Goodbye, 2010

Well…The end of another year…
Most people tend to look back on the year and make resolutions for the coming one. I am one of those people who don’t make resolutions because, well, I just don’t make a practice of it. It’s great for people who choose to, but somewhere along the way I decided not to make any and save myself the feeling of failing :) But I *am* one of those who like to look back on their year in retrospect and list all the reasons I have to be grateful. I admit -- it’s easier to do when it’s been a fantastic year full of all kinds of wonderful, so in a year that had me out of work and facing additional health issues, I thought this may be a challenge. Imagine my surprise when it was a lot easier than I thought.


So—strictly for my enjoyment :) -- My 2010 Top Ten Blessings of the Year!!


10. Television
Yes, I went there. I know that most people will be appalled that I would choose TV as a blessing. But I have realized over the past year that entertainment (Whether it’s TV, movies, games or reading) can be a blessing when you’re going through a particularly rough patch in your life. I have also learned that it’s ok to admit to liking television. I used to feel like I had to make excuses for watching TV, but no more. I love it. I find enjoyment in it, and I see it as a blessing from God. The funny thing is that all though the past year when I have been at home (which was MOST of the past year) I don’t even turn the TV on until Chris comes home from work. See, I actually have my priorities in order and spend my day having my quiet time, looking for jobs, cleaning, exercising, and taking care of everything that needs to be taken care of. But at night, I relax and watch TV. Sometimes it makes me forget all the stressful things that are happening in my life, which is nothing less than a blessing. Period. Now, I’m not going to go so far as to list my top ten shows because that would be too geeky… (Ok, well, this is just mainly for me :) so: Fringe, Chuck, Community, Bones, Modern Family, Justified, Castle, Doctor Who, Psych, and The Glades)


9. Hobbies
Being out of work for most of the year has been, at times, depressing. I know most people wonder how you can fill the day. I’m here to say – it’s easy! I was actually able to read some books, spend an enormous amount of time on my yard, paint three rooms in the house, and take my parents on a trip to Florida. I also discovered and nurtured my newfound love of cooking and baking. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I still rank the day I found out that I had Celiac’s Disease and could no longer have gluten as one of the crappiest day ever. But I am learning that with a little effort you can make almost any regular food gluten free (sometimes after a few misses!) and I actually enjoy the process now as a challenge. As much as I need to be working for monetary reasons, I can’t deny the enjoyment I received from the blessing of enjoying my hobbies.

8. My Doctors
A lot of people assume that doctors know everything, and actually care about how you’re doing. I am finding that this is, unfortunately, rarely the case. When I lived in Huntsville, I had a doctor that not only didn’t know anything about my condition (even though it was his specialty), but didn’t really seem interested. I understand the frustration and hopelessness that you can have when you don’t have a doctor that actually cares. One that wants you to understand what is happening/will happen to you, and genuinely wants you to be *better.* It all seems so simple and obvious, but as I hear more and more stories of people who went years without being listened to or diagnosed, I realize how blessed I am. I have not only one, but two different doctors who are constantly trying to make my life better. They both take time with me and make me feel like I’m the only patient they are treating. They seem genuinely upset if a method or medication isn’t working. And I have realized that they are the exception. Some people would do almost anything for a doctor like this – and I was blessed with 2 of them.

7. My Health
Everyone who knows me might be saying, “Huh?” And while it’s true that this is the biggest challenge I face daily, I also know that things could be worse. Every day I remind myself that things can *always* be worse. It so easy to focus on all the negatives, but there are a lot of positives, too. It can be as simple as “I can walk and breathe!” on a certain day, but I have really tried to focus this past year on what I can still do – as opposed to what I have had to give up. I can still exercise, eat sugar, clean my house, work in my yard, and drink Diet Mountain Dew. Some good – some questionable :) -- but all things that I can still enjoy.

