January started with a knee operation to remove the hardware installed in 2011 when I broke my knee. I can't believe its been almost two years since my accident...how time flies. Thankfully, my recovery is almost complete and I have little pain left. I can't say the same for the scars though. This episode as left me with the fear of falling again. Not easy to work through this one, especially in winter!
I got a very special mother's day gift from my godchild, Gabrielle. She wrote me a poem to tell me how much she loves me. I will cherish it always and I love her very much. we share a special bond and I am thankful to have both her and André in my life.
I've had a very busy 2012 at work and so did Serge. He spent many hours, evening and some weekends working on staff reductions for his department. Luckily, neither one of us got declared surplus, but I was sad for friends and colleagues that did. I've always wanted to be a Public Servant and have loved my journey since the beginning. Never once did I doubt I would leave the government before retirement and 2012 proved that job security is not what it used to be. I plan on working another 4 years...hopefully, in the government and in my current position. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.
We had some very happy family moments and some sad ones also. Life is like a roller coaster....full of ups and downs, but if you're strapped in securely, you always make it to the finish line in one piece. I am hoping that 2013 is a good year for us and that we get to spend many happy moments together at home and at the cottage.
When I think of 2012, I also think of all the happy moments spent with my dad and how lucky I am that I still have him. If at all possible, we have grown even closer over the last few months. I cherish each moment I spend with him. We chat on the phone almost daily and see each other often. He is a great source of comfort and support but more importantly, love. I hope I get to enjoy many more years with him.
I've also spent some fun moments with my friends but not nearly enough. Life is so busy, and I find that there is not enough time, or I don't make the time, as much as I would like to, to see and talk to my friends. I won't make seeing my friends more, one of my New Years resolutions, because I rarely keep them, so instead I will make an effort to do so.
I travelled to Philadelphia and Atlantic City during the summer and spent a few memorable weekends in Montreal with Serge and with my friends Fran and Manon.
We also welcomed a new member in the family....little Luka. My niece Brigitte had a beautiful baby boy. Christmas brunch with "ma belle famille" was even more special with the three little ones running around, well Éliza and Jeanne were, and Luka will also be walking next year. Christmas is definitely ,ore enjoyable with little ones, and I love having them around.
Of course, buying the cottage was a big event. Who would have thought that we would take the plunge. This was not part of our retirement plans. We wanted to retire debt free and do some travelling. This has thrown a curve ball in our plans but what an incredible turn. Since buying the cottage, we have spent some wonderful time here and we love it. Its such a nice and relaxing place to come to and its all I think about. The weekends don't come fast enough and when I'm here, I don't want to leave. Looking forward to the summer and planning to spend our 5 weeks of vacation here!
And last but not least, is my hysterectomy in October. Thinking back, it was not easy but recovery did go smoothly. 8 weeks later, I feel free and can finally stop wondering when my periods will start. Maybe freedom 55 is great, but freedom from my "big Ps" as me and my BFF use to call it, is WONDERFUL. So I did get thrown into menopause in the process, but it is manageable, at least for me it is :)
As I ponder on the new year ahead, I can't help but think of the major happening coming in 2013....I will be turning 50! How is this even possible....where has time gone! Over the last year, I have been thinking about where I want to be when I turn 50 and how I want to mark the moment. I thought of travelling to special places like Japan or Vietnam...I've also thought of going to New York.
But you know what, I've come to realize that what I really want is to turn 50 at the cottage...in all simplicity with Serge and my girls. As long as there chocolate cake to be had, I'll be happy.
Have a Happy New Year everyone!
