The good, the bad, and the ugly

It's that time of year (as I said in another blog) when we do retrospectives, so here goes mine.

I'll start with the bad just to get it out of the way.

1)Obviously, my leg. The accident and subsequent lingering pain and lack of mobility is one of the worst things that has ever happened to me. I went from mobile to immobile to hampered mobility, probably permanent. We also had some pretty tough financial times as a result but we made it through with the house and our stuff intact, except the knitting stash I sold for hand money and that can be replaced if I want to replace it. But I never, ever thought I'd see the day when I'd have a handicapped placard in my car and a crutch with me whenever I leave the house.

2) I love my kids and they're so important to me, but this past year has not been easy in my relationship with them either. #2 daughter moved away to Tennessee, and #1 daughter and I apparently have some severe communication problems that I didn't even know existed. Children are a lifelong work in progress and I know many families have it a lot worse than we do, but this is still not easy.

3) I'm getting older and can really feel it now. My hormones have gone on a roller coaster ride of delightful fun, my non-injured bones creak and moan, and the injury has not made staying strong and limber as I age possible. I feel like I've aged 20 years in the past year. Hopefully the pool membership we got from my Mom will help with that.

The good-

1) I'm a better knitter. My fiber skills overall have improved dramatically, and I even designed some socks. I'm gaining confidence and courage all the time and love trying new things. The new spinning wheel has taken me to heights unknown in that branch of my fibery life and that makes me happy. Now if I only had time to do all the things I want!

2) My family has been awesome through this year. My mom stepped up and did what she could, my uncle helped us out so much when I first came home, and overall things on the family front are pretty good.

3) Bob, of course, is the best thing. He's really come through for me above and beyond the call. Everyone should be lucky enough to have a partner like him.

4)Gainful employment with health insurance. Not perfect, not the job of my dreams, but it's comforting to have a job that will actually gain security in a weak economy. And I can't say enough about that health care.

5) The President-Elect. I know he's going to have a tough road ahead but damn, it feels good to have hope.

The Ugly

Some of my knitting
My leg
Biscuit's flea problem (resolved, we hope)
My bills

All in all, a year I'm happy to put behind me. Bring on 2009!