Connor's puzzle piece!

Connor's puzzle piece!
Connor is a "Racing for Autism" hero!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

2013? Already? Really??

Drat, another year has blown past and I only blogged once! Yay, me! I guess because I use Facebook...multiple times every damn day...I lose the initiative to blog about stuff I have already gotten out of my system! I think it is the immediacy of communication with people on FB that draws me in. So many of my friends are very active on FB that I can have conversations in "real time" with people all over the world! Perfect for a "people person" like me! 



So, how did 2012 go for me? Well, it was definitely a year of highs and lows. I watched all of my kiddos excel at school and in their activities and I lost a friend to cancer. I loved that my folks were enjoying their retirement in paradise for half of the year and missed them desperately when they were gone. I was proud of the decisions, morals and values my kids displayed and had to explain to them that there are some in this world who do not possess these same merits. I made new friends in our new home province and ached for those I left behind. 

It seems that I, like so many, remember and lament the lows more than the highs and this year I want to focus more on the highs. I have accepted that here are shitty people in the world and that is never going to change. The challenge is to not let them get in my head space and affect my mood and feelings. This means I have cut ties with some and will choose to not engage with others that I can't avoid. My mental health depends on this!


So, a few highlights from 2012:




~My first born turned 18, graduated from high school and made the honour roll! 
~He did a work placement this summer arranged by Autism N.S. and made huge strides in his communication skills. 
~He started college and is kicking butt there!
~He joined a social group for young people with Asperger's. 
~He is a delightful, funny, sarcastic, brilliant young man with a very bright future ahead of him!


~My second born turned 17 and is in his graduating year of high school!
~He has a new attitude towards school this year and is completely kicking ass in his courses...I always knew he could. ;) 
~He has found a course of study that he wants to pursue after high school...phew! 
~He has grown into a funny, verbose, charming, young man who is much taller than his Mom!! 
~He is going to be amazing in anything he chooses to do. :)

 

~The girl turned 15 and started high school after a very successful year in junior high. 
~She has entered the IB program and is enjoying the challenge! 
~She has developed a love of drama and Improv!
~She had a very successful year of dance on her competitive team and in highland dance. 
~The dance highlights were: qualifying as a N.S. provincial representative which earned her a trip to Canadians in Edmonton, AB; and her third consecutive nomination to the Sadie Simpson scholarships held in Miami, FL! 
~She got to do lots of travelling for dance...with chauffeur Mom at the helm!
~She was fortunate to bond with so many wonderful school and dance teachers.  
~Solos are ready and champ steps are started for another year of dance!


~Little man turned 10 and headed to grade 5 french immersion.
~He has great marks especially in Math, his strongest subject!
~He found a best friend. :) 
~He made an effort to learn to play the bagpipes, hehe. 
~He joined Mom and sis on an epic road trip exploring some of the eastern U.S. and then a fun week at the cottage with Grandma and Grandpa! 
~After deciding the bagpipes were a bit too difficult right now he agreed, grudgingly, to go back to highland dance.
~He jumped back into dance remembering the steps quickly and continues to improve!


~The hubby continued to excel at his job and with his new team. 
~He did some travelling for work visiting the U.S. several times.
~He continued his 5x per week workouts.
~He enjoyed lots of time with his boys over the summer while the girls toured!
~He turned 44 and couldn't believe I had stuck around for 21 years, haha! 
~He enjoyed eating as much seafood as possible!

  
As for me:
~I joined a volunteer highland dance organization.
~I cried tears of joy at many a dance competition!
~I made some lovely new dance friends.  
~I beamed with pride at my kids' academic achievements!
~I celebrated my 43rd year on this planet and 21 years of marriage! 
~I did not kill my husband and hide the body! 
~I got to do lots of travelling around North America.
~I survived my first (and last) cruise. 
~I made a group of hilarious, like-minded friends on FB who keep me sane! 
~I was able to spend some time with my Grandma who is now 92 years young! 
~I enjoyed time with both my parents which is a blessing.


So my to-do list for this year is:
~Try to control my road rage...not an easy thing to do here!
~Volunteer more.
~Spend more time with friends and family.
~Stay better in touch with distant friends.
~Have more "half-full" days. 
~Focus on keeping my body and mind healthy...baby steps. 
~Invite less drama into my life. 
~Check my damn Crackberry every night so I don't miss appointments. D'oh!



I wish all of my friends, whether virtual, near or far, a wonderful year. I hope it will be a year of more highs than lows. A year of love, friendship, peace and joy. 

~Laura :)  










9 comments:

Connie said...

It sounds like you've had a very busy year with much to celebrate. Every year brings some highs and lows, but like you, I'd rather focus more on the highs, if possible. Great pictures, Laura! I enjoyed hearing more about your family.

Wishing you all the best in 2013! :-)

Unknown said...

YAY, Laura! I love it and am glad that I'm one of your 'real time' friends. I think? :)
It was fun to learn more about your family. Blog more, we like it.

RachRiot said...

Shout out to the GRoomies! Holla! Glad you are back and blogging!

SupremeAntBee said...

I, too, enjoyed learning more about you and your family, Laura! This is a great post! Happy New Year, again!

Karen said...

Sounds like a great year for your family. Happy New Year!

Steve said...

I love your positivity, and your family sounds like a lot of fun.
Best wishes for a fantastic 2013!

Laurie said...

Great year, 2013 even greater! I too, am amazed by the group of new friends we've made. Aren't we lucky?

Rich Girl Red said...

What a wonderful recap, Labeetie! I love hearing all the juicy details of your cool family. I'm still hoping your parents will adopt me -- Rachael's, too. I'll do Mardi Gras and holidays with hers, summers with yours. Put in a good word for me, will ya? (And keep blogging -- you have great things to say!)

gail said...

I've enjoyed getting to know you on FB and seeing all the pics of you family. They make me smile. I don't know how you do it all. Happy New Year to you and your family!