Reflections

So Christmas is about over and the new year will be starting soon; the days are slowly beginning to grow longer even though it doesn’t seem like it; we’re heading into the long, coldest days of winter and it’s time to reflect a little.

It’s been a good year. A year of settling in and truly settling down.

Taylor and I have officially been together longer than either of us have been in any relationship before. (We were both with our ex spouses longer overall but both relationships were littered with break ups and make ups and ours, together, has been free of that particular chaos.) February will mark five years for us and that feels truly wonderful.

We’ve found a job we can do together and that we both really enjoy. A very good thing, since it means we’ll likely keep it awhile. :) The hours can be awful but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

We’re making plans for the future – something I’ve never really felt able to do before. I’m very much a “live in the moment” sort of person. I like to have things planned out for the week or the month but it’s been rare that I knew what I wanted to be doing in two years; and that’s exactly what we’re planning – where our lives will be in two years.

We’ve had financial problems up the arse this year, mostly because of vehicle problems and accidents while Taylor was driving tow truck. Between two accident we had to pay for out of pocket and all the repairs on one car and two trucks it’s been rough – but we’ve made it. We still have work to do on this red truck but, gods willing, nothing more will go wrong and we’ll be able to do some catching up.

We’ve had a little less time with friends this year but that’s been okay, too. With our failed attempt at MARC last year and all the obligations that came from being so active in the local alt community we spent very little time just being together. All our time was taken up with things we had to do. It wasn’t like that this year and, though it meant less time with friends, it was more time for us and for relaxation when we weren’t working – and that’s not such a bad thing.

We got Dazey, our little beagle girl, this year and I absolutely can’t complain about that. I’ve never really been much of a pet person, much less a dog person, but I’ve fallen in love and it feels good. I’ve had my cat for a little over five years and I adore her for her gentle manner and absolute love for us and I guess I’ve learned that’s what I need in a pet cuz Dazey is much the same as Kitten. Gentle, loving and so, so sweet. We’d like to get her a playmate because she’s happier with another animal to run around the house with but I’ve also learned not to rush it- to find a pet that is a suited to our family as she is. (Trial and error since that son of mine brings so many strays home. We’ve definitely learned what we want and need in an animal)

What else?

Turning thirty seven sort of sucked. I haven’t had a really hard birthday since I turned thirty but this one wasn’t the greatest. I’m okay with my age and where I am in life but I just hate saying “37″. Bleh.

So I put pink streaks in my hair. :) My little rebellion, I guess. I’m kinda liking it, too. Much better than when I tried to go totally pink a few years back. I think I’ll keep it for awhile.

The kid is definitely starting those teenage years and it’s getting a little harder to deal with him but, overall, he’s still a wonderful kid and a phenomenal person so I can’t complain.

My dad has had some major health problems this year; he’s had surgery to clear up blockages in both his legs, both his carotids, and his heart, plus open heart surgery and yet another surgery scheduled for Wednesday to repair four herniated disks in his neck (that he’s had for at least ten years – probably fifteen – but has finally been forced into having it taken care of due to the risk of paralysis if he doesn’t) but he’s come out of it all in good shape. Keeping our fingers crossed for the surgery this week cuz if it goes well he’ll come out of it almost a new man. :)

A friend of ours (Mike) has been diagnosed with cancer and it’s put a sadness in our lives but I just keep praying and wishing good things for him and hopefully he’ll get lucky. He and his wife are, literally, like family to us. Pray if you think of it.

Time to cut this short cuz we have to scoot. A call in Muskego. Remind me why I like this job? lolol.

Peace, everyone. And much, much love and good wishes for a beautiful 2007.