I'd be lying if I said 2009 was a great year. In my world, too many people found out they have cancer, too many people lost their jobs, too many people have had to fight sicknesses and personal battles. Sure Joe and I have had some important highlights: selling of our first home, building of our second home, and welcoming a new niece into the family. I successfully graduated all 25 learners from the UWRF masters program and continue to become a better teacher for my high school students. Joe continues to explore his outdoor passions and even achieved a personal goal: catching a 50.5 inch musky. But as I sit here and write, thinking about my niece who has been in the hospital for a week now, those highlights for us don't outweigh the battles people in our lives are fighting. But I have hope. For 2010 I have lots of hope.
I have hope that my niece will get better and be sledding down our hill again soon. I have hope that the cancer will stay away from those that I love. I have hope that losing a job really means a new chapter in one's life. I have hope that whatever comes our way in 2010 we can handle it, with the best of our abilities, because we have hope. Because, more than anything, "hope does not disappoint us."
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Four Pillars
In less than 72 hours this weekend I weaved and bobbed my way through events and time with four different groups in my life: my former college roommates (8th annual cookie party), my husband (cleaning, shopping and a dinner date), my family (ice skating and pizza party to celebrate birthdays) and my best friends from high school (holiday craft night). As I sit here Sunday night exhausted from all the fun,I feel very fortunate to have these four groups--these four pillars in my life. And that's really what they are--cornerstones as to who I am as a person.
Former Roommates:
At one point there were seven of us living in a house sharing two bathrooms. We made it work, although I doubt any of us would want to return. Both then and now they bring out the relaxed, fun, and ready for anything Stacy. Although I probably see them the least out of the four groups, I can pick up with them so quickly that it almost feels like we still live together.
Husband Joe:
On a regular basis, Joe tells me he loves me, that I'm beautiful, that he's so glad I'm his wife, and that he can't imagine his life without me. He says all of these things while I'm flipping flour all over his kitchen, dripping water all over the floor, and complaining about his other girlfriend (a.k.a musky fishing). He supports me in everything I do and pushes me to be a better person everyday.
My Family:
Even though I started the pizza on fire today, setting the smoke alarm off, they don't get mad; they just say "Oh, that's Auntie Stacy". My niece teaches me how to be gentle and kind to everyone (and thoughtful about the words I use). My nephew snuggles into nap with me--even when he doesn't feel good. And although I won't do the dirty-diarrhea-diaper thing, he is teaching me how to be a mom someday. My brother and sister-in-law wow and amaze me with their positive attitude about life and love for everyone. My dad is the person I am most like and you get the two of us together and watch out! And my mom. I admit, I call her everyday after school because that is what I did for 13 years of my life--why stop now? Even though she tells me the same thing as the day before, I can't help but call. She's the only person at 3:00pm on a weekday that I can legitimately be crabby to. And who will still love me regardless.
My best friends from high school:
Perhaps it's because none of us have sisters that we have remained best friends for so many years. Maybe it's because we all are so very different that we just appreciate one another for that--instead of trying to change one another. Maybe it's because we all have interest in unique things--like knowing what people's lunch routines are each day. Maybe it's because we have a common belief that we are on earth for good. Whatever it is, I know that I am a better teacher and person for having them in my life.
So needless to say, I couldn't imagine a better way to spend a weekend. Or my life, for that matter.
Former Roommates:
At one point there were seven of us living in a house sharing two bathrooms. We made it work, although I doubt any of us would want to return. Both then and now they bring out the relaxed, fun, and ready for anything Stacy. Although I probably see them the least out of the four groups, I can pick up with them so quickly that it almost feels like we still live together.
Husband Joe:
On a regular basis, Joe tells me he loves me, that I'm beautiful, that he's so glad I'm his wife, and that he can't imagine his life without me. He says all of these things while I'm flipping flour all over his kitchen, dripping water all over the floor, and complaining about his other girlfriend (a.k.a musky fishing). He supports me in everything I do and pushes me to be a better person everyday.
My Family:
Even though I started the pizza on fire today, setting the smoke alarm off, they don't get mad; they just say "Oh, that's Auntie Stacy". My niece teaches me how to be gentle and kind to everyone (and thoughtful about the words I use). My nephew snuggles into nap with me--even when he doesn't feel good. And although I won't do the dirty-diarrhea-diaper thing, he is teaching me how to be a mom someday. My brother and sister-in-law wow and amaze me with their positive attitude about life and love for everyone. My dad is the person I am most like and you get the two of us together and watch out! And my mom. I admit, I call her everyday after school because that is what I did for 13 years of my life--why stop now? Even though she tells me the same thing as the day before, I can't help but call. She's the only person at 3:00pm on a weekday that I can legitimately be crabby to. And who will still love me regardless.
My best friends from high school:
Perhaps it's because none of us have sisters that we have remained best friends for so many years. Maybe it's because we all are so very different that we just appreciate one another for that--instead of trying to change one another. Maybe it's because we all have interest in unique things--like knowing what people's lunch routines are each day. Maybe it's because we have a common belief that we are on earth for good. Whatever it is, I know that I am a better teacher and person for having them in my life.
So needless to say, I couldn't imagine a better way to spend a weekend. Or my life, for that matter.
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