Stuff I like Dec 30, 2017

 Today I am going to do this a little differently. Typically, I just list everything that made me happy on any given day.  For instance, today...

Handsome husband.

• A guy playing bagpipes in a kilt on the beach.
• Sweet potato hash with hollandaise sauce for breakfast.
• Daydreaming about a cruise we want to take up the West coast in April
• Wearing a t-shirt and flip flops in winter while the rest of America is a frozen tundra. (I'm not trying to rub it in, it really just makes me happy to be in the sunshine.)
• People who leave their Christmas lights on after Christmas because I'm still enjoying them.
• Writing my General Hospital soap column with the best and worst of the year and reminiscing about all the glorious soapiness.
• My handsome husband's new glasses.
• The grown man at the beach wearing kangaroo pajamas with a tail out in public.

And, it's just barely noon!  So many reasons to be happy.

But the thing I like best about today is that this year only has one more day.

Why? Because 2017 has not been especially kind. We had moments of monumental joy, but also experienced many moments of unspeakable grief. 

Crazy beach Christmas Tree

My husband had major surgery this year and is still recovering. We lost 4 friends to cancer this year, 2 of whom we'd known more than 30 years. We have a grandchild who has been in a hospital most of the year with no end in sight. My job changed multiple times and I felt off balance all year, not quite knowing where I fit in. My heart has taken a beating. To say I have wrestled with depression is an understatement. Leaving the house and interacting with humanity has (for the first time in my life) seemed difficult. If this shocks you and you say "But when I see you, you're always smiling!" Keep in mind I once made a living as an actor.

I am anxious to put this year in the past and start a year with a clean slate> I am ready for 365 blank pages on which to write a happy new story.

I don't want to be all doom and gloom. In spite of the loss and heartache, there were also moments of incredible joy. My husband's doctors performed miracles and he is on the mend. We had an incredible opportunity to see our dear friend Fig for a few days in Las Vegas before he passed away this summer and had one more grand adventure together. We were able to take a dream vacation on a cruise with our kids and grandkids from Ohio that we rarely get to see. It was the first time we have ever had an extended visit with them and it was perfect. We created memories I will cherish always.

Both of those trips almost didn't happen because when we planned them, we didn't know about health issues that were coming up around the corner. But little miracles along the way opened doors to let these dreams come true. I'm thankful.

Such is life. Ups and downs, heartache and joy, answered prayers and unanswered prayers. Fear and faith intermingling, reminding us we are humans in need of salvation over and over again.

Many days in 2017, I cursed the year and spent my days anxious and fearing what horrible thing would happen next... But a few weeks ago I found myself on a cruise ship staring out at the moonlight over the Caribbean sea thanking God for such a perfect moment, watching the heartache wash away in the waves.

Will 2018 bring more joy than sorrow? Will it bring hardship and challenges, or blessings and miracles? I don't know, but I am hoping and praying for miracles. I'm believing that God has our best interest at heart.

I'm ready for 2018 and a fresh start.

Sign today that made me laugh.