Another Year...Another Wrinkle

Another year has passed.  365 days.  8760 hours.  525600 minutes.  I have celebrated another birthday.  I have those minutes, hours, days to reflect upon to decide if I really learned anything or contributed to society at all.  I'd like to think I have...but sometimes what we want or wish isn't necessarily reality.

I have been blessed this past year.  I have been able to celebrate my son's 2nd birthday with an awesome Halloween style birthday party.  I have been able to strenghten my relationship with my Little and her family and I have been able to meet and bond with neighbors that I will remember for life.  I have the love of fantastic friends and family members who do not judge.

In addition, I have grown a backbone.  One year ago, employees at my company went on strike.  They went on strike right before my birthday while I suffered walking pneumonia.  I battled through.  Did media interviews and sounded like a cracked-out Kermit the Frog.  But, my confidence in my ability to work under pressure, to remain calm, cool and collected during a media storm grew as did my love for my profession. 

Then in the Spring, another strike, more volatile than the last.  Voo-doo dolls were made of me.  I was called names in the media and at every union-related meeting in Michigan.  But, they couldn't touch me. I am the voice of an organization.  An organization that does great work.  That helps save and improve people's lives.  I could rest easy at night.

In a year's time, I also quit that beloved job.  I put my house on the market and embarked on the unknown.  My confidence has wavered and my humor has lessened.  But, I remain optimistic.  I am a good person.  I have improved as a mother, as a daughter and as a friend.  I have vowed to continue to grow and prove to everyone who is important to me that they are, in fact, important to me.

"They" say that with age comes wisdom.  But, I disagree.  I have always been smart (don't judge me on the pompous statement...I was never told that as a child), but I believe that as you get older, your IQ doesn't increase, your tolerance of ignorance or ignorant people does.

I have seen my fair share of trials and tribulations - both personally and professionally.  But you know what the most obvious sign of success is?  I am still here.  I am still fighting.  And I will continue to fight to make sure that I am happy and that my son is happy.

I can't wait to update you (my three followers) on my happiness level when my next birthday arrives.  My life will either completely change or greatly improve and no matter which it is, I am excited to embark on another year...no matter how many more wrinkles the journey entails.