2011 was a year of heartbreak, transition, and transformation. My divorce was finalized, I lost my house in Arizona to foreclosure, I graduated with my Masters, Megahn & Brad & I spent some time together in California (which was a well-needed change of scenery), I left One Step Beyond, I kicked up my yoga practice and immersed myself in the yoga community, I was repeatedly told I was the second choice applicant for counseling jobs, I finally landed a long-term substitute position in Wisconsin and needed to move across the country in a week (forcing a new boyfriend to make a choice), I bought my first new car, I adopted my first puppy, my best friend had her first baby (and I'm local now so I get to watch her grow up--not on Facebook!), and I started over.
This year, I got engaged, Chris and I went to New York (his first time!) and we were able to celebrate the newly-legalized marriage of dear family friends, I got the first School Counseling job for which I interviewed and went into the summer knowing I had a job for fall, I returned to Arizona to perform a marriage ceremony for two close friends (Minister Chasco!), my family of three moved to a lovely condo with no immediate plans to move again (next stop, house!), we hosted Thanksgiving for my parents & Grandma, I finally got my name change 100% taken care of after nearly two years of ridiculousness (just in time to change it again?!), and I ended 2012 with two consecutive snow days which unexpectedly brought Christmas break two days early! It's been a great year for Chris, too. He got a job at a country club just in time for free golf all summer (and free pool access for me), and then transitioned to the well-reputed Food Fight restaurant group with a significant raise and bright future prospects. He's (we're) also going to be in Kansas for Christmas with both of his sisters and their families for the first time in many years.
While I'll never forget the elementary school massacre that rocked the country a week ago (a dark stain on the bright & beautiful year I've had), it helped me to be grateful for my blessings, and the beautiful students with whom I work every day. It strengthened my resolve to implement necessary changes to my counseling program to make it more effective.
I welcome 2013 with open arms, knowing that I am in a good place to accept and appreciate my blessings, and also to weather any challenges. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
