U2: The Joshua Tree Tour
Wow, New Year’s Eve 2017! Where did this year go? It flew by super quickly. I attribute this to being remarkably busier than in years past. Work, appointments, meetings, swim practice, extra activities…the list goes on and on. This was LIFE in 2017.
My year did not play out quite the way I planned. I did not complete my Happiness Project. My theme for the year (RENEWAL) was a failure. The only renewal I achieved this year was my driver’s license which surprisingly did make me happy. My new license is good for six years and can be used to fly around America. My weight fluctuated throughout the year, and so did my commitment to exercise. Organization, nope…my home is still in a disarray.
I could be down in the dumps about not achieving my goals; however, I am choosing NOT to wallow in self-pity. 2017 was a year of peaks and valleys. There were some notably awesome moments: being honored during Catholic Schools Week for being named Teacher of the Year at Holy Ghost Catholic School, attending four concerts (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Twenty-One Pilots, Stevie Nicks, and U2), attending my 30th High School Reunion, attending my annual Scrapbooking Convention, watching Andrew swim for his high school swim team, observing the solar eclipse, participating in Confirmation at Holy Ghost Catholic Church as a sponsor and as a parent, ordering Andrew’s senior ring, partying with friends at Kelsi’s Halloween party, accompanying Andrew to Baton Rouge for Kickoff LSU, attending the wedding of one of my former students, spending time throughout the year with family and friends, and SNOW on December 8th.
Then, there were the moments that were not so awesome or exciting: being hospitalized for five days because of cellulitis, my friend Kimberly being diagnosed with brain cancer, my male German Shepherd Sonic being diagnosed with perianal fistulas, having a painful dental procedure a week before school started, attending two funeral services, and Andrew having surgery the week of mid-terms. And, while these moments were unpleasant or ones that could best be forgotten, they can serve a purpose. They make me grateful and more appreciative of the awesome moments in my life, as well as the ordinary or mundane moments. They are reminders to be more appreciative of who and what I have as a part of my life (faith, family, friends, fur babies, a home, a job, my health…the list goes on and on).
Therefore, as I reflect on the past year, I feel hopeful about the new year. 2018! I’ve already picked out a new theme for the year, and I am participating in 18 for 2018. Both will be revealed very soon. Until then, my dear reader, may you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve. Happiness!
“Of all sound of all bells… most solemn and touching is the peal which rings out the Old Year.” ~ Charles Lamb
The Kat Files 