Phew...

2012 is nearly over, and we made it!  I watched the movie 2012 yesterday - I'm thankful the year didn't end as the movie depicted.  I'm also thankful I didn't see the movie until the year was almost over!

Some random thoughts about the year:

First the weather - January was mild, with only a few days of cold (which I missed while I was on my trip) and oh my, how I wish this winter was shaping up that way.  Winter hit our area in early November, and it's been cold and snowy ever since.  Only three and a half more months to go! :(

Spring was wet and summer was late arriving.  We had several big storms this summer but none that created major issues.  My favorite storm occurred the night we saw the bubble clouds

It was a good year for my containers.  Though, note to self...less is more!  My goal is to reduce the number of containers to no more than 20 next spring.  Can I do it?

Fall was lovely but didn't last nearly long enough.  (See my comments on winter).  I did get the yard cleaned up this year before the snow fell.  

On the work front, it's been more than a stressful year.  I don't see that changing anytime soon as we're all expecting 2013 to bring even more changes.  Starting next week I have two employees coming to my team whose division has been shut down.  I won't be surprised if they exhibit some resentment over the next few weeks.  

My son C is still NOT working...and I've basically given up.  As long as he has money in the bank, pays his rent, and helps out there is no point in my voicing my concerns.  At 25 he knows way more than I do.   My daughter, on the other hand, continues to enjoy her work.  Her issues, which I won't go into here, are more personal, and again, I've learned to save my breath.  At 31, she also knows way more than I do. ;-)

As always, travelling has been a great stress reliever.  My trip to Saint Lucia and my Caribbean cruise last January, though not planned to be a solo trip, turned out to be a great opportunity to refresh, recharge, and proved to me that travelling alone is something I can do again. 

In May, I truly enjoyed the short cruise to Alaska.  I'll definitely consider a longer cruise through the glaciers at another time. (When I'm over being sick and tired of winter!)

I've  learned this year, that I've become less accepting of change.  I used to relish change, looking forward to new challenges and learning experiences.  I don't know if it is simply a trait that comes along with age, or if I'm just becoming a curmudgeon.  Perhaps a little bit of both. :-)  Even something as simple as making the change to e-books was enough to send me into a rant.  Silly me...I now have managed to load 7 books on my new Kobo.   Just imagine how much less space that will take in my luggage.

The other thing I've learned this year, is how beneficial blogging has been to relieving my stress.  I can say pretty much anything I want, and so far no one has taken me to task for being out of line (or perhaps out of touch). I've met some wonderful people (that would be you!) and learned so much from the writing of others.  I've learned I'm not the only "crazy cat lady", nor I am the only one whose children occasionally cause me frustration, and I'm not the only one going through massive changes in the workplace.  I always knew I wasn't the only one...but reading that others are living through the same things is both comforting and uplifting.  Thank you to each and everyone of you for being here for me this year.

Despite some of the challenges to come, I know I'm looking forward to 2013.  I wish all my readers a very Happy New Year, and hope that 2013 brings good health, good friends, and much prosperity your way!