Welcome 2014

Happy New Year! Yes I realize that we have been in the new year for the last six days, but I didn’t know what to say until now.

I like many others have experienced good and bad in 2013. 2011, didn’t end well for me and 2012 wasn’t looking promising either. just to recap, I left my home, my job, my friends and my extended family back in Illinois, while I moved to Dubuque in March of 2012.

Upon my arrival in 2012, I had gotten sick, was miss diagnosed, then correctly diagnosed by a family member and doctor, had damage done to my car, lost a job, gained a job, started seeing a psychologist and started taking antidepressants. Sounds like a great time so far right.

Then near the end of 2012, I met new friends, and renewed promise of a great 2013. Surprise, not so great. I applied for a promotion in the early part of 2013 and was told “it just wasn’t my time” and was passed over for the promotion. My closet friend on campus moved in June, to begin their first call. My son lost his job and my job continues to spiral downward, applications and interviews have netted nothing positive.

In July of 2013, our internship began. Our church is amazing, and I’m sad to know that we will have to leave in July of this year. But they have taught me so much. Anyway, so it began maybe the hope of a better 2014.

Although I am most happiest when I’m at our church, there is still tough times. My job and the expectations are difficult to handle. I continue to search for a new job which is proving to be very difficult. I don’t have the same connection to many people on campus, but I’m hopeful when our class returns, I too might find some closeness again. But 2013 actually ended on a high note.

It started in November, we had a great Thanksgiving with just the four of us. Then Christmas was looking grim, but we turned that around too. Although we couldn’t go home, it was a great celebration. We spent Christmas Eve with the supervising pastor and our church. Christmas was spent with wonderful neighbors who were still on campus too. We were able to travel home, the weekend after Christmas where many laughs and tears of joy were shared, as well as some unexpected, but much appreciated surpirses. New Year’s Eve was spent quietly at home, but that’s okay too! At least we didn’t have to deal with bad roads, drunk drivers or spending a lot of money.

I have a better feeling about 2014. I’m believe that our family is heading in the right direction. Becky graduates in just a few days, and starts at the local College in about a week. Travis has prospects of a job in Illinois and turns 21 in just two days. Doug is well liked by his internship site, and I have a job interview. We have approximately 18 months of school left, and then Doug will graduate. I never thought this time would come as quickly as it is approaching.

I have learned some new hobbies, and revived some old ones. I still see my psychologist, but only once a month and I am no longer on antidepressants. I no longer fear becoming the “pastors wife”, but am starting to embrace the idea. I am ready to take on 2014 and I know we will still have good and bad times, but I feel as though I can handle it more now.

So bring on 2014, the good , the bad, and whatever it wants to throw at me. Im ready.