skiing. Of course the boys would much prefer downhill skiing (or snowboarding) but it's not something we can afford right now, so cross-country skiing on hand-me-down/borrowed skis will have to do.

I was actually a little grumpy when I returned to the lodge to meet them because I wasn't ready to be done! I had told Karl not to come before noon, so when my phone rang at 11:58 I was less than thrilled. But the kids were so excited about skiing that I couldn't help but smile. So we set off on a little loop. (Or a very big loop, depending on how old you are.) We skied and played for much longer than expected and it makes me happy to see the boys grow up and enjoy (some of) the things Karl and I like to do. It means a lot to me!

We spent the evening at home playing and hanging out. Good times.

Like I said, this was nothing extraordinary or super exciting and some families might have Saturdays like this every week. What made it special for me was that I was able to be outside for a big part of the day, get in all of the exercise I wanted to, spend quality time with my family, and still have some down time. I definitely struggle to find the right balance in my life at times.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2013!

May your dreams come true!

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