Next Step, 2012. Looking Back on 2011

2012 is just a step away. I look back on the year 2011 and take time to reflect on everything that has happened. Each memory passes with varying degrees of feelings. What I want to take with me into the new year is the lessons that I have learned that have made me stronger and in all a better person. I see no reason to keep the other baggage that will just ultimately drag me down. What the years have taught me is that we have choices to learn from our experiences and to grow or allow it to beat us down.

I wish for everyone who reads this message to take with them into the new year the lessons they have learned and to let them make you a better person than what you were. It is a new day, a new year. Everyone gets a fresh start to begin again.

I look back on 2011 and am thankful. No matter what I had going on,family and friends were there to help support me in what ever it was. For that I am thankful and I don't take anyone for granted.

My five cats and two dogs give unconditionally to us the love and acceptance that we humans forget to give at times. It is a definite lesson in humility. I'm so glad to have them here to remind us about what is important, even though I sometimes feel that I'm a slave to them and the messes that they make. lol But when they look up at me with excitement in their eyes telling me how happy they are each and every time I come home from work it makes it all worth it. They are family and they are loved.

Some of the harder times were watching my daughter who had her tonsils out and my husband who had his broken nose fixed have to suffer the painful recovery time they had to endure. It isn't easy watching the people you love have to go through things you don't have control over. Dealing with my own health issues made me see what I needed to do and to realize that I do have control over those, so that is an ongoing struggle I will overcome with time and effort.

Some of the highlights included: My husband arranging the trip that took us both on a helicopter ride from Vegas to the Grand Canyon Sky walk. We had never been in a helicopter before and it was a great experience for both of us. We met a nice couple who were visiting from London England. After that ride we drove to the north rim of the Grand Canyon on a day trip which started us going many places together during the year that allowed us to spend time together. Something every couple should do to stay in tune with each other, because we all live such busy lives and it is easy to drift apart. My daughter was able to go on some of the trips with us between classes and college life. In some ways we grew apart and in others we got closer. It sounds strange I know, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

My husband and I have been very fortunate to have our jobs. We look at so many other people who have lost their source of income and the trouble it causes. So far even thought the economy has been horrible to say the least we have been able to make it work. We take each day and do the best we can and try to remember that it can always be worse when we think things are at their worst for us.

There is so much I could could say, but I think I'll end it here for now.

Just know that I am thankful for my family and friends and for everyone who gave their prayers to us throughout the year. Your laughter, your tears and your time has made life good. Without you, life would be lonely and sad, for no one can do it alone. I love ya and pray for everyone of you to have a great prosperous new year.