Ending 2022

Something really wonderful about a lack of blog posts is that it implies I am busy living life.

It has truly been a good year. Work has been a blast, and I adore all of my co-workers. It is a blessing to like working with those around you. They make my job a good one. Low drama, high output, and an all around fun and enjoyable atmosphere. Can't complain!

My side hustles have taken off pretty well, too. I've started focusing a lot on what I care about like crafting and photography, and if I can turn that into something that isn't just costing money, it can make me money, too, well, that's even better! So, B & C's Crafty cottage is doing well, and as of January when I started back up with photos, Grandma's Little Gallery Photography is also steady. The kids, the work, the crafts, and life all keep me busy.

The kids are great. I now have a 14 year old which blows my mind, but he is such a great kid. We just had high school open house, and I wanted to throw up the entire time. He, on the other hand, was buzzing with anticipation. I know he'll love high school. He has done so great in middle school and made such a good group of friends. He surprises me every day.

The 12 year old is another story. He hasn't taken to middle school quite as well. He is really struggling to stay focused this year. I hired a tutor to try to help him along, but until he decides he WANTS to do better, this is going to be a tough time to get through. He's still the sweetest kid with the biggest heart, but boy when he decides he doesn't like something, he really goes head first. I am still hoping we can turn this school year around. We'll have to see how it goes.

The little one is as sassy as ever. I can see a little bit of me in her, like when she started to plan her 6th birthday party the day after her 5th birthday party. Yes, that's definitely me. I can also see a lot of her dad in her, like when she refuses help when she is trying to do something or figure something out. That is 100% Tyler.

All three kids and healthy and for the most part happy. You know kids, God forbid I ask them to hang out when all they want to do is play with their friends or play video games. Evelyn has started playing video games with the boys now, too. She's actually quite good. She has been keeping up with the boys lately, and it's awesome to see them all interact and play together. Despite the age differences, the boys really make her feel welcome and part of the group when the three are them are together. They are great big brothers.

My October oncology appointment went fine. I had one count that was slightly elevated, but my doctor confirmed it's because I need to lose weight. So, that will be a big focus in the coming months. Eat less, move more. Sometimes just that reminder is enough to kick me back into gear. It is a lot harder these days to lose the weight than it was before all my surgeries. I am sure age is also a contributing factory. Everything gets harder the older we get.

One really amazing things that I did this year was get my mastectomy tattoos. It's something I was so looking forward to, and with most of the covid restrictions gone, I finally got it completed. It feels great and the artist I went to was fabulous. I have a coverup coming up this spring on my left arm. I was going to try and get that done this past fall, but my lymphedema was acting up, so I pushed it out until March. Losing weight and cooler weather help resolve some of the swelling.

That is all I have! Bring on 2023!