New Year - New Me

Welcome back to another episode of A'lil Hoohaa's monthly photo blogging challenge. 

Our prompt for the month of January was "New Year - New Me". 

This seems to assume that people can and should change overnight, preferably from 12/31 to 1/1. The recurring desire to implement New Year's resolutions sustainably. I am very satisfied with what I did and achieved in 2024, so there will be no new me in 2025, but I will do my best to continue on the positive path, and this is how:

Keep going the extra mile and keep exploring!

The mile can be figuratively. In this specific example I took it literally though. 

The Light Festival Lucerne has been held annually since 2019, making the upcoming event in January 2025 its sixth edition. Artists from around the world present creative light installations throughout the city, illuminating squares, landmarks, and alleyways in the Old Town and around the lake basin. 

The festival was initiated by Lucerne Tourism and Lucerne Hotels, aiming to showcase the diverse and fascinating facets of light through an attractive supporting program for all the senses, and, quite honestly, to still generate sales in January, when everyone's budget is tight.

I love the idea of bringing light and warmth to the city during the cold season, however the challenge for me was that the festival only took place between January 9th and 19th, Lucerne is not exactly around the corner from home, and January is a busy month both in business and in Colin's hockey. 

Wait, hockey! I could go during Colin's training! On a Monday evening, when he trains on and off ice, which'll give me a good two hours, and hopefully there won't be as many visitors in Lucerne as at the weekend! 

Thought of it - did it!

It was freezing cold, but beautiful! More pictures and videos here.

Keep your eyes open and enjoy the little things! 

Last weekend Colin played at a town we've never been before, and I was excited about the pre-game sight-seeing. 

The what? 

A routine that I had brought to life. On the one hand, I don't like sitting in an arena bistro that smells of frying oil, and on the other, I always need scenic footage for the opening credits of my video.

So off we went to the Old Town of Rheinfelden, and scenic it was! 

Rheinfelden is a town with both Roman and medieval roots, that is split between Switzerland and Germany, with Rheinfelden (CH) on the Swiss side and Rheinfelden (D) on the German side, connected only by a bridge over the Rhine river.

These christmassy trees and the squirrel were probably leftovers from last month, but it made me smile!

My joy - my rules!

Fun fact: I use my x-mas coffee mug and cinnamon scented candles almost all year round. Last year I purchased a "pumpkin mug", which put a delay on the candy cane one, but still. I'll probably use it until mid-March or so. It exudes a cozy and warm atmosphere, which makes me happy.

This season I set um my trees, yes plural, on November 20 and kept them around until very late in January.

Nourish to flourish!

In 2024 my health improved greatly, thanks to being disciplined about my food. I need to keep doing what I have been doing. Have veggies around, taking the time to present it nicely, even though it's just for me, and it's just a common Thursday, so to speak. Squeeze in a walk to up the step count. These things. 

Get sh** done!

It's an oldie, but goodie. Our to-do lists are long, and it's easy to procrastinate or even drop items - until they bite you in the butt.

Well, some can't wait because they're literally one fart away from ripping. What am I talking about? And why all the rude language? You can read about Colin's "hockey socks" here. They're an excellent example of getting these things done in time.

Generally January is a really good month to get ahead of the game. It's when all the insurance and financial companies keep sending documents you need for the tax declaration, and I pledged to create a nice big envelope where I collect them all. I still have to get started on that envelope though.

Puck and Pause: Keep savoring the Journey!

Colin, whose U17 team has been suffering all season for a variety of reasons, recently got invited to additionally train and play with the U20 team.

As motivating and flattering this is for him, frankly, it comes with the requirement of quite some extra commitment. 

• U20 practices are later in the evening, making for long days. 
• U20 plays in a geographically more spread out region. Again long days on game day, including preparing food for the trip. 
• U20 players are naturally older, bigger and stronger, and I can't help but holding my breath every time I see an opponent approaching my boy, getting ready to check him. 
• And lastly, double the practice, double the games means doubly the laundry. Oh, one more thing, it means double the video making as well ;-)

On the plus side: Our boy is happy! We get to explore new towns and meet new hockey families. 

As an example, we got to spend an absolutely gorgeous day in Adelboden, a lovely ski resort. I will consciously enjoy these outings, and not whine about the extra work and organization it takes. 

The days are long, but the years are short.

Next season, some of Colin's teammates will quit hockey, whether it's due to the demands of their professional training or schoolwork that leave little time for the sport, or because they'd rather go out with friends and party than make the trek to the sticks, where they play in an outdoor arena with freezing temperatures—and end up losing the game.

So yes, I smuggled in a bonus point / picture, but it had to be said and shown ;-)

Here's to hoping that your 2025 will be full of joy and accomplishments, I'll stick around and keep an eye on you, and I hope you'll do the same.

Now please check out my fellow bloggers' contributions to this month's topic.