Year Two Thousand Eight... The Good, Bad and Ugly!

The Good

• I'm alive! This was the worst year of my life health wise with the breast cancer diagnosis in March.  But, I'm here to write about it - I'm alive!  After almost 9 months of treatment, I was told I am cancer free.
• My kid has had a pretty healthy year, other than the pain associated with wisdom teeth removal she suffered no sickness or health issues.
• Oddly, the breast cancer allowed me personal reflection of myself.  I've always believed everything happens for a reason - God put me through this battle as part of my life plan.  I can say it has made me stronger, evaluate people and life differently.  So, I will say breast cancer was a good thing.  Sounds ridiculous..  I know.
• The people that came through for me during my struggle with the beast known as breast cancer. 
  
• Good health insurance and my highly competent team of physicians.
  
• Being able to maintain my position with the company I work for through the illness, re-organization and affects of the economy.  My boss was so supportive of my situation!  She even sent me Truffles last week with a hand written card to say how proud she was of me getting through the treatment while working!  You couldn't ask for a nicer boss.
• Taking a much needed vacation this year to Cabo San Lucas for Christmas after thinking I wouldn't be able to go anywhere.
• My new home currently being built.
• I am positive about all that 2009 has to bring!  2008, like 2005 the year my mother died, will always have a dark cloud hanging on my memories of it.  
• One ray of sunlight  for '08 is Barack Obama being elected as the first African American President of the United States of America.

The Bad

• The obvious negativeness associated with the economy, and government.
• My beloved Mini Schnauzer Bentley was attacked and mauled by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  Although, he was scared up really bad and lost teeth - he survived!
  
• Breast cancer.  Yes, everything does happen for a reason and it made me stronger.  But, that however does not negate the fact that it was bad.
•  The people that did not come through for me during my struggle with the beast known as breast cancer. 

• The side affects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.  Some were permanent, but that's OK.  I"M ALIVE!  And my hair is starting to grow back :)

I'm not going to make goals and resolutions for 2009.  The trials of  2008 have truly helped me understand the meaning behind "tomorrow is not promised."   I will enter into 2009 with guns blazing living and enjoying my live to the fullest!

Happy New Year!