Monday, December 31, 2018

2018 a year in review

2018 A year in review

14th annual year in review.

What did you do in 2018 that you've never done before?
Well let's see if I can remember... I facilitated by very first training over Opioid's in February. 

Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I don't make resolutions. I make goals all year and usually keep them. If they're from God they will happen. And if I make a goal I will meet it eventually. Some I make towards the end of the year and don't wait to start them. 

Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, a few again.

Did anyone close to you die?
Not close no. therefore a good year.

What countries did you visit?
One of these days I might get to answer this. One day...

What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
Not really sure that I feel I lacked anything this year. Continued growth, but that's not really something I lacked. Maybe peace with Ridlee starting Kindergarten and Gage graduating. Both have me grieving and somewhat worrying. 
What date from 2018 will remain etched in your memory and why?
Gage turned into an adult on September 26th. I took a weekend in November after Thanksgiving to go take a Mom retreat by myself to work on my book for my kids. That was a nice weekend.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The training from above, getting halfway towards an Autism Specialist certification, moving office buildings in Fayetteville and getting a full client caseload... there might be more. A good start to my book. 
Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, have had some naggy knee and arm issues, but nothing major.
What was the best thing you bought?
CEs, several items and toys for Ridlee and her therapies, coffee to keep me alive!
Where did most of your money go?
Coffee and CEs, and Ridlees stuff and therapies. 

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Starting a program next year for families with autism once I get my specialist certification. Retreats!

What scripture is a theme of 2018?
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Compared to this time last year are you:
a. Happier or sadder? Mostly happier, there has been less death more growth. 
b. Thinner or fatter? Maybe about the same, it ebbs and flows. Holidays is more so...
c. Richer or poorer? Richer, more clients has helped.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
More coffee dates with my a good friend.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
worrying

How did you spend Christmas?
At home with the fam. Mostly picking up after Ridlee since she played all day. 

Did you fall in love in 2018?
With topics maybe. 

What was your favorite TV show?
Outlander, still!
What was the best book you read?
I've read several fiction books that I loved, but I absolutely loved A Thorn in my pocket by Eustacia Cutler, Temple Grandin's mother. 

What was your greatest musical discovery of 2018?
My Relax and unwind playlist on Spotify. about 99% of it. 

What did you want and get?
To grow.  

What did you want and not get?
Not sure. Guess that means it's been a good year. Guess I could put that I didn't get to be a Vacation resort critic. That would always be a plus. 

What was your favorite film this year?
Infinity War, Black Panther, A Quiet Place
What did you do on your birthday?
I really don't remember. Not much. 
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being a vacation resort critic

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?
Slightly more dressy but still comfy

What kept you sane?
Prayer. Running. Chocolate. Massages. Church. Family. Dogs. Music. Mindfullness. Reading. Coffee. 
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Temple Grandin, I get to go see her next year. 

What political issue stirred you the most?
Oy, everything right now. Trump is causing me anxiety. Never ending. Same as last year only getting worse. 
Who did you miss?
My grandpa. All those who have passed. 

Who was the best new person you met?
Several new members of our church, including our new pastor and his family. 

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.
Embraced more negative emotions, they help growth. Autism is not always a sad story. They are different, not less. 

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Bob Marley has some great ones. There was several that could fit. 

What is something shocking that happened this year?
Not sure anything shocking happened. Some horrible things made the news. 

New Years Eve shenanigans

Took Heston and Ridlee to the office for some needed out of the house play time. 









We did some meme games and had our 3rd annual appetizer dinner.



Our only celebratory alcohol was a candle.




Gage was the guilty person to write the above freestyle butthead meme.






Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Christmas

We had a great Christmas. Ridlee didn't play with any electronics all day. She also didn't receive any this year. The bis got a shared Nintendo Switch. The weather was nice enough that the littles also got to go out and play. 


She got so many playdohs! Some we had to put away for later.



Bigs playing with the Switch!



Ryker loves books.




Playdoh letters!


My Little Pony busy book.




Matryoshka Doll! She loves them.



Flower feelings program! She plays with these at school and loves them. 


What Santa brought her.


He's been wanting a guitar!













Monday, December 24, 2018

Christmas Eve

Had fun with our new What do you meme game. Later Heston and Ridlee had a pillow fight. She is showing more progress with social games lately.