10 Highlights of My Year 2013

Every New Year’s Eve, I typically jot down 20 important events that took place during the past year. 2013 was relatively quiet, however, so I’m limiting this list to 10 key events. They are in no particular order. I’m grateful for the seemingly good and the seemingly bad.

1. Brian and I (okay, 99.9% Brian) installed beautiful wood flooring throughout the house, replacing the tired old blue carpeting. We love it! Niko, however, is sliding all over the place.

2. My grandson Izic was four years old in 2013. He attends pre-school two days per week. He is growing and learning so fast, it is nearly impossible to keep up! Every time I see him, he is smarter, funnier and more amazing. My priority is to be as available and involved as possible. It’s a big bad world out there – Izic will need all the Gramma Peaches he can get!

3. After much deliberation, I returned to college in August. As of December 2013, I have completed 40 of the 60 units required for my Communication Studies degree. Homework takes me away from so much that I love in my life, and I hate that. However, my employer says I will receive no further advancement without my degree, so I am complying.

4. Brian and I were able to book-end vacation days in May around a business trip to Honolulu, HI. We stayed in a hotel right on Waikiki Beach and had a fantastic 10 days. We love a tropical beach experience!

5. We attended plenty of SF Giants games with friends and family this past year. I am very happy for Boston Red Sox fan friends who got to celebrate their big 2013 World Series win.

6. My daughter Niccole marched with her University of Phoenix class in their graduation ceremony held in September. I am overwhelmingly proud of her!

7. I celebrated 20 years of continuous sobriety in May. My daughter presented me with a 20-year chip in an intimate setting in the presence of my closest friends. What a gift -- God is obviously crazy about me!

 

8. As part of a work project, I had the opportunity to visit most of our Adventist Health hospitals in 2013. I traveled to Tillamook and Portland OR, Walla Walla WA, Kailua HI, and several destinations in California including Hanford, Reedley, Selma, Paradise, Bakersfield, Simi Valley, Sonora, and Los Angeles. It was a wonderful experience to step out of the IT environment and into the clinical world where our Adventist Health mission is fulfilled every single day.

9. We were finally able to begin our bathroom remodeling project. Demolition happened this year, followed by new cabinetry, sinks, faucets, toilets, and a nice new medicine cabinet. Much work yet to complete, but we’re getting there!

10. Life has a way of redefining relationships. Three people chose to walk out of my life in 2013. Two were casual friends. One has been a friend since 1987, someone I considered my very closest and dearest friend, someone I respect and admire a great deal. Acceptance is the key to my continued happiness and serenity. Even when friendships end, love does not.

Grateful for every moment,
Karen