When I decided to write a final blog post for 2013, my
first thought was, nothing very remarkable happened in 2013.
In retrospect, it was a quiet year…although some events (happy and sad) do stand out in my memories.
Here are a few of the moments that come to mind!
January
This was very sad time for me and I have thought of her often in 2013. I am happy that, thanks to Facebook, I am able to “follow” the lives of my cousins and their kids and also of my nieces and nephews and their little ones. Through everyone’s posts and pictures, I feel that I am keeping in touch.
February
March
Lots of weekends spent at the cottage. We can’t seem to stay away...it's like a mini vacation every weekend!
April
May
We celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary…still
happy and in love after all these years.
I could not imagine my life without Serge….even if some days he annoys
me J That’s what being married or being in a
relationship is all about. I’m no
expert, but in my opinion, you have to pick your battles, don’t sweat the small
stuff and be happy with the precious moments spent together. As I’ve learned in 2009 when Serge had
cancer, things can change in the blink of an eye, so I’m living as if today is
my last day and not waiting for tomorrow to do the things I want to do.June
My godchild Gabrielle and nephew André graduated from 6th grade
July
We spent our 3 week holidays at the cottage. This was the first year that we did not
travel somewhere during our holidays. We
did enjoy our holidays even if the weather was not that nice and we had 3 days without
electricity and were not able to go home because a huge tree was blocking the
road. This made me realize that I value
my freedom. It’s very difficult to be “trapped”
even if you’re in a nice setting. It
also made me realize that we were not at all prepared…and after it was over, we
went and got supplies for next time (hoping there is no next time). 
In July we also had a first Lacroix family gathering at the
cottage. It was a lot of fun even if I
was very sick with a bad sore throat. We
definitely want to make this an annual event.Véro came to the cottage with her boyfriend Justin. He is very nice and friendly. He is always looking to help her or provide whatever she needs…although Véro is an independent women and I know she can take care of herself, I’m sure she loves the attention. They are a cute couple!!
August
We celebrated Gen’s and my dad’s birthday at the
cottage. I’ve been spending some very
special moments with my dad at the cottage.
This has brought us even closer if that’s even possible. He truly enjoys the cottage…and I enjoy
spending time with him. I’m very conscious
that he is getting older (now 82) and that these moments are very precious.
September
My dad failed his driver's licenses (test required when your
82). He sold his car and this has
brought on many challenges to meet his needs.
I’m thankful that he lives at Manoir Héritage, that he loves it and has a
lot of services which makes it easier on us.
He gets his meals, maid and laundry service, haircut and manicure. His family doctor even goes to see him there. We have also been able to take advantage of a
volunteer service offered by the Centre Guigue.
He has a volunteer drive him to and from his medical and dental
appointments. This has been a great help
and the service is courteous and very cheap. We do groceries for him (and my mother-in-law) almost every week and do his shopping/banking as required.
October
We celebrated 1 year of having the cottage…we planted a tree
with our daughters to mark the occasion and celebrated Serge’s birthday. What a
wonderful year we’ve had of family gatherings and of alone time, just the 2 of
us. I’ve come to love the simple life at
the cottage and compared to our city home, I really enjoy how easy it is to maintain
(smaller and less things to dust). I
know I’m ready to sell our home and move to a smaller place although Serge
wants to wait until he retires in 2015.
November
Gen announced that she was looking for an apartment and
would move out in the New Year. I am so
happy for her that she has found Zoey. It’s
obvious how much in love Zoey is with my daughter and vice versa. I could not wish for a better partner for her
to share her life. As parents we always
hope that our children will find love, and that is what Gen has found in
Zoey. They are a perfect match!
But no need to worry about the “empty house” blues that
happens when the last child leaves the nest…since Véro is moving back home at
the end of February for 1 year. She has
promised to help me purge my house in preparation for a move in 2015/2016.
I started my New Year’s resolution early this year….I joined
Weight Watchers. I’ve lost 12 pounds so
far. When I lost the first 10 pounds, my
meeting leader asked me what was keeping me on track…I told her I see it as a
voyage….I got onboard at the start and will not get off the ship until I reach my
destination. I figure I’ve done this
before many years ago, so I can do it again.
Thanks to Véro for dragging me back, I’m now motivated and feeling
great.
December
December has been very busy getting ready for
Christmas, as it always is. As I’ve said before, I love
decorating for Christmas, at home and at the cottage. All this back and forth and too much walking/cleaning has not been good for my Achilles tendon and heel problem. If I accomplish nothing else in 2014 but get this resolved, I will have had a successful year, as this is a major issue.
Looking forward to
2014
As we embark on a new year, I look forward to the many
challenges that life will bring me. I
know there will be ups and downs, that’s how it is, but as long as I have
loving family, friends and colleagues to accompany me, I am assured that there
will be love, happiness and I keep my fingers crossed….health.
Happy New Year my friends!
Nice blog Lise
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