The Joys and Heartaches of 2009

As 2010 is already here - - I find it necessary and cathartic to reflect on the past year.

The Heartaches:

The loss of Champ. Since his passing in June, there isn't a day I don't think of my sweet doggie. I miss him more than words can say.

The death of a friendship. Through a series of events, I am no longer friends with someone I thought of as a sister. Not being friends with Nancy any longer breaks my heart every day.

The Joys:

Alex started Kindergarden full time! What a liberation to have both boys in full-time school. I was able to work again! Amazing!

Fun Travels. Disneyland in April- what a fun time to celebrate Bill's 50th with his family! Vegas Girls' Trip in October - to celebrate Lynn and Wendi and Deanna's 40th! So much fun, I just hold my breath until the next girls' trip! However, a hard-earned PartyLite trip to Cancun was cancelled due to the swine flu - what a disappointment. However, the money PL sent instead helped me pay my bills all summer. That was a good thing.

Reconnection with Friends. Through facebook - how fun to reconnect with old friends. I also got back in touch with a dear old friend Julie - what a nice way to end the year!

New Pet. Charli the kitty became part of our house hold and really my new best buddy. After hanging out for more than a year, SHE decided to become a member of the family! Sadly, we found out she has kitty lukemia - but I hope she'll stay healthy and be around for a while.

Things I'm looking forward to in 2010:

A new baby. Thanks to Lynn and Mark, there will be another cousin for the boys to play with!

A Mediterranean Cruise. Am trying so hard to earn that trip for Bill and I!

More Girls' Trips and nights out. I just didn't have enough of that in '09!

Good times with the Boys. As they get older, it gets more fun - I'm not kidding!

More Date Nights. Need more! I love dinners out and the movies with Bill. Dancing too?

More joy, less heartbreak, and growing closing to God. Ben and Lizzie will make their first communion and confirmation. What a joy and blessing to all of us!

Bring it on 2010!!!! Happy New Year to everyone who reads my blog!!