Today is the beginning of a brand new year, one that hasn't been written yet but each day we live will fill a page.  Yes, I am feeling melancholy because so much has happened this past year that it has made me think.  The past few months, especially, have been a time for reflection of my life, my friends' lives, and controlling feelings.

My life grew in 2012.  The best part was getting a new job that challenges me by letting me use my head and think of solutions.  I also have made new friends who I will treasure in my heart for always and these are people from work.  The environment there is very different from my previous job:  no drama, no back-stabbing, no gossiping.  It's so relaxing and people genuinely care for one another.  I'm not saying it didn't happen at my old job but let's say it wasn't seen very often.  

The division where I work, we are in the process of moving into the building I came from (I always said I'd come back but that's not what I meant LOL).  People are being box hoarders but I'm not worried about it.  In my younger days I would be frantic---must have boxes to pack--but aging has made me more patient.  That's a good thing.  :)

I did stick with a resolution and that was to up my exercise.  I managed to exercise at least once a week, which was towards the end of the year, but other weeks I did 3-4 times a week.  I really love Leslie Sansone's Walk At Home program.  You can walk with whatever intensity you want or can do and break a sweat even if you're not that into it.  I walk at least a mile and on one occasion I did her 5-mile walk.  Dang, talk about ready to fall down exhausted but I felt good knowing I can do this.  This is my favorite DVD of hers "Leslie Sansone 5-Day Walk Plan". You can either do what she has suggested +toning exercises or you can choose what you want to do.  I did notice a blooper in the Blue Mile. She's doing one thing but saying another.  LOL   Also, Leslie Sansone is online with a few full-length videos for you to exercise to.  It's called the "Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home."  I use this one most of the time.  

A few upsetting things did occur in the last few months of 2012.  On October 24, 2012 I lost someone who was like my sister.  We met at the quit smoking forum back in October 2002 and even got to visit with each other and other moderators of the forum a couple of times.  One was at her house in Montana in 2008.  That's when I fell in love with the wide open spaces state.  It is absolutely gorgeous!  Gaylene was very special.  She was a lung cancer survivor and was one of my heroes.  Each year she had scans and tests and they showed she was cancer-free.  The treatments worked!  However, Gay already had COPD which compromised her breathing.  This is what eventually killed her.  I remember her being short of breath and her cough was awful.  This is what smoking can possibly do to you.  Please stop smoking if you do smoke.  I don't want you to die.  Here is a link to Gay's journal on the smoking cessation site on About.com:  Gaylene's Cancer Journal.

Also, the Sandy Hook Elementary killings hurt my heart.  These poor children and adults had their lives to live and they were taken away with a shot from a gun.  I pray for them, their families and hope their loved ones' is lessening as each day passes.  Grief will never go away but the memories should help put smiles back on their faces.  I also pray for the gunman, Adam Lanza.  What he did was unthinkable but some sort of forgiveness will help us move on from this tragedy.  

As far as 2013 goes....well, I hope it's uneventful with lots of laughter and smiles.  My uncle will be turning 90 in February so my family and I are hoping to go up to celebrate this big occasion.  He and my aunt live in NY so I'm shooting for when the weather is not as cold, as in no snowing.  LOL  I am praying for my friends and family that all their wishes come true.  I know there have been times when things just aren't going the way we want but if we pray and be patient then they will happen.  My wish for you is the same.  Happy New Year!