This year started with me having to make a choice with my career. For years I wanted to work from home as a Family Day Care Educator. My hubby and I built an extension onto our home to enable me to do this. It was a dream come true and although it didn't last more than 11 months. I proved to me I can set a goal and make my dreams come true.
Due to some family issues I was unable to continue with Family Day Care. So at the beginning on 2012 I made the decision to finish my business and due to finances had to find another job, So I applied and got the job within an hour of my interview. I had already gotten another job that I then had to tell the boss I wasn't taking. I felt horrible leaving her in the lurch but I had to make that decision to benefit me and my family. My new job provided challenges. Settling in, learning the job, forging friendships. It provided me though with a very supportive workplace with highly experienced team members and the opportunity to attend 2 conferences and also to study a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment which I managed to complete in 16 weeks whilst working. It was certainly a challenge. But I did it!!!!!!!
My two daughters started at a new school. They went from a school with 50 children to a school with over 500. It was a HUGE change for them. One that, despite having obstacles throughout the year, we are happy we made. They had amazing, supportive teachers and both made lovely friends.
Our oldest daughter faced several challenges. Since 2 we knew she was quirky and a little different and after seeing paediatricians etc no one could help us. I knew the problem since she was 2 years old and finally a psychologist with over 25 years experience in the field of working with children diagnosed what we already knew. She has Aspergers Disorder. It was still a kick in the guts. I remember , we found out 'officially' on the first day of winter, the 1st of june. And as my hubby and I walked out of her office into the crisp cool air we hugged. We hugged that finally someone saw what we saw, finally someone could really help us help our daughter. So with that 12 sessions followed for both her and Us. She is an amazing help. We are faced with challenges daily but we are dealing with it as best we can.
In June I also planned my Best Friends Hen's party and I have to say it was a fun night and I'm pretty sure she enjoyed it..
I then attended her wedding which was incredible and gave me the opportunity to be in a bridal party FINALLY!!! I had only been a bride so I was very excited to be her Matron of Honor.
Around October my family and I were judged pretty harshly. Someone didn't agree with our values and beliefs and I felt devastated at the time. I reflected on this though and realised that I am a good person. I have excellent values, I try and teach my daughters right from wrong, to be respectful and loving and kind people. So in some ways this was a blessing as I realised I am going to keep living the way I do. By staying true to myself.
My hubby lost his job in November and was unemployed for a month. It was hard financially and whilst he has a new job it's not very financially beneficial but it's work and for now, it will be ok. He is finding it tough learning a new job so close to Christmas when it's so busy though so he has been a little stressed.
I have to say that as much as it doesn't seem like a lot has happened now I've reflected it has been a huge year. One that I am happy I lived through but one I am more than ready to say goodbye too. I cannot wait to start 2013.
I'll be posting more about that tomorrow.
So how was your year? What things happened and what have you learnt from it?
Looking forward to some replies :)
