No particular order... here are highlights of my life in the year 2011:
1. My relationships with my daughter, Niccole, and my grandson, Izic, grew stronger and much more meaningful.
2. My 15-year career as a technical writer came to a close. I was offered and accepted a position as an IT Project Manager at Adventist Health.
3. I had a couple of very painful dental surgeries that netted me two dental implants and a whole new appreciation for flossing.
4. One of our beautiful German Shepherd dogs, Jade, decided she was no longer happy living with us in Roseville. She moved up to Auburn, California where she got to live on a horse ranch with our friends Kathi and Randy. That didn't work out either, though, and now she lives in Southern California where she's happy and well-loved.
5. Brian and I completely gutted our very out-dated kitchen. Then we installed the first half of a complete remodel -- gorgeous new cabinets, beautiful new Cambria quartz countertops, a new large stainless steel sink and faucet, and new Bosch appliances. The remainder of the new kitchen will be installed in 2012. I've never had a brand new kitchen before, and it's really fabulous!
6. Several friends of mine and I participated in a weekly book study together. We read The 12 Steps & The 12 Traditions, from the perspective of learning how to apply our common principles in all our affairs. It was a wonderful study and a very special event for me.
7. Martie and I met and have become good friends. She's an important person in my life now, and I'm very grateful for our friendship.
8. My precious friendships with Tim, Kari, and Bethie have strengthened and grown. I treasure them, probably more than they know. Tim celebrated 8 years of sobriety and fell in love with Mitzi; Kari became a barista and grew spiritually by leaps and bounds; and Bethie lost 100 pounds and participated in half-marathons!
9. I failed to be a good friend to four people in 2011: Alice, Kevin, Laura, and Jan, at least according to them. And if they believe I failed, then I obviously did.
10. I celebrated 18 years of continuous sobriety on May 17, 2011. Thank you GOD.
11. I began therapy, in order to face and hopefully deal with some hard-wiring issues that have plagued me my entire life.
12. I had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee to repair a badly torn meniscus.
13. Giants Opening Day in 2011 featured Brian Wilson raising the World Series Championship flag at AT&T Park. Our Giants got their World Series Rings, and we got to be the champions all year long. It was awesome!
14. Our gorgeous German Shepherd dog, Niko, turned 3 years old in March 2011. She's beautiful, funny, personable, healthy, and full of energy, and she's a precious family member. We run her about 3 miles on our bikes regularly and take her for walks whenever possible. She's well-trained and obedient, for the most part anyway! I love her.
15. Brian and I -- okay, mostly Brian -- built a beautiful new porch onto the front of our house. It's a fantastic new living space. It was a TON of work, and Brian did a meticulous, perfect job. It's not quite finished yet, but the bulk of the work got done by the time winter arrived. The rest will be finished in the spring of 2012.
16. I spent Christmas with my daughter, Niccole, for the very first time in 2011. Niccole, Izic, and I had a relaxing quiet weekend together. We watched movies, enjoyed crackling fires, made yummy lasagna, walked to the park, and enjoyed each other very much. We had our pictures taken together, too, and gave them to friends and family members as Christmas presents.
17. My "little brother" Kelly Stocke passed away this year, sadly. Also, my uncle Bud Dirksen passed away.
18. I have launched on an all-out effort to learn how to cook, and it's been fun and rewarding. I don't hate cooking nearly as much as I thought I would.
19. My relationship with Brian has grown stronger and more loving as time passes. He's genuinely a wonderful man, and I love him dearly. I'm blessed to be in a relationship with such a good person.
20. God and I continue our journey hand-in-hand. I remember when I used to think that the point was travel TO God; now, I know that I must travel WITH God.
With love,
Karen
