Year End Review

Well, it's way past time for an update and to be honest, with the unpredictable time between updates, I'm not sure if anyone checks this blog anymore. I half wondered if it had been shut down by Google but was relieved to find that it was still active, so I guess I'll update. Since we just celebrated the New Year, (and I didn't get a Christmas letter sent) a 2013 summary would probably be a good place to start. Overall, 2013 was full of conquering doubts and getting back to life. It didn't start the best as I caught the flu in February – it was terrible with a capital “T”. Seemed like it took forever to get my energy back and stop coughing, but with warmer weather, my cough finally left. In May I was able to travel to Cincinnati to see Lisa and Keith – it was a fun trip full of games, flowers and unwelcome wildlife. In June I took my first trip to the NW visiting Cindy and TJ in Seattle – nice city but too overcast for me. While there we drove to Lake Coeur d’Alene to watch a friend compete in an Iron Man – what an amazing/crazy demonstration of human endurance! Last summer I also restarted some greatly missed activities – sand volleyball, playing in the CCS softball league (successful with only a couple accommodations), and water skiing. Mom and Dad tried convincing me to start with 2 skis, but I stubbornly insisted on only 1. If I was going to do it, I wanted to do it the way I enjoyed and it was a success – first pull! Hopefully I'll make it to the lake more than once in 2014. At the end of the summer I traveled back to Cincinnati for a little canoe trip and to watch the AVP tournament – yet another great demonstration of the human body. :) The fall was beautiful this year and I was fortunate enough to travel back to Seattle to meet Baby Rothwell. And then before I knew it, we were at the end of the year. Everyone came home for Christmas so that was fun but I could do without this cold weather! I caught a cold the end of November and I still haven't managed to kick the cough – I guess with my lungs, this might become a permanent fixture of the winter for me. Just another reason that I'm anxious for spring to arrive. I just got back from my 6 month check in Omaha – all continues to look good and she said next year I might be able to decrease my visits to yearly!! As the days and months fly by, I try very hard to remain thankful. Thankful for my health, my faith and the people put in my life to be my strength when I need it most. I'm also thankful to the all-knowing God that cares for me in all my failings and has given me another year. Happy 2014! (PS - I tried to include a picture, but this blog isn't cooperating!! Better luck next time)