It's January 26,
almost a month into the new year and I have not even mentioned any new year
resolutions or goals. I do not post them, not because I am not that good at
following grand resolutions, but because I do better with a WORD of focus, a
theme for myself and then go after it with intense energy throughout the
year. Energy comes and goes, but the
direction does not. I eventually make some progress forward. After all, success
is about the journey, not the destination. My new word for the year is RENEW,
but more on that in a minute.
Last year's focus
word(s) were RESTORE and RENOVATE. We as a family have done that and much more
last year. On a personal front, it took many months and many side roads, but I
can honestly say we have accomplished just about everything we planned, and then
some. Personally, I have done what I set out to do for myself too.
Home. Almost a year
ago we made a decision we would be parting ways with this home we built almost
20 years ago now, and in order to do that we would be remodeling and upgrading
parts of it to make it beautiful for its eventual new family. There are several
reasons we wanted to move, among them, the amount of maintenance for house and
yard this big, is more than we have the time and energy to give. After MANY,
many home improvement projects, some of which you have seen photo evidence, we
are very, very close to being done and ready for the next stage: selling our
home. The place is beautiful, somewhere I would be proud to show people, and
will be great for another young family with lots of energy. We renovated the
whole downstairs - living room, kitchen and nook, and utility room. With some
help from contractors, family and friends, we replaced doors, trim and
baseboards throughout the whole house, replaced lighting, and updated some
electrical outlets. We upgraded all of the bathrooms, replaced carpets, put in
wood-laminate flooring downstairs and up, and repainted everything. We are very
nearly done. I almost want to keep it and stay. Almost.
Health. Some of you
know I've gone through some health challenges last year, most of which I keep
to myself or just talk about with a few. I am somewhat private about that
because I don't want to be THAT friend or THAT relative that is always
constantly complaining about their issues. I sought medical professionals
advice, and I'm pleased to have made some good strides at finding answers to my
issues and have a good plan forward for this year. I feel 100% better already.
In a nutshell, I had some female problems that led to me getting extremely
anemic and drained me of my energy and have also become pre-diabetic. These
issues are treatable and completely within my power to affect positive change
in the coming year.
Family. My family:
husband, kids, grandchildren, and my mom, sister's family, and brother's family
- are EVERYTHING to me. I can give up everything else, and be okay if I have my
family. There are also different types
of family - that can come into your lives and you are not connected by blood,
but by a bond of love. Work family, church family, fur-baby family, and friends
that become family. This last year I restored some fractured relationships, and
built some new ones. We adopted FIVE homeless kitties, totaling SEVEN under our
roof, not counting all the outdoor strays we feed and care for!! They are
special, and so loving and sweet. I don't know why we are so blessed, but am glad
to give them a good home. We are a strange family.
Faith. I started out
the year with some challenges and difficulties with my faith, but felt like I
was on solid ground at least. I've had strong Christian women in my life for
many years and this year got to know some ladies in my life group on a much deeper
level, and they have become a solid rock of support to me. I have learned how
to truly be part of the church body, where you can actually see in front of you
how each part works together. We have cried together, studied together,
fellow-shipped and laughed, and most important for all of us, prayed together.
This group of amazing women have been such a blessing and incredibly
supportive. All of us are going through some really tough stuff individually.
Not one of us feels strong on our own, but together and with God's help and a lot of love, we can
help each other do great things and sustain each other. My faith is renewed,
restored, and stronger than ever.
Future. 2020 is
going to be a busy year. It will go fast, so buckle up, buttercup! We are
selling our home of 20 years, moving to temporary house, relocating to Puyallup, building a new home,
seeing a child get married and start his own family, welcoming in a new
daughter (in-law). My other son embarking on a new career and started over in
another state. Another nephew graduating high school and starting college. My
daughter is beginning an amazing new career, and finding her whole self. I am
(hopefully) finishing my own journey with college, with my own Bachelor's
degree (God willing). Healthy lifestyle changes and some good nutritional
supplements will see me becoming stronger physically. My word for the year is
RENEW. I will need every ounce of energy, faith, and physical strength and I
have GREAT expectations for this coming year.
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