2012: Twenty Highlights of My Year

As is my custom, I'm spending a few minutes on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2012, to jot down twenty highlights of the year I just lived. Here they are, in no particular order. I am grateful for each one.


1.  Brian built an amazing porch onto the front of our house, complete with cedar tongue-and-groove ceiling, skylights, ceiling fan, speakers, and lovely wall sconces. It’s a wonderful place to sit and rock. More finish work will be done in 2013. 

2.  Brian and I took our first cruise together. We spent 7 days in the Eastern Caribbean aboard the Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International. We spent several days afterward in Ft. Lauderdale, too. We even spent Christmas day on the beach!

3.  My beloved San Francisco Giants are World Series champs for the second time in three years, sweeping Detroit in four straight games.

4.  Brian and I toured six New England states during a wonderful two-week vacation. I got to finally meet Rick and Judy Lodge! While in Maine, we toured majestic Acadia National Park, and the never-to-be-forgotten coastline. I checked off a bucket-list item when I attended a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park in Boston. 

Rick, me, and Judy

Leader Board at Fenway

Historical

5.  I celebrated 19 years of continuous sobriety on May 17. My journey continues to expand and grow in ways I could never fully explain. Sobriety is a miracle and a gift directly from the Hand of God. 

6.  At Adventist Health, I officially transitioned from my 15-year career as a Technical Writer to my new role as an IT Project Manager.

7.  My grandson, Izic, was 3 years old in 2012! He grew and changed in miraculous and amazing ways. He started calling me Gramma Peaches this year. He knows his colors, letters, shapes, and numbers. He started using a mouse and a laptop this year. 

Gramma Peaches and Izic

8.  San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain pitched the Giant’s first-ever perfect game. 

Buster Posey and Matt Cain

9.  We finished a two-year total kitchen remodel, and we now have a wonderful, beautiful, functional kitchen. I’m learning to cook, and I’m enjoying it!

Still needs baseboards and under-cabinet lighting, but about 95% complete.

10. I finally outgrew my long hair. I cut off my long mop and got a new, shorter style.

My cute new hair and T-shirt

11.  We replaced all the old, blue carpeting and installed new wood laminate flooring in the dining room, kitchen, entry way and living room. The remainder of the house will be finished in 2013.

Entry Way Flooring -- last piece!

12.  My iron levels increased enough so that I could begin donating blood once again, for which I am grateful.

13.  We enjoyed another camping trip with my family, and finally met my daughter’s sister, Brandi, and her brother, Mike, along with their children. It was really wonderful.

Gramma Peaches with Mike's daughter, Harley

Niccole and her brother Mike

Niccole's sister, Brandi and Niccole's husband, Sonny

14.  After going without for many, many years, I finally have a piano into my home again, and I’m playing regularly. 

15.  One of my closest and dearest friends chose to walk away from me and close the door on our friendship. It was painful, but no doubt necessary for both of us.

16.  I joined a new once-a-month book study with some wonderful, amazing, insightful women whose friendship I treasure.

17. It took me longer than most, but this year I fell in love with John Mayer and his amazing guitar.

18.  Babies!! Several of my close friends had children/grandchildren this year.

Patricia and her first grand daughter, Kaelan

19.  My big lovable buddy Zeus the Great Dane passed away, sadly. His owner, Rita Waterman, brought home a new Dane shortly thereafter. Her name is Roxie and she’s a sweet, gentle girl. 

Izic and Zeus, two loveable cookie monsters

Ms. Roxie

20.  My relationship with God has become more special, more real, and more vital to me. I am willing to grow along spiritual lines, and I long to know God in a more intimate way. My heart overflows with gratitude to Him for the life He has given me.