…..not to be confused with my ANNUAL Year in Review!  This post is reflecting on my 42nd year of life.  🙂

As I begin the countdown to my 43rd Birthday (down to 6 days at the time of this writing), I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to reflect on all the things that God has done for me during the last (almost) 365 days!

• My 42nd year started with a bang, as Deana and I happened to be in Edinburgh, Scotland.  In fact, we flew home on my birthday, so it was the longest lasting birthday I had ever experienced!  It went on, and on, and on……..(“Yep, it’s still your birthday!)
• With barely enough time to re-adjust to the California time zone after leaving Scotland, I jumped on a plane to Dallas, Texas to attend the two job interviews that had been scheduled during my Great Britain trip.  A three day trip turned into a permanent stay, as I received a job offer five days in and started the next day!
• Of course, moving out of state is a big ordeal, and 98% of the logistics were handled by Deana.  She really helped beyond words!
• The new job definitely has been a change for me!  Project Management, software support, accounting, sales type work all mashed into one! Add business traveling and BAM – it was the best of times, it was the worst of times!  🙂
• I lived through “the worst snow storm in Texas in 40 years”, something amazingly heroic since, as a Californian, I have never really driven in snow for my entire life.  (Not to mention, having to live in 13 or so degree weather in general was HARSH for this wimpy woman!)
• In March, we were able to lease our own place – a lovely (and large) home in a nice neighborhood.  This was accomplished in great part by a miracle that came directly from God.
• In April 2010, Deana and I found what was to become of home church – Crossroads Community Church.  We went there via a recommendation from our California Pastor, and have been blessed ever since!  I have been able to be part of the Worship Team as one of their drummers (and even played the electric guitar this past Sunday – can you say nervous?), and have been totally blessed by teaching Sunday School as well.  God has definitely stretched me in ways I cannot fathom.
• In May/June I was hospitalized for the first time in my life, apart from childbirth.  I can’t say this was something I was very excited about when it occurred (who is, really?), nor do I really like the medical bills that still linger, but I am VERY thankful that God protected me and has restored my health through the wonderful medical team at Baylor.
• No tattoos during my 42nd year!
• I was able to witness huge changes in my kids!  Kirstie, who turned 20, worked through some tough issues in her life and also moved out of state!  (No, not to Texas).  Kenny has changed the most physically, growing several inches and has begun to look more like a man than a boy.  Josh continues to grow and has expanded his singing by joining a choir.  Zack’s front teeth have slowly appeared after playing hide and seek for over a year!  Sophia has become more and more like me, with her spunky sassiness and confidence.  I am really being brief here, but these five individuals made my year amazingly fun!
• I sat through way more baseball and soccer games than I care to admit!  Some games took place during 100+ degree weather, while others around 40 degrees!  Ah, Texas weather!
• In June we added Ninja Cat Wylie to our household.  He has actually brought more happiness to me than I would have thought possible.
• In July, Gracie went missing and has not returned.  A part of me is gone with her, and at times I am overwhelmed with grief.  But I try to remind myself that God loves her too and I know she is happy somewhere.
• In August, after several false starts, state teaching credential work for the expected teaching gig, and prayers – Deana obtained a job with the City of Dallas.  This, we believe, was a direct answer to prayer!   Oh, and she is NOT a teacher, so we shall see what God has up His sleeve long term!
• I have lost relationships and gained relationships.  And slowly I am learning that I can trust God to work things out for His glory, as He sees fit.
• I have extremely blessed by Deana, my soulmate, and love the life we’ve built together.
• I have been able to save many people from being duped/abused by someone from my past, thanks to this site.
• I cut my hair REALLY SHORT (thanks to the outrageous Texas heat!) – it shocked my system! – and now am beginning the process of growing it out.
• I have lost over 25 pounds since moving to Texas.  I think it might be closer to 35, but I am not sure as I didn’t really weigh myself often as I knew I was out of control working at Dupars with all that fattening food!
• I know I am forgetting something – I will post this now and revise as needed.