Recap of a Whirlwind December 2011

Happy New Year! December really was a whirlwind. It had many ups and downs and so much so that they were two opposite extremes. I'll start with the downs and end with the ups since my old tennis coach always told me to end on a good note.

Downs:

• A 34 year old passed away in December from breast cancer and her entire diagnosis is rather complicated and somewhat confusing. Regardless of that, she left behind a family and an entire community of friends that will miss her dearly.
• A friend of mine had to put down her 10 year old dog that she loved dearly.
  
• Another friend found out her mom won't really benefit from standard medications so will try complimentary alternative medicine for her cancer/pain.
• Another gal spent Christmas in the hospital because she had brain surgery and her wound was not clotting.

Ups:

• I got to meet Andy Roddick! He's even cuter in person and is such a nice guy! He let us take a picture of him and he could have easily said no to it. I tweeted him the picture and thanked him again saying I'm a hug fan. The picture is us at the Tacky Sweater Party. I was there with Kelly and Kathy.
• I went back to my old stomping ground Pease Elementary a few weeks ago to bring them some holiday snacks and lunch for my former work husband, Nick. I love those guys and was able to chat with most of them during their lunch break. The biggest highlight of that visit was that my former sixth grade student, Daniel, is now 20. He's a part time childcare teacher while going to school to become...a SIXTH grade teacher! He saw me in the lounge and told me he had something for me. He handed me a Bobcat Bulletin which is their school newspaper. I did the Bobcat Brief with them! Craziness is that we both have the same car but his is silver and mine is gray. For the longest time he always wanted my car, Honda Accord, and to drive a stick. I went home that day to check my teaching certification because seeing how much I impacted Daniel made me continue to realize that one person can and do make a difference.
• Quality time with my nephews! I had such a great time with them this summer and this December. We have many funny memories to share that would take too long to explain. One quick share is that I had the radio on and LMFAO song "Sexy and I know It" was on. Ben asked me what sexy meant. I told him to ask his parents. His father told him that it was his Aunt and Grandma. Very sweet. Ben kept singing "Sexy and I know it" in the restaurant.
• Quality time with old friends in NM. I pretty much got to see all my good friends from high school and college. There were a few exceptions but I still love them all none the less. I was able to see the group above for tea at the Dunlap's new house. Photo credit to Justin. I was able to catch up with Paul at Flying Star. Ironically I ran into someone from Austin at Flying Star! It really is a small world. I also got to see Mary Ann, Alicia and Sue again on my last night at Flying Star. It made me realize that the reason I love Flying Star so much is that I love the countless hours of bonding with my friends there throughout the years.
• Sammy made it to another Christmas! The poor guy wasn't doing well back in September. It got to a point where he couldn't get up by himself. He has both arthritis and neurological problems. Thankfully meds have helped with his quality of life. We're taking it day by day but the vet does not think he is in pain and he's able to get up by himself again. It might be his last Christmas but we're spoiling him rotten. As it should be because he deserves it.

I was able to end 2011 with my friend Michelle. She had a NYE get together at her house. It was fun catching up with her, playing trivial pursuits, watching fireworks and then ringing in the 2012. No resolutions for me this year. I'm looking forward to some traveling, balance in my life and spending more quality time with friends and family. So Happy New Year and hoping for happiness and good health to anyone reading this!