2011 will be over in a few days, and I have to say I’m glad. It hasn’t been an easy year, especially financially. But before I get into all that, I’m going to try to find some positive things to say.
First, and most importantly, we are all healthy. At least, mostly healthy and being treated for the chronic illnesses that Greg and I have. But overall most days are good days and I’m very thankful for that.
This year Rachel graduated from high school. She worked at the Christian Daycare, then started school at North Iowa Community College. She’s happy and fun and full of life and I’m so proud of her.
Zach had some rough times this year, but he’s now employed at Jiffy Lube in Mason City and moving into a house with some friends. I’m really proud of him for how he’s persevered despite adversity.
Ethan is a sophomore in high school and employed at Hardees. I’m proud of him for having goals and working towards them, although I don’t think he’ll be making a career of fast food.
Greg continues to work at Sukup’s Manufacturing, and they must like him because they keep giving him raises. He travels a lot, and has been to New York, Nebraska, Illinois, North Dakota, and is now planning a trip to Sri Lanka.
I feel better now that I listed all that good stuff, but it’s still been a tough struggle this year. In January we dealt with the foreclosure on Greg’s former house, due to renters not paying. That started a “domino effect” of never quite being able to catch up on the bills despite our best efforts and cancelling all trips, vacations, house remodeling, etc. Then the cars began to show their ages. We replaced brake lines and starters, batteries and tires, alternators and heaters, brake pads and mufflers and on and on. $2,500 later we still have a few things left to fix, but will hopefully have reliable transportation again. And then…..we saw water bubbling up in the front yard and had to have it dug up and a water pipe fixed. And this year we learned Greg has sleep apnea and so we’re buying a CPAP machine. The kids’ needed help with school expenses. Child support was erratic. It seems like it’s been one thing after another.
So, I’m glad 2011 is over. I’m looking forward to a new year and hoping things will be much better.
Here’s something to leave you with that will make you smile:
Puppy! Whenever I feel down I go play with all 7 of them and then I don’t feel so bad……..