Happy New Year's Eve!

Almost 2012 already... Yikes. Somehow I missed blogging through the last couple of major holidays. (Oh wait, I intentionally didn't blog through the holidays.)  I hope all of you had a restful and joyous holiday season, no matter which one(s) you celebrated. And now it's time for the obligatory year-end post--or something. I'm going to skip the New Year's resolutions and just say that I'm wishing you all the best for a peaceful and rewarding 2012.

I haven't been blogging about my holidays because it's been a mix of feelings. I went home to Washington state for the first time in almost two years this Christmas--a blessing if there ever was one. I visited old haunts and saw some friends and family I've only had contact with via email, phone, and Facebook.  I wouldn't say the week was completely restful, though, as it involved a lot of strategic time management and an unexpected trip to the hospital on our last day in town to visit my 81-year-old grandfather.

This year has been such a rich one. Even the so-called "bad stuff" has enriched our lives. I recently faced yet another cancer scare, with a biopsy just after Thanksgiving. It was clean (thank God), but I certainly woke up from complacency with regards to life. We've all struggled to live in the moment, but are more focused on doing so than we have ever been in the past. I am so thankful to have a husband who is on the same page as I am. We've simplified, re-focused our efforts, and become far happier and at peace in the process.

I can't wait to see what 2012 brings. May it be for you, as it hopefully will be for us, a lovely year full of joy and prosperity.