2009.
This feels like a momentous year for some reason.
I know I was busy, I know the children were busy, and I know that Tom, throughout, was calm and patient and steady.
The year began with me in pain and taking a half load of coursework as prerequisite for graduate school. I liked the class, I didn’t like the pain. The year ends with me able to walk some days without a cane and taking a full load in a Master’s program. I am still slowed down, but since we have no answers yet on the hip pain there’s not much to do except keep on with plans while we keep looking for answers. In between the summer was extra busy with guests, classes, plays, travel and The MEETING.
The children began the year in school, and end the year in school, similar activities and similar results. They are good, solid students with engaging personalities and many friends.
Tom is… Tom. Calm, patient, steady — the rock to which we all cling as we weather life’s storms.
Lucky… began the year at my feet, waiting for me to throw the ball, and ends the year (one guess where and why).
The yard is a mess. But it’s a healthy mess, and it’s ready for me to start working in it again. As long as it stays “normal” for weather, there should be some hope for the tubers, and the trees… well those that are still alive need a good pruning before the spring growth begins.
What I did right in 2009: I kept up with schoolwork and still had time for the family. I made new friends. I established myself as a strong student and good colleague. I discovered another allergy and by eliminating it eliminated migraines as well.
What needs improvement: I want to continue to work on my physical strength so I can dispense with walking sticks altogether. I want to do better with staying ahead of the clutter in the house, not letting it pile up to scary heights before I panic and put things away. I also want to do a better job staying in touch with friends and family. I would also like to be more diligent at writing for myself — blog, story or “whatever.”
And that’s enough.
For the world, I wish a return to some sort of balance — that people don’t feel the need to force their beliefs and practices on others and that we can all learn to trust each other again. Truly, none of us need be tolerant of abuse, but we can let go of expecting everyone to be carbon copies of a single cultural model.