2010

It’s officially the end of 2010, and as the year comes to a close, I like to reflect back on the ups and downs that year has brought my way.

It’s the end of a decade. Ten years ago, I was newly graduated from high school and excited to see what college would bring my way. It was before 9/11, when my sister was still single, when my mother was still able to walk, when my father was still working with the police department, and when my dog Patches was still alive. I was 18, scared of what the future would bring and still saving money to buy my first car. I was obsessed with Metallica (for whatever reason!), convinced the man of my dreams was hiding at Marian College somewhere, terribly missing my grandparents who had died the previous year, and dreaming of someday being an awesome pianist. I was naïve back then, and in a lot of ways I miss that. So much has changed in ten years – some for the good and some for the better.

2010 definitely proved to be a year of change. Everything changed this year. Although I look back with sadness at many of the changes that were made, I also realize how much these things have caused me to grow as a person. Some of the highlights:

- I almost lost my mother this year, but by the grace of God, she pulled through. She is now in a nursing home. I have learned to appreciate each and every day I have with her. Not a day goes by that I don’t tell her how much I love her.

- We moved out of a home that has been in my family since 1963. We relocated downstate. I lost everything familiar – home, Mom at the house, friends (at least location wise), job. It was starting over – redefining what home and family was. It was, and still is, very trying.

- I finally figured out that I like teaching the younger kids (preschool), and that I really would love to be an author. It’s my true love, but I never had the confidence to give it a try until now.

- I took up drawing and painting. I’m terrible at both, but I don’t care because it’s fun.

- I like myself. Yes, I am overweight. Yes, I am nerd. I’m ok with that – ok enough to believe that there is a guy out there who might be ok with that too.

-I took up piano again, and I still love it as much as I did before.

- I believe that God is truly in charge of my life. I am grateful for all of the hardships, doubting, bad religious experiences, and miracles that have come my way. I wouldn’t where I am today without them.

The three biggest lessons I learned this year:
1. Home is not a place, but a feeling.
2. Family always comes first in all things.
3. It is never too late to find what you want to do in life.

So, here’s to 2010 – a year of change!

May I get a break next year?

Just kidding!

Happy New Year everyone!



Blog posted on "Musings of a Wannabe Writer" as well.