27 Years: And still a Work In Progress

I'd have to say Year 26 has quite possibly been the hardest year of my life. There was a year or so in High School that I thought was terrible (requested therapy, had lots of emotional breakdowns...) but I think this trumps it. From turning into Super Bitch during my pregnancy, attempting to restore our marriage, selling our house (FINALLY!), having a baby and moving just 2 weeks later, living out of boxes in my mom/grandpa's house, dealing with trying to purchase a foreclosed home, moving AGAIN, and then the death of my mother-in-law. It's been trying. And I think of all the things that you read about marriages going to shambles in the midst of trauma and Ryan and I are actually so much better for the worse of it (maybe has to do with the fact that I'm not a Pregnant Bitch anymore?).

It's also been a year of celebrations.... we have another healthy, beautiful addition to our family, we are both still employed and able to afford groceries and gas (haha!), and we have purchased a new, larger home that we are absolutely in love with.

This past year has not gone by without some great things learned. Especially with the passing of Cathy I've taken on the mantra "Live life to the fullest." You never, ever know when you'll be leaving this earth and you really should fully soak in all that life has to offer. I thought I'd list some things of wisdom... big and small... I feel that I've caught onto this year. I know there is so much more to learn in the future and for that I'm excited.

I've learned..

• that you should live life to the fullest...
  
• that good things DO happen to good people... sometimes it just takes time.
• to speak my mind and be open with others... when applicable
• there are many situations where you feel it warrants your opinion, but know which ones warrant your mouth staying shut. Honesty is not always the best policy... sometimes others can't accept it.
• to be more patient... reading back in a journal my mom wrote to me she expressed the same regret I know I will face... she wishes she had been more patient with us when we were little (then again, don't we all?!)
• that wallpaper is wicked stuff... and not in a good way.
  
• that blogging is so so important. Not only for past memory purpose but also the community it creates for you. Friends around the world that care about you and you might not even know it until you least expect it.
  
• you should never regret taking too many pictures. They are the key to triggering past memory and they will forever capture and embrace those important and even boring day-to day moments in your life.
• that sisters (and sister-in-laws) are important... tend to those relationships no matter how different you think you may be.
• that clothing is optional... especially when you're 2 years old and potty training.
  
• you should never give up your girls-nights-out... girlfriends (and couple friends with your spouse) are important! You never know when your spouse will be gone and you'll need those shoulders, those ears or that company.
  
• not to worry about what others think or say about your life... especially when it pertains to your family, husband or kids.
  
• a bigger home means lots more cleaning... and that there is a blessing to be found in having small bathrooms!
• sometimes the things you think you'll have the hardest time accepting are the easiest to love
• family will always be there for you... no matter how rotten you have been
• laundry really does have a way of multiplying
  
• friendships are ever evolving, always changing and taking new shape, sometimes even fading away. True friendships though, come back full circle when the time is right.
• having everyone (or almost everyone) together for the holidays is the BEST!

So, here's to 27 years.... Cheers!