New Year's Eve Reminiscing

It's interesting that we call this day New Year's Eve instead of something like Last Day. I like the hopefulness of the name of today, looking forward into a new year instead of mourning the end of another one.

Today isn't just the last day of the year but the last day of the decade too. I look back on the decade with amazement of where I was and where I am today.

I started the year 2000 with my first day on a new job and now I'm celebrating my 10th anniversary with the same company. I've gone from rookie to top designer and created a fabulous career that is very fulfilling to me on many different levels.

In 2000 my children were young teenagers, and now they're married adults with exciting lives and futures. It's amazing to me that I single handedly got them through high school and into university and married off to wonderful spouses. I even survived the two years my son spent in Argentina as a missionary working in sometimes dangerous conditions.

The decade was an interesting one in the relationship department. Getting my heart broken several times from less than honourable men has taught me enormous lessons that will stand me in good stead for the rest of my life. However, this decade also brought me an abundance of wonderful women whom I consider my closest and dearest friends. They would each count as a priceless jewel in my crown of life.

This past decade I did a lot things for the first time, things that took me out of my comfort zone and moved me forward towards becoming the woman I want to be:

· Traveling to Italy with my mother for two weeks was an amazing experience and a chance to bond with my mother.

· Buying a brand new car and a house by myself, without my parents co-signing any loans was a big step in independence as a single woman.

· Taking private singing lessons and joining a choir, discovering a passion for singing and even a little bit of talent.

· Joining Toastmasters and learning to be a better public speaker.

· Growing out my grey hair and celebrating the platinum side of life.

· Organizing a huge 50th anniversary surprise party for my parents long distance and pulling it off more successfully then imagined.

· Becoming the editor of my community newsletter, a 32 page monthly magazine.

· Touring the eastern provinces of Canada for two weeks with my parents and seeing first hand the glorious fall colours and the Atlantic ocean.

· Starting my own interior design business on the side and running it successfully for the last 8 years.

· Learning to travel as a single woman, staying in hotels and eating alone and feeling comfortable doing it.

· Learning how to pull start my own gas mower without dislocating my shoulder!

· Painting my garden shed all by myself.

· Starting this blog!

All in all, becoming a grandmother will rate as the number one highlight of this past decade.

Now I turn and look forward to the next decade and wonder where I'll be in 10 years! Oh the exciting possibilities!

Come on 2010 - I am so ready for you!