If you have been following my blog, you know that I don't wait for the year to end before I write my year-end review. This blog entry is actually late as compared to the ones I wrote the previous years. In less than two months, the year 2012 will be over and I feel it's now time for me to look back and see how my 2012 went. It is now time to give thanks.
2012 has been a great year. There were so many things I didn't expect to happen, but did happen. Most of which are things to be thankful for, many good things.
I went back to work this year. Although at first I had plenty of non-working days and I was already starting to get bored, thinking that this year will be similar to the previous years, I was proven wrong. God has provided me with a lot of opportunities to work this year. I had my first teaching block this year. From mid of Term 1 up until Term 4, I was very busy. All my fears laid to rest.
In addition, this year, I was able to overcome my struggles and insecurites when it came to dealing with my workmates. God sent His affirmation through the students under my care. All is well now.
This year, hubby and I became more active with our service. We were asked to facilitate in a Christian Life Program for married couples, and eventually became household head. It was a new chapter in our spiritual journey and we continue to experience His works through our other brothers and sisters he has entrusted us.
This year, Sam started to attend childcare. As expected, the first few weeks were difficult, not only for her but also for me. I had to be tough even if at times I was flooded with guilt for having to leave her in the childcare. Now, there are good days and some bad days, but overall, we able to manage and meet the challanges that go with our decision to leave her (and Liam) at Yogies when I go to work.
This year was financially good for our family. Hubby's contract was extended. He got another raise. He was considered to take on a position in another country. I got plenty of work. We were able to help other people. We were able to send assistance to our families in Manila. We were able to enjoy extras, plenty of extras.
This year, we were able to purchase our second car, Mickie, my first car. She has been a great help for me since things got busy at work.
This year, we were able to travel as a family (travel -- fly) again. We were able to celebrate Easter at Gold Coast, will travel to Singapore, and go home for a very short stay in Manila to attend my SIL's wedding. God truly provides. It's one of my many wishes which has been granted. More travel wishes on my list though hehehe.
This year, was a good year for us, health-wise. Touchwood, but no serious illness, sickness visited us and the kids this year. Just minor discomforts and the usual colds and cough. No accidents whatsoever. Thanking God for always sending His guardian angels to protect us and the kids in our everyday travels and endeavors.
This year my family, after almost 8 years, will finally be complete to celebrate Christmas and New Year. My parents and siblings got their Tourist Visa and will be flying Down Under next month :)
This year has been a better year for me and hubby. Our marriage is better than ever. I remember writing about giving up late last year because of the many fights we had. We were able to address those issues. There are still "humps" every now and then, but they are all manageable. I give credit to hubby, who, not once did not even entertain to quit during the most difficult times.
This year, our family valued family time more. Even when tired and sometimes expensive, we managed to make our weekends more special by going out or by just making something extraordinary from the ordinary activities that we do.
This year, I saw how Sam and Liam have managed to achieve a lot of develomental milestones. Liam is all set to go to the big school. They have similarities but they have a lot of differences too. But at the end of the day, their closeness as siblings becomes better and better.
This year, I was able to read good books. Books that reminded me about my priorities. I plan to continue with this next year. This year, I allotted more time to reading, may it be a book, an e-book, magazine or newspaper. Feels good to feed your brain with information.
This year, I saw myself letting go some more of my oc-ness. The past few days, I was actually telling myself that I can't believe I'm not losing it even if our home was just a mess! I was able to reach that state where I was not in a hurry to clean up, I reached the state where I was loving the mess of our home! Believe me, it's an achievement for me.
The year 2012 has been a great year. There are a gazillion things I didn't write anymore, but overall I am very happy as to how 2012 came to be. I am thankful not only for these good things but also for the trials that we faced (and overcame) and were blessings in disguise.
I can only pray and hope that the year 2013 will be as good, if not, even better.
Thank you God for 2012. Looking forward to your great plans for us this 2013 :)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
