Like a lot of folks, I have been reflecting on the disaster that was 2016.  I’m pretty happy to be moving on to 2017.

It was a year of so many challenges and not fun stuff.  And yet, here I am, still kicking.

Christmas was actually pretty nice this year, minus the hassles of traveling.  Last year, things were weird. No one wanted to be overtly happy in my presence (or so it seemed) and I hated being the damper on people’s good cheer.  It was just hard to be cheery while facing so many unknowns but I tried.  Really hard.

So this year had none of that drama in the background.  Even the MIL was less annoying than usual.  And, get this, the MIL actually gave me a monetary gift of a fairly significant amount (to me at least).  Last year she offered me a loan which I turned down.  This year it was a check with no strings attached.  First gift – EVER – 0f any sort from her.  Huh.  All things considered, the year ended on a much more positive note than it started.

The mortgage has been refinanced and I will be paying off two debts with the cash out and will use the rest toward renovating the kitchen.  I’d rather just spend it on a vacation but I’m trying to be an adult.  lol

But getting back to 2016.  I suppose there were some good things that happened.  There was some personal growth that was not anticipated but still a good thing.  Some friendships were strengthened while others withered and died.  Not a bad thing at all.  I have a better relationship with my SIL after she spent so much time here to help out during chemo.  Heck, she wants to come back in spring to take care of the garden she planted last year.  Well, that, and to soak up the warm Florida sunshine.

Now more than ever, I am trying to figure out how to cram in as much fun stuff as possible while I can.  I am still quite aware of the possibility of cancer coming back again.  Prioritizing the bucket list is a bit more complicated and yet simpler at the same time.  It’s just hard to explain.

So, this New Year’s Eve is like a rebirth for me.  Time to let go of the misery of 2016 and plan to enjoy the hell out of 2017. 😀