Is it really already December?

You know that old saying, "Time flies when you're having fun?" Yeah, that one that makes you roll your eyes as a teenager...but then you find yourself saying it all the time as an adult. As a child/teen, I always felt that my life was moving at a snail's pace. The school years seemed to drag on for eons...I felt as if I would never grow up!

People tell youngsters all the time to enjoy it while it lasts, because as you get older, time passes more quickly. Unfortunately, I have found that to be absolutely true. Each year seems to pass quicker than the one before...just as I am regaining my composure from the back-to-school rush, its time to buy Angeline's Halloween costume...and before I know it, I am baking for Thanksgiving and racking my brain for the perfect gift ideas for the kids for Christmas! And then all of a sudden, its Spring Break...I tell you, its a vicious cycle!

One thing that has changed recently with regard to this insanity is the fact that I am no longer working outside of the home. Being home, without the added time-suck that is a job, I have been able to enjoy the past 7 months much more than I would have if I had still been working. I have been able to actually watch my daughter grow a bit, physically and I have been able to have so much involvement with her on a daily basis that I have also seen her grow as a person; maturing both emotionally and intellectually. She's growing up. And for once in her life, I am actually around to watch it, to experience it, and to enjoy it.

Its hard to "make each moment count" when most of your "moments" are spent at work (especially if you don't enjoy your job). I have been lucky enough to make that change in my life recently...and I am not only taking full advantage of it, but I am striving to life a fuller, happier life because I don't want to waste this blessing.

So, as this year catapults to an end, I can sit back and remember what happened - for the most part - and smile. I was there. It passed quickly, yes, there's no doubt about that. But I was around to enjoy it, to make the most of it, to savor every last fleeting second.

This is my favorite photo from this year...I think it sums it all up perfectly: FUN.