It's a new year

Looking back on 2009, it is amazing how quickly the year went by. For me it hasn't been an easy year. The beginning of the year was filled with anxiety wondering how the budget cuts would affect my position. Then I was relieved to find that my position would be renewed for the new school year. I spent the summer doing a lot of work, and not a lot of resting, only to discover, just a few short weeks before school began that my position had been cut and I would be back in the classroom. It made for a very stressful fall for me as I struggled to find the balance between an increased work load and my family, though thankfully, I feel like I'm finally starting to get my feet under me. The fall was made more stressful when I got a mystery illness. The doctors still haven't figured out what it is that is plaguing me, so I'm hoping that 2010 brings some answers. Ben also got hit by a case of the chicken pox that, partially due to his having been vaccinated, resulted in the longest slowest case of the chicken pox that I've heard of. He was contagious for nearly 3 weeks, and the spots are still fading.

We were, however, blessed in many ways. We were able to spend a lovely Easter on the outer banks due to the generosity of some of my mother-in-law's friends. It was a quick trip, but it marked good time spent with family. We also had a lovely trip to California with my family over the summer to celebrate an important family birthday. The kids have been flourishing in school. They are both learning so many new things, making great friends, and constantly astonishing us with the things that come out of their mouths. They love being at the same school this year, and I think it has been good for them (and much easier for us). We have spent lots of time with our many good friends, and although it sometimes seems that those times are few and far between it always wonderful and much appreciated when we do make the time for it.


In general, life was good. And when it wasn't I always had two, goofy, adorable, snuggly, all-around-wonderful kids to cheer me up and make me smile.

So here we are, with high hopes for 2010. I have several goals for this year. One is to post here more regularly. Another is to use my camera more - this past year I had a huge decline in the number of photos I took. Lastly, and most importantly, is to find a good balance between taking care of my family, dealing with work, and taking time to take care of myself.

Happy New Year!