And so the first decade of the 21st century ends. Lots has happened over the past 10 years…and lots in just the past year. Since the year 2000 we’ve gone through many bad and good times. Not that long ago the most troublesome thing in our lives was all the hoopla about the year 2K stuff. Ah, the good old days.

In my personal life I’ve seen my son Kevin get married (to Chrysoula) and have a son of his own (Robin), and my other son Patrick become engaged (to Veronica). In addition, both boys have left the confines of my home and have moved through numerous jobs to finally land in secure jobs that both really like. Kevin moved to San Jose and then to Seattle while Patrick stayed close by in Sierra Madre.

I’ve also suffered through the loss of my sister Jean as well as the loss many good friends and relatives. I’ve had two surgeries (gallbladder and hysterectomy) but have recovered well from both. I’ve suffered through the deaths of two dogs (Darwin and Murphy) and four cats (Puto, Baby, Loki and Honey). I’ve had the joy of welcoming my wonderful grandson Robin into my life as well as three new cats (Nate, Hayes and Sophie).

I’m still working in the same job at All Saints Church and am still living in the same home I’ve been in since 1986. I’ve made many changes in my house (new paint, new roof, new windows, new bathroom), but it’s still basically the same house–just improved. And now, it’s just me here every night instead of lots of teens and twenty-somethings! The ’empty nest’ is quite comfortable, thank you!

In our country we’ve seen terrorist attacks, two wars, a severe recession, many natural disasters and the election of our first African-American president. There have also been many unbelievable changes like cellphones that do everything, huge high definition tv’s, small computers that do lots more than the old big ones (that we used to think were small), video cameras built into computers that allow for video phone calls, digital books, and Facebook! The technology changes alone are mind-boggling!

Lots more has happened with both family and friends including the births of many new great-nieces, great-nephews and children of friends. And some of my siblings have become grandparents, some have moved to new locations and homes, some have had job changes and some have had medical problems. And I’ve developed new friendships and have become even closer with many old friends.

And so we head into the next decade. I hope that the losses and difficult times are few, and that the joys and amazing changes are many!

Happy New Year to everyone!!!