That time of year....

Well, it's that time of year again. The time to make sure all the winter clothes are out and warmer blankets are at hand, time to stock the cars with blankets and ice scrapers and such...just in case. And ya know what? I am really sick and tired of this time of year. lol

It is also that time in my life to end one chapter and start another as I will be finishing up my degree at the end of January. On one hand I am so very excited about it and then there is the other hand...the hand that holds the unexpected and for me that is a bit scary. It has taken me so long to finally get to this point in my life and I am so thrilled to see it end...and then I have had a great time the last 2 yrs and I hate to see it all come to an end. I know that I will keep the friends that I have made, but its just the experience that I have had that I am sad to see end.

It's also the start of my sons 2nd semester of his freshman year in college and my daughters 7th grade will be coming to an end in just a few short months, sigh. This is also the year that I will turn 40...which really, I am good with. I welcome my 40's with open arms...I figure if I got through my 20's and then my 30's (as hard and educational as they were) I will get through my 40's just fine. lol My husband will be starting his 60's this next year and I think he is more OK with that than he cares to admit. lol

It is also the time of the year when the steel mills start to slow down a bit and well, we have lived through this before and we will, with the help of God, get through another year of it. Hubby is still pushing for me to go for my LPN degree...and really, I'm just not sure how I feel about that right now. I think that I will take some time off after January and figure that out...some down time is going to be needed anyway and it too will be welcomed with open arms. lol

This next year is the end of some and the beginning of some...more so than years past, or so it seems. (sigh) 2011 was not an easy year nor was it the hardest that my family has faced and I am excited to face 2012 with a smile and a look of, "give it your best shot". lol I'm not tempting fate here, just letting it know that I am ready for it...for whatever comes our way.