Saturday, December 31, 2016

Looking back

Like many others, I won't say 2016 was a stellar year - globally or personally.

I won't recount all the global issues... you've all lived them... and personally - well let's just say this year was "challenging". It's not my worst year (I'm pretty sure that was 2010), but I'm not sad to see the back end of this one.

It was of course marked by the loss of not one, but both my boys, just weeks apart.
And the loss of my beautiful girl.
I haven't said much about it, but you may have guessed since I haven't run out to get another car. The biggest challenge of 2016 has been financial.

Many of you know that Dave is a guitar teacher. However, he teaches privately, which means he's a lot like a hair dresser in that he has to keep up his clientele to earn a living. In 2015, he was working between two schools, and doing quite well. Unfortunately, the atmosphere at one of the schools was quite toxic, and after an agonizingly long time, he made the (correct) decision to leave.

And while it was better for his (and thus my) mental health, it literally halved his income. And it's taken more time than expected to build up his clientele at the school he stayed with.

I count myself lucky to have the job that I do - I can cover our living expenses - but only just.  And with vet bills, car repairs, and other unexpected expenses... 2016 has been one heck of a financial juggling act. And there where many times I wondered if I was going to be able to keep all the balls in the air.

2016 also so some health challenges with myself (my back mostly), my father, as well as Dave's grandmother. She's pushing 90, so it's to be expected, but it doesn't mean it's any less stressful.

But as much as these things darkened our days... 2016 held many bright spots.

I was able to rescue this little guy from the shelter
A silly little ginger boy who at once delights and confounds me. While he's not yet the cuddlebug that Tux was... he's turned out to be the perfect companion for Miss Peno.
2016 also saw the inclusion of this silly thing into the Wandering Cat family
... and she grew up fast before our eyes!
There were lots of adventures with the munchkins
Who are growing up fast as well.

There were great days with best friends
And summer days with new friends
My gardens continued to delight me day after day
and of course there was plenty of yarny fun
I move forward to 2017 with hope. Hope that we can get finances back on track, that our loved ones stay in good health, and that the new year brings new experiences and new memories... so at the end of 2017, I can write another post that at least has as many bright spots as this one.

Happy New Year, my friends! Wishing you all the best in the days to come.

8 comments:

Araignee said...

It's been quite the year for everyone it seems. I hope this time next year we won't be saying the same thing but from looking at the news (and at Twitter), I think next year (and the 3 after that) is going to me a doozy.

Anonymous said...

I think a lot of us will be happy to close the door on 2016. As much as I miss Tux and Rocky (who always WAS my favorite, but don't tell anyone), I'm so glad to welcome Ru to the bloggy-kitty family. It's always a joy seeing his sweet mug on the screen.

Hope 2017 brings Dave a whole bunch of new students and that you have a wonderful 2017.

BTW --- the first picture of Jem literally made me laugh out loud!!! LOL

Delighted Hands said...

A very healthy reflection of the past year.
Life is all about opportunities, challenges, heartbreaks and joys-they are all that make up your 'content'; like yarn!

Bridget said...

It did have a lot of tough in it, but at least there was a lot of good as well.

I hope the new year treats all of us well, and that at this time next year, we'll have been happy to make it through!

Have a lovely New Year's Weekend and kiss those kitties for me!

The Well Fed Wheel said...

The bright spots definately out numbered the darks ones. YAY! Happy New Year!

kathy b said...

Im so glad you are at peace with your talented Hubby's correct decision. A toxic workplace is not good. Good days will be ahead. I find we need very little to be quite happy. The joys of yarn are worth so much more than we can put into words, or I can anyhow. I think we get so much more from this hobby/passion than we would other hobbies. I have loved your garden posts. Im glad you have a new ginger boy in your heart and your home. Happy 2017

Cat Lover said...

Wishing you all the best in the coming year.
Take care!

Rachelle said...

Sounds like Dave made the right decision, toxic workplaces impact incredibly hard on confidence and happiness. Money, despite what some think isn't the most important thing, though life is easier with it.
I think 2016 has been a hard year for many unfortunately, and not cos of the various celebrities who died or the political stuff.