2013- I am not quite sure I ever realized it was 2013, and then it was gone. I think we had a pretty good year. I learned how to safely transport my family by bicycle. We explored our city and had fun doing it. A turned from a toddler into a little girl, and M became a toddler right before our very eyes. Shannon finished his Master’s program, something he had been hoping to do since I met him. My ankle fracture made me ask for help, which is something I am not very good at.

It was also a sad year. I lost both of my feline friends to old age. We are now pet-less except for a goldfish. She is a really animated little goldfish, but not very cuddly. Eventually we will probably get a dog. Currently though, I think A and I are both angling for a cat. Unfortunately, Shannon is allergic and I promised him years ago that when my cats died we could be catless. It is oddly quiet without them though.

The saddest part of the year was the loss of my Aunt Maureen, from Springfield. We always referred to her that way. She was my father’s aunt, and he has a sister with the same name, so that is how we told them apart. Aunt Maureen was one of the feistiest, most independent women I have ever met. Well into her 80s she still drove from Springfield to Boston on almost every holiday. Married late in life, she lost her husband very early. He was her true love, and she never did remarry, but she seemed very content in her life. She had a great sense of humor. It was she who introduced me to “Cool Hand Luke” and Paul Newman with his dreamy blue eyes. She was always full of life. I was shocked to see her so sick and frail over Thanksgiving, and horrified when my sister said that she seemed close to death. She was though. As much as I will miss her, I am glad she went fairly quickly and did not suffer very long.

2014- In this new year, I want to be more attentive to my kids. Despite being a lifelong avid reader, I have not read much in the last few years. I hope to change that this year. I plan on continuing with the Fresh 20 meal plan, so that we will eat at home more and out less. My final goal is to try to be more organized.