Ups and Downs and Loop-de-loops

5 short days ago it was 69 degrees outside here in Chicago.  Somehow though, I couldn't quite allow myself to enjoy it because I knew that the regular ol' December weather would come whipping us back sooner than any of us wanted.  Don't get my wrong, I love a white Christmas (not to mention that movie is one of my all time favorites), but I'll take 70 degrees over 35, feels like 25, any day!I don't know about you dear blog fans, but it's this time of year that has me in ups and downs and loop-de-loops. The weather is just the beginning. This is the time of year when all my wonderful 2012 couples are officially Mr &Mrs, and while I enjoy having a few sleepy Saturdays, I'm back to being behind a computer rather than with other people. It's the time of year when the ladies soon to become Mrs in 2013 might not yet know their Mr is hiding that little box in his sock drawer.  This is the time of year when 2013 is still up in the air and my nails are being bitten to the point where I can't open things up anymore. It's exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time.If the outstanding couples I'm already hanging out with for next year are any indication, 2013 might even top 2012 (I know, I can't believe it either) but right now on December 7th, 2012 the future is unknown. In my heart of hearts, I know that's an exciting thing and millions of people would love to have so many open options, but for those of us with OCD tendencies, we like to have it all planned out. In a secure, yet open to the possibilities, kind of a way :)This is the time of year when I want to have achieved my goals rather than be working towards them (ok, that's probably all the time if I'm really honest). This is the time of year when my ever-so-patient friends and family have to remind me to go easy on myself when I get cranky. This is the time of year I justify that cup of hot deliciousness, caffeinated or simply chocolatey, because it perks me up (more on those guilty pleasures & a fun giveaway coming next week!!).We all go through our ups and downs and loop-de-loops do we not? So today, at this time of year, let's sit for a little while with a reminder of this quote I keep at my desk:"Be gentle with yourself.  You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.  And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.  Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.  With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.  Be cheerful.  Strive to be happy."  - Max Ehrmann