At the end of every year, I review the year…what went right…what went wrong. So...Here goes...
HEALTH
This year started off heavy. The negativity of the past several years had gotten me into a very bad place. My health was paying the price.
Having PKD (polycystic kidney disease), stress is a major negative factor. I’ve endured too much stress over the previous few years and my body was telling me. When my health took a major downturn early in the year, my doctor had to increase my medicine dosage (keeping my blood pressure low normal to protect my kidneys from damage in that area) by four times! That was a wake-up call for me.
LEARNING CHALLENGES
I’ve been very open about my youngest daughter’s challenges with learning. In 2013, her social challenges began to be even more noticeable. I was at the point once again where I had to find another key so that I didn’t lose my daughter to her world of isolation. We became very educated in the area of Autism/Aspergers Syndrome. Unfortunately, the medical community (except for a late night conversation with a wonderful doctor off-record) has been basically no help. At the end of 2014, we still have even gotten an appointment for testing which we were told was requested in August...but I have educated myself and I am actually growing closer to my daughter.
 |
| My youngest daughter on the day that she was recommended for testing in August. We were given hope... |
DIET
Next there was a photo. I posed for a photo with my daughter before she left for the Father-Daughter Valentine’s dance. I was sickened by what I saw. Granted, I had no makeup, unfixed hair, sloppy clothes, the need of a shower and had just completed hours pampering my daughter to get her ready (in addition to a furiously fast moving photo shoot….her patience with the camera is short) but I looked awful!! What I saw was a pale, unhealthy, unrecognizable version of me. Not to mention that I felt bad.
 |
| One of the better photos of me that day. |
PHOTOGRAPHY
I stopped doing photo sessions for others this year. Even though we knew it would create a financial burden, I realized that I was working to much for too little. As a business person, I knew that my dreams in photography were no longer a good investment of time/money. Sometimes reality doesn’t agree with the heart. :(
I briefly pursued stock photography. However, I quickly discovered that I was not having success there. So, I chalked that one up to an interesting failure.
THEATER
After finishing up 2013 on a theatrical high with SPAC’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant ever, I had to take a break from theater. Unfortunately, financial and health reasons prevented me from doing what I love. I have to admit I miss the stage!!!
RELIGION
God has always been a huge part of my life. In 2014, we left the congregation that had been our home for years and visited a few other locations. We were actually analyzing our daughter’s reaction to other places. We hoped to confirm (or deny) whether or not our daughter’s social issues would change with location. In the end, she was consistent and she chose to go back to our original congregation. We finished up 2014 doing the Christmas program together.
 |
| Christmas program (Strangers at the Inn) photo taken by my mom |
FAMILY
I always enjoy family bonding time. With so many distractions gone and working together to face the year’s challenges (financial, health, learning, social), we were able to nurture our family bond.
 |
| One from our Christmas card photo mini-shoot |
HOMESCHOOL
We finished up 5th grade with better learning focus (which was a great thing!). In August, we started 6th grade in our newly designated classroom. Then we had a place for our school stuff that we could shut the door on and walk away. It helped give us some separation.
I was a little overambitious as we started off the new school year but quickly noticed the issue and revamped our schedule. My daughter reacted positively. We ended this semester with some very good improvements!
 |
| One field trip was to see this WWII ship. |
We lost our beloved 16 year old lab mix (my hubby’s dog before we were married). That was tough.
 |
| "Saying Goodbye" |
We added a rescued kitten to our household, Tinker Belle (or Tinker the stinker, as I like to refer to her…heehee). I can’t help but smile when I see her tongue-out happy face!
 |
| Tinker being Tinker :) |
 |
| Halloween family pic |
CONCLUSION
Well, there it is. My year in review.
While it was a rough year in some ways, it was a great year in other ways.
 |
| What made for a Merry Christmas for me ~ Loved ones all together...and having fun! |
Here’s to saying goodbye to the negative parts of 2014 and adding to the positive ones in the new year.
