Reflections on 2015

Last year at this time, as I looked forward to 2015, I said I wanted my theme for the coming year to be "Stretch". I posted on Facebook:

"I want to stretch while doing Yoga and while waking up from restful sleep, stretch to reach beyond my physical/emotional/intellectual comfort zones, stretch my hard-earned dollars, and stretch my mind. Unfortunately I need stretch pants as I end the year."

And stretch I did, forward and backward, up and down. Sometimes I stretched like a lazy cat in a ray of sunshine, sometimes like a tense rubber band ready to snap (actually I snapped a few times).

It's been both a horrible and wonderful 2015, a year that has stretched us every which way imaginable. The Dishman family said a tragic goodbye to their mother and grandmother, Louanna, and then too soon after my Bruns girls said goodbye to their grandmother, Marjorie Violet. Losing two mothers-in-law within a month certainly stretched my capacity for supporting others in their grief, while simultaneously dealing with my own emotions. We said a tearful goodbye to a beloved family home, the Stone House, the hub of Esker activity during Jubilee Days and Holiday meals. Craig had a health scare that changed our vision of our future for a while, I had a crazy mishap with a chicken bone that is now straining me financially as the bills roll in. Craig's dad continues to battle health problems and missing his wife. Broken appliances (a "shocking" experience with one), a windstorm that caused damage to our property, expensive car repairs...I think our budget has been stretched well beyond our comfort zone this year.

But life goes on in wonderful ways. My daughter moved into a beautiful new home and a few months later we learned we are going to be grandparents--in just about 6 weeks! One daughter got engaged to a great guy. Another daughter started a new exciting job. A niece got married and had a fabulous family celebration, another niece graduated from college, a nephew started a career in film. My brother-in-law returned safely from a tour of duty. All my sisters' husbands found work. My parents are healthy and active. We have so much to be grateful for.

Personally I found so much happiness kayaking on Summit Lake and making new, amazing friends along the way. That kayak was the best birthday and Mothers Day gift I could have ever, ever received! There is no better feeling than floating on that lake with my friends and anticipating the beauty of misty sunrises or brilliant sunsets. I stretched beyond my comfort zones by facing my fear of water and having adventures on my own (loading and unloading my kayak all by myself). I also found great pleasure in taking photos with my iPhone and sharing them with others. I continue to love my job and I look forward to spending time with my husband and family. I've also enjoyed being a new dog owner -- well mostly. Oh, and the recent gift of a ukulele is stretching my mind and fingers in delightful, yet sometimes frustrating, ways!

I think my word for 2016 will be "FOCUS". I want to focus on appreciating the little things in life, on being in the present moment. I also want to focus on getting my home in order, to declutter, organize and spruce it up a bit. Of course I want to focus on improving my health -- losing weight would be nice but my goal is to be healthy and active, so I can continue meeting the needs of my family and enjoying live. I also want to focus on my finances, cutting back on wasteful spending and thinking more about saving. Of course I would like to focus with my iPhone and take a lot more pictures, and focus on being more creative, along with my fun and creative friends. Most of all I want to focus on being an attentive Grammy Julie to baby Mason! I can't wait! 2016 is going to be an awesome year.