so long, 2018

Here we are again ~ the end of another year. We made it! Through all our tribulations, trials, blessings and victories, we made it. I always like to reflect back on the year and ponder over all the happenings and then set my intentions (not resolutions!) for the new year. 

One thing's for sure: Life is uncertain and heartbreaking. This year alone, two friends passed away from cancer and one from heart disease. Two more friends were newly diagnosed with cancer and are still battling that horrible disease. My aunt had surgery for thyroid cancer. My cousin's little girl was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. A new friend's son committed suicide. An online friend's son was killed in a car accident. 

At the end of last year, I wondered how my cats would do in 2018. Zippo was old and had thyroid and kidney disease, as well as eye problems. Clementine was newly diagnosed with kidney disease. As it turned out, my sweet Zippo passed away this November at the age of 19-1/2. I know he lived a long, good life with us, but it was still one of the most grievous things we've gone through. 

When you're a homeowner, something is always breaking, needing replacing or repairing. This year, our central air conditioning conked out - on one of the hottest days this summer. Our dishwasher also needed replacing; in fact, we got a new one just a few days ago. In May, I came home one day to find half the gutters and soffits on the south side of our house ripped off and hanging on the ground. And in November and December, we had our old, rotting front porch and deck ripped out and replaced with Trex decking. I don't want to show any before and after photos of that right now; I will write a post and post photos in the spring when the landscaping looks better and we're able to put plants on the porch, etc. Right now everything is so muddy.

Not everything is gloom and doom, of course. There were a lot of blessings this year, too. Besides all the times I got together with family and friends, I got to meet up with one of my dearest friends who lives in Canada, when she was in Wisconsin this summer. 

After over a year of searching the house, I found my lost anniversary band. 

For the first time, I did a freelance job as a beta reader ~ and loved it. 

I went to a couple of workshops because there's always room for learning, growth and self-improvement. One of the workshops is a writing one and will continue into the new year.

 I also had some sessions with a life/wellness coach to help with my anxiety. I learned more about practicing mindfulness in those sessions. Did it help? In some ways, yes and in other ways, no. 

The other major event that happened in our family this year was that Tim moved out and into his own apartment. It was a positive move for all of us.

What are you doing tonight for New Year's Eve? Brian and I are staying in. We had takeout Thai food for dinner and will have a glass of wine while watching a Netflix movie. We'll probably be in bed by 11:00 p.m. 

Thank you for reading Comfy House for another year. I am so thankful for all the friendships that I've made through this blog. May 2019 be a year of much love and good health for all of us.