2011 in Review

It's hard to believe that it's a new year, new month and going to be close to 50 degrees outside today. So many things were unexpected in 2011 both in the news and in my own personal life. I accomplished most of the goals I set for this past year and have decided to share the top 10.

TOP 10 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1. Read at least four new books this year.

2. Planted a garden in memory of my friend, Ellen, who passed away.

3. Learned how to horseback ride and have graduated to a faster horse.

4. Wrote more poetry in 2011.

5. Worked for the summer to make extra money.

6. Got a newer car.

7. Did a presentation with one of my students on Africa. I was able to share about my trip there from many years ago.

8. For the first time, I did C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with a fourth grade class.

9. Won a field trip grant to take my students to a horse farm and they will get to ride!

10. I have a developed a better relationship with my mother of which I am eternally grateful!

These were all great highlights, but alongside the good were an equal number of challenges as well. Here are the top.

TOP 10 CHALLENGES:
1. Dad was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in the summer.

2. I lost a friend to ovarian cancer in the spring.

3. Another friend was diagnosed with ALS in the winter.

4. More of my students moved away.

5. I lost my vehicle in Hurricane Irene's flooding.

6. A potential relationship for marriage was deferred to friendship only.

7. My mom, Linda's dad passed away.

8. Some friendships have become more distant.

9. Faith has been challenged.

10. Lot's of disasters in the news (earthquakes, floods, etc.).

Overall, there were many gains and losses. I can not even imagine what the new year will hold and yet I have learned the importance of numbering one's days, making and prioritizing goals and still finding things to be thankful for.

The older I get the faster time seems to go and I know I can not do everything. I have to decide what is most important, which always includes maintaining relationships while fulfilling everyday responsibilities for work and home. Perhaps I will write more on additional insights gleaned later.