Angie's Year in Review - 2016

You know, I have tried so diligently throughout my life to not wish away time, though it was so hard when I was a single mom when the kids were young and I just wanted to get to the point where I wasn't exhausted all the time.  (I still haven't made it there, by the way.)  But you know, I'll honestly be glad when 2016 is behind us.  True, there have been a LOT of high points throughout the year, but all in all, it has been an extremely challenging year.  Yes, I got through those toddler years, but now I'm in the teen years, and let me tell you, those aren't for sissies. 

 

So.....I thought I'd recap the year.  It's interesting when you sit down and actually write what all occurred during the year, absorbing it all.  It's like going through a day and when you get to the end thinking that you didn't accomplish all you needed to get done but then realizing you crammed everything in that could be crammed into that day.  Sometimes our expectations just don't gel with reality.  And sometimes they just need to be adjusted.

 

Let's start with the high points, in no particular order:

 

• We had a wonderful vacation in Playa del Carmen!  Snorkeling, shopping and relaxing -- that's the life!
• Emma got baptized and is now part of the Jesus team!
• Sloan started a new school - Christ Church Episcopal.  He's struggled just a bit but seems to be acclimating now.  Wonderful school.
• Emma got her braces off and her teeth are beautiful!
• We now have three chickens -- who still are yet to be named because I refuse to name them KFC, Zaxby and Golden Chick -- who are laying delicious eggs, though I still haven't broken even on the $$$$ spent!
•  Emma got her driver's permit.  YAY, at some point in the near future, my taxi services will greatly diminish.
• I got a new Jeep that is much more reliable than the 2001 model.  Still have that one -- the one with the duct-taped glove compartment, 30-minute-to-heat-up heater, and always-lit check engine light.  Obama sticker is gone, thanks to ex (AGGGG).  It will be Emma's at some point, even though she wants a Range Rover.  LOL.
• Sloan had an outstanding football season!  Don't even know how many yards rushed, but it was a LOT!  Crossing my fingers that he'll end up a pro one day and can take care of mama!
• Emma started high school and is loving it.  Well, I think she's enjoying the social aspect of it more than the academic part, though she's doing great academically.  She works hard and has the grades to prove it!
• For the most part, we're all healthy, and that is a blessing.  (Now wealthy and wise -- not so much all the time!)

 Now onto the not-so-great points:

 

• To my earlier point, the teenage years have been challenges, to put it mildly.  Ones this year have gone to a deeper level than acne, dirty rooms and smart mouths.  It has taken every ounce of love, patience, and faith to get through this year.  Glad I am part of Team Jesus, too, otherwise I would have been in the nut house (though arguably, this house could be referred to as a nut house).
• Emma got her driver's permit. Yes, high point and low point.  She's scaring me to death!  There is a permanent indentation on the passenger side door..... 
• I paid for Emma's braces!  Yes, high and low!
• Men.  For those who have read ANY of my blogs, you understand.  I'm giving up on online dating completely. Done.  There have been some exceptions this year and have made some friends, but no love connection and some heartache along the way.
• Had some medical emergencies of course.  Sloan cut his pinky finger nearly off and sprained his  Achilles, but all good now.  Went through my medical spending account money by April of this year!
• I have a job (which is a high point), but I worked….and worked…..and worked.  This is what happens when your company goes through business transformation.  Some people (and lots of really GOOD people) were transformed out of the business, and some people who are left are transformed from one worker into four workers!  Tired.....need another vacation!
• Speaking of which -- after all the work in the garden, I went to Mexico when it was 100 degrees for days at a time and came back to a very sad garden, and one that ultimately didn't produce much of anything.  Guess it's time to look at sprinklers, pay somebody to feed my animals and my GARDEN while I'm on vacation, or just buy everything at the grocery store!
• We elected a nincompoop -- and that is being kind -- to the highest office in this country.  Lord help us all.

 

 

So, all in all, the year was most eventful, as is the case every year.  If I were to die tomorrow, I would have to say I've lived a very full life.  Not always great, but I've lived and experienced every single moment, some with laughter and some with tears, and a few with sarcasm, 2016 being no exception.

 

Bring it on, 2017!