So much has happened this year that's made it difficult for us and then again, pretty nice. It really started off rough for us w/ losing our beautiful girl, Harley. So many wonders are still left unanswered but the love remains strong for her even though she's no longer, physically, with us.
As the year progressed, things began turning out a bit better. Sam came into our lives, giving MeiMei a friend to play with, and giving us more joy, once again. She's goofy, protective, thankful, and just one amazing dog. We're so thankful to have such a great pup on our lives. She makes us smile even on a rough day that we've had. This is the only dog we've ever known who actually expresses a lot of her reactions within her face, and makes her eyebrows shift in concern or just for being able to do so. Words can't explain just how much laughter she has brought to us.
I moved on from a job that I felt stuck in, and onto something which was more my cup of tea. Finally I got myself out of the restaurant business, and into a business environment which I never thought I'd succeed in, but have truly kicked some major ass. I have a great District Manager who has helped me greatly toward improving something, even I felt was impossible. Now my totals are impressive and showing that I was a perfect fit for a store that was struggling at one point. Shockingly, I've turned the debt ratio around, increased revenue, and made a lot of people happy. I have clients who have come in there and dropped Christmas gifts off to me. It's so darn amazing. I feel appreciated. Many clients will call before they come to pay their check off and if they don't recognize my voice than they'll talk long enough for me to respond with something that'd show that I am working, and that it's not someone else. They will not come in to pay their check off unless they know I'm there. It's insane how particular the clientele is at this location. I'm working 6 days a week now and with doing so, I've kept my loan amounts higher than they've ever stayed. This time last year, my loan totals are at 17K more than they were last year.
Claire has had injury galore this year. Stitches on the bridge of her nose, staples in her head, and a concussion so far this year. It's been pretty hard on her. She has recovered from all of those rather well, thankfully, but man it sure has been stressful and worrisome while and after treatment had occurred. Schooling for her has been up and down. Attitudes have also been rather up and down with her. Nothing really steady with her for a lot of the important things in our lives. We've hoping that'll change and better itself as time continues to progress.
D's near the end of his program, which has been taking most of his time. Plus working his butt off at work with his job, it's been challenging.
Since the end of September, we've been dealing with a lot of added expenses... D broke a tooth of his, plus had a wisdom tooth that needed to be taken care of, our furnace died, Claire had another hospital bill, Sam's hospital bill, my student loans starting, additional school costs, and God only knows what else I'm leaving out.... But thankfully, my DM has helped me by scheduling me 6 days a week with any days I may need off, covered. That has helped quite a bit, to say the least. It's definitely kept our heads above water, even if it is barely.
This year we've decided to not celebrate Christmas by giving "gifts". We feel with all that we have encountered, bills wise, we'd step back from that and take care of what is needed, vs. what is wanted. We'll do some Christmas Dinner, sleep and watch a couple of movies, and work on this one penguin puzzle we have, as a family. We were going to volunteer our time to the local homeless shelter, but I was too late to put our names in for it. So, this next year I will be getting in touch with someone to help with either/both Christmas and Thanksgiving.
I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas, New Year, and entire holiday season.
I have to say, I think this year I've grown closer to those I love, and I'm so thankful for doing so. You all are amazing. Thank you for being who you are and letting me be a part of who you are. <3
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