By this time each year I can hyperventilate a bit, worrying about all the things still on my current year’s list. And hubby’s no help. He just came in half-telling me about a tech sale he thinks I might want to check out, but he can’t remember exactly which store or what’s on sale except, “It’s supposed to be good.” I couldn’t help but laugh.

Instead, for the last couple of days I’ve gone through the house gathering up the last of the “giveaways” that hadn’t yet made it to the library or the local domestic shelter donation center. Those all go, no more delays. And what money is left in our bank account will go to pay our property taxes tomorrow too. Yes, I’ll be one of the many in line to pay my taxes the last day, which doesn’t sound very organized but it’s a great way to see a bunch of my neighbors and friends once a year. I could mail in my tax payment, but then I’d have to wait for a receipt, and I wouldn’t get to talk to everyone in the hall standing outside the overflow to the county treasurer’s office. There was a time when that would have driven me crazy, but now I see it as a benefit of being acquainted with a lot of people–and having the prospect of meeting even more.

Finally, I need to stock up on groceries tomorrow.

Since Christmas I’ve tried hard to stay out of stores, but the grocery store and I will become best buds again. My dad always made us eat black-eyed peas at New Year’s, and though he’s gone now, I’ll keep up the tradition (but truthfully, I’m not a fan and would prefer to eat black beans). Just one more thing to help mentally close off one year and usher in the next.

The dog and I might be up for New Year’s–well, I’ll likely be awake and writing or editing, because I have a Jan. 10th deadline–and Honey will be closeby and snoozing on her rug because I’ve been working near the fireplace.

Long story short, I have to finish my assorted lists tomorrow, then plan for a homey means of ringing in 2017. A quiet one since hubby will be sound asleep. 🙂

And that tech sale he mentioned? I’m waiting to see if he learns any more details and how far I’d have to drive. So far, the “maybe-sale” is staying off my list.

Happy New Year Everyone! What plans do you have for the weekend?

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