Well here again I sit at the end of the year and reflect on the year that was and make some ideas for the year to come. I love coming back each year and reading a few posts. They are good reminders for me as well as it's a good opportunity to practice writing and recording the time that I have on this earth. A few years ago Lucas really enjoyed reading about his life as a baby as I had a few of the years made into books. Life gets busy and there is much more focus on online privacy now, however, I think fewer people look at the blog vs. friends I have on social media. =)
So 2022 like all years had both its ups and downs, although I think with all of it there was growth. Growth as a parent and partner, growth as a leader in my field, and with the people I get to guide. As always a highlight of the year was the trips I went on. I love my teams and my work and so glad I got to do that again this year. I did lots of yoga and got massages and tried to figure out the hybrid work balance. I helped the kids to learn new things, be thoughtful, consider multiple angles and enjoy their families.
January/February included lots of winter enjoyment - hiking and skiing. Winter here is long so it's good to find ways to enjoy it. Luckily there is lots of suns so it makes it easier to enjoy.
Spring - we had an awesome time surprising Nathan for his birthday to go to Disneyland! And walked till our feet were exhausted. We loved all the rides, but especially the new Star Wars ride. It was so much fun to be together the four of us for all of that time.
I also got to go to Vancouver as I am part of the board for our National Association. I'm so grateful to have a career that I am passionate about and the opportunities through work to do some volunteering. As we all know volunteering is work - so it does add to my plate - however, I get to meet great people and learn and open my horizons.
Also in Spring took a super memorable trip to Europe! It was so fun to do Paris and Italy. Remember how good the food is, how easy it is to get around in Europe, and the beauty that is there.
In summer we enjoyed trips to Kelowna and lots of paddleboarding. Sully is a great adventurer for all of these activities. We had lots of time with best friends in Kelowna too - so great that Oma and Opa are still well enough for us to go and enjoy that beautiful summertime location. Our friends Cory and Adam were married and we enjoyed a day in the mountains with them.
Fall included starting grades 9 and 12 for the boys! Crazy that it was Lucas's last year of school and Nathan's last year of middle school. Darryl was also able to 'work from Ontario' for 2 weeks in October and spend some quality time with his family. In November we had a great family trip to Mexico. We finished off the year with a great Christmas and more skiing!
After some challenging years with 2020 and 2021, 2022 was a really good one. Work settled to more forward-looking than reactionary, and I got to take lots of good trips. Enjoying the volunteering work I get to do as well.
Now looking forward to 2023... I'm hoping it will be more of the same. Everyone stays happy and healthy. We have a trip to the Netherlands and Belgium planned for spring and another Mexico trip in November. Lucas will graduate from high school and Nathan from middle school! The bathroom will be done and we will have done hundreds more walks and adventures with Sully.
As for goals, I think lots of it is continuing with what I'm doing now - keep up with the yoga and meditating. Walking and doing activities. I bought Darryl pickleball paddles for Christmas so we will give that a try. I'm going to try and drink up lots of the tea I have in the cupboard before buying more. Work on being more sustainable - less meat, less buying clothes. Going to more concerts and having more experiences.
Until next time!
Jenn
