Nurture my relationships

I’m going to exploit Valentine’s Day and use it non-romantically for keeping in touch with some of my family members. This weekend I’ll get some pretty red and/or pink paper out and get a little creative. I have some photos to share and some belated thank-you notes from Christmas, so it will be mostly my way of getting those delivered.

Recently I’ve managed to catch up with my immediate family, my nephews and neices, one of my cousins, and my aunt and my uncle. Lovely!

I’m getting my things packed (DH already packed, that night owl that he is).

We’re going to see his mom, his brother and family, and his sister and family. We’re flying out in a few hours.

It’s going to be fun; it usually is, anyway. I’m very lucky to have excellent rapport with my in-laws. I know this can be a rare thing. My mother-in-law has a beautiful home with plenty of space for us to relax and visit with her.

We’ll have many delicious meals, some that are home-cooked and the rest eaten out; we’ll have a few spirited conversations (there are some political differences within the group), but generally, there will be wonderful intellectual discussions and some tender reminiscing.

I’m going to take a journal and write about it. I’m going to give 43 Things a little break.

Bye y’all—be back next Tuesday afternoon.

I’m going to send my cousin a snail-mail note.

I hope I can be more attuned to what’s going on in her life…I’m going to at least test the waters. I’ll understand if she’s not ready for that yet.

We are going to have a blast next weekend. Can’t wait!

The snapshots and a little note are on their way to my niece. I’m going to bombard her with more correspondence this week. I’m thrilled at the thought of her being so surprised!

I’d like to stay closer in touch with her. She e-mailed me right back! Next up: The Nephews.

Two friends I’ve had for a long time (17 years and 5 years). It was very nice. Having lost my best friend almost a year ago today (tomorrow is the anniversary) I cherish these small moments. It’s what’s really important. Really.