2009 Was Definately Full Of Ups and Downs

If I had to describe 2009 in one word I would say it was surreal.

It started out like any other year really. Until, whammo...I was suddenly unemployed. That caused a flood of worries, relief, emotions, fears and pure joy. I had the most awesome summer with my kids ever!!! We hung out, we played, we caught up and were basically inseparable. Yes, there were times while being a full-time stay at home mom I could have pulled my hair from my head strand by strand but I didn't and we all made it through.

My mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer and completed her treatment in 2009. She is cancer free and putting her life back together. She is a very strong person but to watch her go through that was heartbreaking and there were a few close calls that were terrifying.

I started a job search for the first time in 6 years. That was nerve racking and somewhat intimidating!!!! I felt like a statistic...one of the 10.5 percent of Georgians looking for a job.

I initiated and was drill sergeant for the potty training boot camp for Sam. Looking back that 15 days was pure torture....BUT we did it and well before his 3rd birthday!!!! I was beginning to think that yes, I was going to have to pack his pull-ups for kindergarten!!!!

Almost before my very eyes my daughter seemed to become a "big girl" in 2009!!!! She started pre-k and she just seemed to grow up. I can't really explain it but it seemed to happen when she turned 4 in May. I cannot believe she will be in "real" school next Fall! (Sniff sniff!!!!!)

In October I was offered a job...with the same company I worked for before doing work that I enjoy a WHOLE lot more than what I did before. Being a mother of two young children I simply cannot handle the stress of the position I had before. I need a job that I am good at, that I enjoy but that I can leave at the door of the office when I walk out for the day. I have too much on my plate at home to be carrying around professional baggage 24/7. My family deserves for me to be "free" when I am with them!!!!

My family had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas and we are looking forward to a wonderful 2010.

Resolutions:....in no particular order
1.) Have more patience
2.) Cook more
3.) Volunteer more, give more to my community
4.) Take better care of myself so that I can take better care of my family.
5.) Make more time for things I enjoy.
6.) Encourage Jamey to take more time for things he enjoys.
7.) Attend Church on a more regular basis.
8.) Keep my house more organized
9.) Make more time for family...parents, siblings, etc.
10.) Criticize less