Happy New Year 2010

I am quite torn about seeing the year 2009 go away. It was only 6 days into the new year when my husband decided he no longer wanted to be married. So I'm sure you are thinking that I would be extremely happy to see this year end.


Well not quite. You see 2009 was quite a year of firsts for me. First time living alone. First time having to deal with a contested divorce. First time using a rotary lawn mower. First time (in years) having to pinch pennies and budget my money. First time I worked 2 1/2 jobs at a time. First time I was diagnosed with diabetes severe enough to require at least daily fingerstick blood sugars. First time I joined a trivia team. First time really focusing on my faith and all the blessings in my life. First tweet and first facebook post. First time I haven't seen my granddaughter in 6 months. First time taking the Homecare Diagnosis Coding Certification (passed with a 90 on the first try). First time I get to do what I want on New Years Eve. First time finding out that someone I considered a friend was nothing more than a lying POS. The list could go on and on...

2009 was also quite a year for blessings in my life. I reconnected with my parents in the most profound way - not only are they my parents but now they are my best friends. My kids and I are closer than ever. I have gotten to spend nothing but fun and play time with my grandson and watch him grow. I re-joined the church and renewed some long neglected friendships. I've made more friends that I truly love and trust. I am in a home that I love with landlords that are the best and in a quiet neighborhood with kind and thoughtful neighbors. I have just enough yard to "play in" without feeling overwhelmed. I have a wonderful job working for a great company that gives me opportunities to grow and learn. My cup literally overfloweth.

I have learned to love myself - just the way I am. I don't have to pretend to be something I'm not just to get along. I live according to my values which has brought me great peace. I have learned to love the quietness of living alone. I have learned that I am loved unconditionally and not just by God.

So while 2009 has turned out to be a good year despite it's dark beginning, I am looking forward to 2010 and all that it may bring. I know, even if it's bad, I can get through it.

May God Bless You in the New Year.