Happy, Happy New Year Everyone!
New Year New Me! I LOVE the beginning of every New Year! It reminds of the time Jeanne Bice and I were speaking and she said to me “Patrick – a new year means a new me!” I think she was right about that – it’s a time when we can get rid of the old – and ring/bring/BLING in the new! And that doesn’t just apply to material things we want to get rid of – but also to ‘thinking’ things as well. Jeanne always said this was that chance to get rid of our ‘stinking thinking’ – and to strengthen our ‘gratitude attitude’ – and to create a new you…with the start of the new year!
I’m down on the coast of England this week watching my best friends furry four-legged Boarder Terrier named Oscar. It’s amazing how soothing looking after a dog, with the sea as a backdrop, can be. Here’s a picture of me with Oscar – I think you can tell that he really is a sweetheart!
Today Oscar and I went for a long walk along the seafront. The sun was shining, and the air was crisp and cool – it was the perfect chance to reflect on what I was so grateful about in 2015 – and to set some goals and resolutions that I’m looking forward to achieving in 2016. Here I am along up over the seafront – it’s one of my first selfies of the year!
“Gratitude Attitude!”
As Oscar and I were walking along the sea, I couldn’t help but remember what some of the highlights were for me in 2015. I think Jeanne was right, we need to be grateful for all of the good things in our lives – and to express gratitude – and then that way we’ll be telling the world that we want more things to be thankful for in the future!
One of the things that I’m most grateful for this last year was that I was able to go on a cruise with my partner and my family. We had a GREAT time on it! Here’s a picture of Mom and me on the formal night – doesn’t she look stunning?!
And here’s a picture of Dad and me – do you think we look a little bit alike?!
One of the other things that I’m so grateful for in 2015 was that I got to spend some quality time with my godson – and his twin sister. They turned 5 this last year – and what a joy they are! If you have any opportunity to spend time with some young ones – DO!! Seeing the world through the eyes of a child is magical! My favorite moment with Jack was when we drove a red tractor together in the country where he lives. I’m not sure who had more fun – him or me?!?!
And my favorite moment with his twin sister, Bo, was when she asked me to try on tiaras with her. With a face as sweet as hers, how could I refuse?!
And of course one of the highlights for me in 2015 – and something that I’m SO grateful to have been a part of – was my good friend Angel’s wedding! I don’t think I’ll ever forget how beautiful and happy she looked!
Realistic Resolutions!
As Oscar and I continued our walk along the beach, I started thinking of all of the great things that I wanted to do this year. I always try to make a few resolutions at the beginning of every year – but I’ve learned over time that they have to be REALISTIC resolutions – and they have to be FUN!!
This year is my 30th college reunion – I can’t wait to see all of my friends! I’ve resolved that the main objective of this milestone reunion is to have FUN! All of us have decided that we’re not going to worry about how grey our hair has become – or how many extra pounds we’ve put on – we’re just going to show up as-is – and celebrate our friendship for each other all weekend long! Here I am with some of my college friends over Christmas last year – I think you can tell that we’re ready for a Quack-Tastic reunion weekend!
I’m also resolving to spend more time in the kitchen. NOT to clean dishes – but to cook!!! I LOVE to cook – and this year I’m promising to cook even more!
And speaking of food, I’ve promised myself that I’m going to a LOT more chocolate this year!! (I told you that I think that resolutions should be FUN – and what’s more fun than eating chocolate?!) I don’t think it will be too hard to meet this goal – especially since a new luxury chocolate store opened two blocks from my home in London!
But most of all, I have resolved to have MORE FUN – and I hope that all of you have that on your New Year’s Resolution List as well!
What things are you grateful for in 2015? And what are some of your resolutions for 2016? Follow me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PatrickHHoy/) and share with me all of your fun & silly moments – and I promise that I’ll do my best to help you achieve your resolutions – and I hope you’ll help me with mine as well!!!
Quacker Hugs & Love From Across the Duck Pond!
Patrick
Xoxoxo
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