6. Friends
I have some awesome friends. Whether it’s a dear friend that I have known for years who lets me vent, a silly friend who knows just how to make me laugh, or a new friend that makes a miserable experience bearable, it always seems like just when I needed an encouraging word – they were there. This has been a great year of staying close to, reconnecting with, and making new friends. It’s really hard to resist the urge to list them all and the reason why they are important to me. I just hope that they know who they are, and why they occupy such an important role in my heart.


5. Kitties
Yes, children are life’s most precious gift, but for those of us unable to have kids, God’s ultimate substitute for us has been our kitties. (Yes, they are 6 and should be called cats, but to me they will always be kitties.) Sure, it may seem silly to those with children, but to us, it has allowed us to be parents in *some* sense of the word. And while we don’t go as far as dressing them up, we do think of them as our “kids” and love them with everything we have. And they have taught us important lessons that all parents must learn: joy, patience, discipline, and unconditional love.


4. Family
I’m grateful for both my brother and my sister – who couldn’t be more different! My brother helps take care of my parents, and for that I am truly thankful. My sister and I have seen our relationship go through highs and lows over the years, but I feel closer to her now than I ever have. She’s one of the few people who can understand why I find certain things funny (“I need a rag!””I’m carsick…”) and I know that if I need her, she’ll be there. She and Dan let me be a part of their children’s lives while they were growing up which was precious to me. Now that they are all young adults, I still feel that closeness to them and am so happy that they allow me to still be part of their lives. Whether it’s Jess and I sharing our understanding of cleaning and moving furniture, Beth and me knowing what a pain simply eating can be, or Mark and I feeling the stress of a football game, I love them like they are my own children. And I know that I can depend on any of them to make sure that Crazy Aunt Sue and Grouchy Uncle Chris are ok when we’re old and gray.


3. Parents
I am thankful everyday for my Mom and Dad. Not only did God give me incredible parents, but He has allowed me to still have them with me! I have a Mom who is an encourager and servant to others, and a kind Dad who always took care of everything and everybody, and who still knows best how to annoy me. (In a good way!) So many people have lost one or both of their parents, so I thank God EVERY DAY that he allows me to still have them in my life. They gave me the gift of wonderful memories from a childhood that was, in some ways, ideal. Not perfect, but abundantly happy. Chris is also fortunate enough to have both of his parents, so we are both thankful daily for that incredible gift.

2. Husband
Every day I am reminded how easy it can be to watch a marriage simply fall apart. We’re constantly shown that if both people aren’t totally dedicated to staying together – that they refuse to walk away – that it can just be over. It happens time and again with people who you wouldn’t expect, and those who may have done nothing wrong. Marriage truly is a *commitment.* In some ways, I am glad that I didn’t get married until later in life. I was 35, and believe me, that was OLD to me. And it was hard being in your 30’s and having never been married. But I am convinced this was a blessing because of two things: First, I wouldn’t have married who I did – who I can’t imagine my life without. Chris has truly become my partner in every way. And second, I really appreciate my marriage. I love saying that I’m married. At 43, I still get a kick out of it – and the thought of him. A couple of weeks ago, I had to have some tests done and they kept asking who was there to take me home. And each time I said, “my husband” I smiled inside. I hope it’s something, and someone, that I never take for granted.


1. Faith
I can’t imagine where I’d be without Jesus. It’s just that simple. This year has brought about many trials for us as a couple, as well as for me personally. We’ve struggled financially and I’ve struggled physically. I think it would be honest to say that I have wondered at times what God was thinking. When I was given a job that was clearly NOT for me the day I started after When Chris’s job was suddenly not so secure. When I was told that some things about my health would never get any better. I think many of us have this inherent need to know WHY when sometimes God just says “because.” This year He reminded me that He doesn’t always let me in on His plans, but He’s still the one in control of everything. That is a peaceful and calming thing to KNOW and BELIEVE. I have no idea where my year will take me, but I know He’s right there for the good and bad.


And there's no doubt He’ll have tons of blessings for me along the way.