Good riddance

As we count down the last hours and minutes of 2009, I reflect on all this year had to offer. While some enjoyed marriages, babies, new homes, promotions and good luck, I can only be thankful the year is drawing to a close. For me and my family, 2009 was the most difficult year.

When I discuss the suckiness of this year, I get nods of agreements from many around me. Two who are close to me lost a parent this year. Many had challenges at work that tested their skill and patience. Others had home disasters befall them. Marriages broke up, friends got sick, others lost jobs and that blasted N1H1 virus infiltrated many homes.

Don't get me wrong, 2009 wasn't all bad. Among the cancer diagnoses and surgeries (me and mom), chemotherapy treatment, money woes, van breakdowns and the myriad of other troubles, good things happened too. I grew closer to my family and friends, discovered amazing people in my life who've helped during my difficult times, learned more about myself, discovered what's really important in life, learned how to better help Noah with his bipolar diagnosis and went on a kick-ass vacation to celebrate the end of chemotherapy treatments. Best of all, I'm alive to usher in the new year.

The end of the 2009 brought two awesome events, which bode well for happier times in coming years. My sister-in-law got engaged on Christmas Day to a wonderful guy. They obviously make each other very happy and I'm thrilled for them. Woo hoo to an awesome wedding celebration in 2011. My cousin also got engaged at Christmas. Previously she was in a toxic relationship, so I'm happy she's found an awesome and supportive guy with whom to spend her life.

So I'm looking forward to 2010 and counting on its events to be better, happier and less challenging than those of the past year. But it's funny how much stock we, as a society, place in a new year. It's not as though simply replacing a calendar and flipping to January 2010 contains magical properties to change luck. But we've all been conditioned to believe a new year is a fresh start, a chance to make ourselves and our lives better (which is why many make resolutions).

I want to believe in that magic even more than ever. Our minds have powerful control over our bodies, so I need to draw on positive thoughts to create an awesome 2010.

I'm kicking if off right by enjoying a quiet evening at home with good friends, tasty food and several beverages. When that clock strikes midnight, I'll toast to a better 2010.

I hope you enjoy your new year's eve doing whatever makes you happy. I wish you and your families a healthy, happy, richer, balanced and enjoyable new year - and new decade.

Until next year,

Tina