I like the yearly recaps some have been posting, and I thought I would summarize my year, too:
Good stuff:
Financial - Despite a challenging budget, I managed to end the year with my net worth not only intact, but a little higher than last year.
Vacations - I went on my first-ever cruise (using my first-ever passport) from New Orleans to Mexico. I had a total blast with my kids and grandkids and my dear friend C. Then a few months later I had a beautiful long weekend getaway with my girlfriends in Madison, Indiana, where we stayed in an adorable historic home, ate some great food and went antiquing. I went to Florida twice (in quick succession), once to visit my son's family, and again to help out my DIL, who was on crutches. I went to visit my brother in Michigan often, including family get-togethers on July 4 and Thanksgiving. And I also went to visit BFF and she came to see me, and we never failed to have a great time. I had lunch with my man friend P whenever I went to Michigan, and I hope to keep seeing him in the new year.
Work - I really retired! My work at the museum ended rather abruptly in February (no fault of mine), and though I miss the extra income, I do not miss the commute, nor the stress.
Medical - I went to a nephrologist for the first time and got good news about my chronic kidney disease -- it is progressing very slowly and I learned I did not have to follow a special diet. I also learned from my GP that I did not have to take a statin any more.
Family Triumphs - My son completed his Master's in Predictive Analytics. My grandson made first violin in his middle school orchestra and is therefore concert master -- the youngest ever! My other grandson earned his yellow belt in Tae Kwan Do.
Family History - I started transcribing my mother's diaries (and got side-tracked, but that's another story!) I researched C's lineage and updated the family tree, and I got my DNA tested! I'm very British!
Bad Stuff:
Personal - I lost my good friend C to cancer. She lived approximately a year after the original diagnosis. I was privileged to be one of her carers at the end. She had an amazing last year and I was so happy to be part of it.
Car Repair - I had to replace the master switch assembly in January, and brakes in June, along with a lot of other little things. Car repairs cost me $1889, but that was a lot better than the previous year, which figured above $7K!
Medical - I had to pay $325 out of pocket for physical therapy, and I was troubled by knee pain for about half of the year (it still isn't completely gone!)
Overall, despite the tragedy of losing C, it has been a good year.
New Year's Eve Reminiscing
December 31st, 2017 at 04:28 pm
December 31st, 2017 at 05:23 pm 1514740982
December 31st, 2017 at 05:54 pm 1514742845
December 31st, 2017 at 06:27 pm 1514744821
December 31st, 2017 at 06:27 pm 1514744843
The loss of C is very sad; I'm so sorry.
Have a wonderful 2018, CB!
December 31st, 2017 at 07:28 pm 1514748514
December 31st, 2017 at 09:42 pm 1514756527
December 31st, 2017 at 09:49 pm 1514756992
You did have a wonderful year overall. Hope 2018 is equally terrific.