See Ya 2013! Welcome 2014!

Although my 2013 was rife with challenges that came in all shapes and sizes, I tackled them all; some with grace and patience, others with brute force.  What I'm most proud of when looking back at the year in total is that I did it all. by. myself.

Just for fun, I'd like to try to recap what happenings came my way in 2013.

• I had a water supply line in Master bathroom upstairs burst, which flooded my bathroom, foyer below and Niagra fall'ed into my basement all around 3:30 am while both me and my son were sleeping.  I managed to shut off the main water supply and clean up the mess without my son ever knowing it happened by the time he woke up at 7 am.  He was very intrigued, however, by the production that ensued in the days that followed as I needed to have water remediation professionals fix the damage.
• As a result of the above, I installed a new bathroom vanity sink all by myself (no leaks still!)
• Also as a result of the above, repainted my entire foyer 
• Slept outside in March for a fundraising event for Spectrum Youth services
• Installed a kitty door going into the basement
• Had my breezeway roof re-shingled and installed venting in my attic eaves
• Took multiple unexpected trips home to visit very sick parents and almost lost my father during one of them
• Demolished a partially completed basement bar area
• Started dating again - huge accomplishment
• Put together an outdoor playspace/swingset all by myself (directions said 2 people were needed!)
• Flew in a 2 seater Cessna
• Said goodbye to my boss, who at the time I felt was my only advocate at work
• Have had 2 different subsequent bosses, who thankfully, I believe, realize I'm a dedicated and enthusiastic employee
• Had two new exterior doors installed and I painted the trim
• I helped pay for a major home renovation for my Dad
• Assembled a twin bed for my son
• Attending Church regularly with Owen
• Passed the Salesforce.com Admin Certification exam
• Took my son to Disney World and Sea World over thanksgiving
• Ice Skated again for the first time in 10 years
• Installed a toilet in my downstairs powder room
• Lost my Aunt, who took great care of my mother during all of her health issues, to lung cancer
• All the above while dealing with a difficult co-parent

Well, that's all I can think of right now.  There's arguably more, but the moral of the story here is that life will always throw you good and bad.  In reflection, it's clear to me that I have acknowledged and cherished the good all while getting through the bad.  My hope is that I continue to be able to see and cherish all the good while letting the bad wash away.