So first thing’s first, it’s been a LONG TIME (almost 2 years!) since Richard or I have posted to our blog. We let a lot of things go to the wayside in the last few years and this certainly was one of those things. What can I really say about it? Well there was a lot of changes going on in our lives, both good and bad. My mom’s death kept me reeling for quite some time and I can’t say that I miss her any less today than I did the day after she died, you just learn to cope differently. Richard got promoted and then changed positions twice in the last few years. He officially starts his newest position in about two weeks. We removed ourselves from an organization that we felt was unhealthy for us to be involved in and I don’t regret that decision. It was a hard one for us though because we had been with the organization for quite a while and believed in it’s purpose even if we didn’t agree with the direction it was going. Sometimes it can be pretty hard to face the way things are compared to they way things once were or the way you wish them to be.

On a positive front, Richard’s change in positions gave us the time this last year to get a few things done around the house that needed to be done but were constantly putting off because we didn’t have the time. We also had the time to do a couple home improvement projects that we had been wanting to do for some time. It is good that Richard switched positions when he did because we found ourselves taking care of my dad alot this last year. He had to have 4 surgeries/5 procedures this past year and needed a lot of help at times. He even had to go into a nursing home for a short period of time but he’s back at home, done with rehab and getting around as well as can be expected and I thank God for that.

It’s the beginning of a new year and we find ourselves yet again at a crossroads. We’re making positive changes in our lives for our future and we are excited about those. We’re working on changing our lifestyles and our environment to be one where there is less stress, more peace and a healthier, happier Richard and Mindi. We find ourselves evaluating the things in our lives and the importance of them. Things that used to be very important to us are not so much anymore. And things that got pushed to the side previously are now front and center. Again we are in a position to possibly cut some strings to things that are weighing us down but were once very emotionally attached to…and although making those decisions can be painful, living in those situations are even more painful.

We’ve determined to change our lives this year for the better and to do that is not always easy, but I have no doubt it will be rewarding. I’ll leave you with a quote Richard likes that he applies to his job, but I think it’s a good one for life in general: Change is inevitable. How you deal with change is controllable.

Current Mood: Reflective