It's the last Monday of the year, and it seems I'll be ending it just the same as I started it: sick with the dreaded C-word. It certainly put a damper on our Christmas plans and will most definitely impede our New Year's plans, but if this year has shown me anything it's that I am endlessly adaptable. Although I'm sad that I've not gotten to see my loved ones during this special time, I am incredibly grateful that, so far at least, no one I've interacted with recently is sick, as well.

Just like I do at the end of every year, I'm taking a look back on all the things that happened over the past twelve months. If I had to compare 2022 to something, it would probably a roller coaster. The first few months were like the slow climb to the top of that first big drop. Then came the twists and turns and at least one big loop-de-loop.

I suppose that first big drop was selling our house and moving into a neighborhood, a move that I'm so happy we made. Not that we didn't like our old neighborhood, but we are much more 'at home' where we are now. The house fits us better and the neighborhood is definitely more our speed, plus it gives Alexis a safer place to ride her bike and scooter (not as much traffic). We've still not fully unpacked, but that's because of those twists, turns, and loop-de-loop I was telling you about, namely my unexpected career change.

Over the summer, I accepted a teaching position. Originally, the intention was for me to continue with the magazine in a scaled-back position, but it soon became apparent that wasn't going to work, for a multitude of reasons that I choose not to speak about. Things came to a head in August, and I made the decision to leave the magazine and focus on a career in education, and as weird as it is to not be doing journalism every day, it's a decision I haven't yet regretted. Of course, we're only halfway through the school year, so there's still time to change my mind!

That career change brought about a lot of changes for our entire family. Namely, Alexis changed schools, which has turned out to be the best thing. We finally feel like she's in the right class for her intelligence level, I know nearly all of the kids/parents in her class, and Alexis has bloomed both academically and socially. This may be unrelated but she's also not been sick nearly as often. It may just be a coincidence, but I don't really believe in those.

I was looking back at the goals I set for this year, and I'd forgotten that I only set three: rebuild my financial stability, cut back on the number of meals we eat out, and start a photo album/scrapbook. I'm still working on that first one, but this new career path should be a big help in regaining my balance. I'd like to think we've done a much better job of eating at home, although I think it might be a bit cheaper now to eat out than grocery shop. Sadly, I didn't even get started on a photo album or scrapbook.

As far as my goals for 2023...well, I'm still thinking about them. With so many changes this past year, it leaves a lot to consider.

What about you? Did you accomplish your goals for 2022?

Well that's going to wrap it up for me. I hope everyone enjoys this last week of the year.