2009 Oh what a year...

2009 is a year I will remember for some blessings, some sadness and a bit of frustration. Yes, all 3 rolled into one year.

Frustration: For most of 2009, I have been battling some 'illness'. I basically consider myself a doctor so I have been frustrated with the profession and the time it is taking to find a diagnosis. I can say that my husband has been absolutely amazing. Skip allows me time to sleep when I need to sleep. He does most of the laundry and cooking. He even put the lights on the Christmas Tree and decorated the mantle this year. Waverly, Kendall and Grant has been very cooperative and understanding.

Blessings: Where to start? My dad and step mom, Martha, treated all of us to an incredible cruise to Alaska in June. It was more beautiful than I imagined. I recommend everyone go to Alaska at least once during their lifetime. It was great to spend time with our family.

A Fresh Hope has been such a blessing. We participated in quite a few outreach projects this year that kept us very busy. We did an Egg Hunt with Cedarcrest Church in April, Community Makeover at Compton Elementary in July, Back to School Celebration in August, Flood relief effort in September then October - December was geared towards the Hope for Christmas event.

Sadness: My step grandmother died this year, Mary Kaney. She was a dear sweet lady who loved her son, my mom, her husband, grandchildren and great grandchildren very much. She was my kids' step grandmother but loved just the same. My uncle Clayton died this fall. He was a man that supported me my whole life. I look back at all that I went through in my 42 years and he ALWAYS supported (maybe not agreed) but supported me. That means more than someone that just says what you want them to say. Uncle Clayton was a Godly man who loved the Lord and his family dearly. He is missed by many.

I also saw sadness with people that have lost jobs and suffered from the economy. I am a fixer and get obsessed with fixing things. I can't fix this issue and it is frustrating. I feel guilty because we are so blessed so I try to give to others as if it were Gods (and we know it is).

I was also sad because this illness has taken something from me. I used to be up and dressed by 6;00 AM every day. I never napped and was able to work 30 hours, be room mom, deal with doctor's appointments, drive car pools, etc. Now, I struggle getting what needs to be done accomplished.

So, what for 2010.. First and foremost, I am going to find out what is making me feel bad and tackle it head-on. I want to eliminate some things on my 'to-do' list and really be strategic in my day. I know i want to keep working with Liberty Mutual and am so blessed to have this opportunity for almost 19 years. I will keep volunteering with A Fresh Hope with more delegating. I will eliminate 'unnecessary' To-do's and learn to say NO. I use free time to rest, eat healthier and just be with my family. My incredible husband and family deserve my undivided time.

Odd post, especially after 6 months with no posting. Just a few things on my mind from this year and plans going forward.