The End of 2005

     As 2005 comes to a close I am looking back to see what I have accomplished this year, what I haven’t accomplished, and what I hope to accomplish in 2006.  This past year was an eventful one to say the least.  It was also a year that tested my resolve, to see just how much I could handle.  I think I did ok I am still alive after all!
     I took on a full time load at school starting in January, and wasn’t sure how it was going to transition for me going from working to just going to school.  I thought I would have all the time in the world to study, keep my house clean, cook dinner every night, and still have some “me” time.  Guess what….that didn’t exactly pan out the way I thought it would.  I spent quite a bit more time studying then I thought I would, and even though I wasn’t working, I still didn’t have much more me time.  I often wonder how I got everything accomplished when I was working, and I had 2 kids at home.  I guess you adjust to what you have to do in life.  As my semester was winding down, I found myself back in touch with an old high school friend.  This was someone I had dated my senior year, for only a short time, but who made a huge impact on my life.  Although 24 years had passed since we saw each other, it was as if time had stood still.  We were able to pick up our friendship all over again.  Even though he is 2000 miles away, I still consider him one of my best friends, and certainly a confidant.  That is one of the best things that happened this year.  
     This was also a year Mother Nature unleashed her fury on the Gulf Coast and South Florida.  We saw the devastation from Katrina, we actually had the first taste of her before the Gulf Coast did.  My neighborhood was flooded, the kids and neighbors were out in row boats and jet skis, school was canceled for a few days, in general life was interrupted.  After Katrina, we were threatened by Rita, but escaped with just a near miss, only to be followed by Ms. Wilma who wasn’t so nice.  She knocked out power to many for weeks (fortunately for me, it was only a day), ripped off roofs, knocked down trees, and in general made a mess of things.  School was canceled for over a week and I don’t think anyone knew if they were coming or going.   I was in the middle of my semester, just finishing up an accelerated Calculus 1 course and supposed to have been starting Calc. II when Wilma hit.  She turned and 8 week course into a 6 ½ week course in a heartbeat, so we played catch up the rest of the semester.  It was a bit stressful, but I managed to keep my grades up, and my blood pressure down.
     It seemed to be a fairly good year for my children.  Zach is doing well in school so far, has lots of friends in the neighborhood, and is growing up to be a handsome and caring young man.  He will turn 13 in 2006, oh boy….  Mike had a good year up until a week before Christmas when he broke his wrist in 3 places.  Nothing like spending Christmas and his 21st birthday in a cast.   He isn’t going to school right now, and I think he is trying to figure out what to do with his life, but I have all the confidence in the world in him – he will figure it out – he is my son after all, and it only took me 25 years to figure it out!!  
     My parents are doing well too.  My dad’s business is going along smoothly, Mom still “loves” her job, and their health is pretty good.  I am sure they want to both retire soon, and I know they want to get out of South Florida and away from the hurricanes – it really stressed them out this year (as it did everyone!).  My brother made his big move to NY this year.  So far he seems to be enjoying it, cold weather and all.  I know he can make it there, he truly can make it anywhere!  My cousin and his family are all well.  Rob just “loves” his job, and Ruth, well, she just loves everything!   Christian is doing well too, smart as a whip.  
     In 2006 my goal is to continue my education, and hopefully finish it one of these days!  I also want to continue to raise my sons (well, I guess I am down to 1 now) the best way I know how, and to love them with all my heart.  Life is too short, tell those you love that you love them every chance you get.  Don’t be afraid to take chances, you will never know what you can do until you try.  The worse that can happen is that you don’t succeed, but at least you know, and you gave it your best try.  Regret is a powerful thing don’t let it be part of your vocabulary.   Let’s hope the war comes to an end soon, and that our soldiers can come home to their families safely.  Until that happens, keep them in your thoughts.  I wish everyone a safe, and Happy New Year!