I know I’ve had worse years. The year of my divorce. The year beloved grandparents or family members or friends or former students died. The year we noticed that yes, the recession had finally hit my husband’s business, our business – our only source of income business.
But 2011 wasn’t all that great, either. My annoying/embarrassing/can’t even talk about them health issues – times two. More finance crap. Having to pull your boys out of their/my favorite school because you just can’t afford it any more. Parents, with whom you already have a crappy relationship, ignore your birthday. Renters who run out on the lease they signed on the house you still have left from the housing bubble that burst just as you were purchasing your new, now overpriced, home — all this just before the holidays hit. Spending ignored birthday cleaning the rental house that former renters trashed beyond recognition. Our beautiful 1950’s bungalow BEYOND recognition. We’re talking about vomit paint colors and crayon drawings all over every wall, solid wooden doors that some teenager used as target practice with knives, covered in pock marks – and yes, that is door(s), as in plural. Missing light fixtures, stolen appliances, broken window panes and every screen ripped to shreds. Carpets that haven’t been vacuumed in…well, EVER. Hardwood floors with unrecognizable stains or burn marks. (How do people live like this?) I could go on but I’m getting too depressed remembering.
A crap storm of events.
And I’m still hopeful.
Still.
Because in between the crap there were some beautiful moments, too.
Daughter going off to college and coming back with 4 A’s and 1 B. Two little boys who adjusted to their new school with amazing attitudes, knowing full well why they had to switch and never complaining about it despite missing their old school so very, very much. An old friend who contacted me out of the blue on my birthday, to remind me how much she missed me and our friendship that had fizzled. Making a significant dent in our debt crisis. And finding a new renter, with a solid income, who loves older homes as much as we do.
Silver linings in a crap storm.
That’s what I need to focus on.
Silver linings.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy New Year full of silver linings for any crap that comes your way!
Theycallmejane's Blog 
Sounds like a hell of year Jane, but yes it’s those silver linings that keep us going, right?
Happy New Year to you, and your loved ones!
You rock, Jane! Thanks for reminding us to look back at the silver linings instead of the clouds. Happy New Year to you and to those you love.
I am sincerely for the crap storms you and your family experienced during 2011. ):
I, also, cannot understand how people can trash a rental home! We have lived in rental homes our entire marriage and have always been respectful of the owners. We clean and do our best to keep kid damage down. But, really, stolen appliances? How awful!
Also, health issues? Eck. Double, triple, quadruple eck.
Yet, as you said, even during crap storms, there can be times of goodness, and I find it wonderful that you remember those. May your 2012 start off on the right side!
And the same to you… silver linings. Most definitely!
Wow. I know intellectually that people like your renters exist, but… wow.
Are you okay now, medically? I mean, I hope you’re okay now medically. And best wishes for a better year with less crap storms and more silver linings.
Thanks for asking. One medical issue was a false alarm (as far as I can tell) and the doctors are keeping a close eye. The other issue has been resolved with medication, which I rebelled against and am still not comfortable taking. But it helps. So of the five Kubler-Ross stages I am reluctantly resigned to the acceptance stage. (But I certainly gave the denial and anger stages a run for their money!)
Wishing you a New Year filled with silver linings.!
I’m glad you got a new renter in there and some good moments!
Hard to believe you could have had a worse year,. I’m ready to wave good-bye to 2011 as well. While not a crap storm to the extent of yours, challenging would be a gross understatement. But we press on, don’t we? Here’s praying those silver linings turn into full-fledged rainbows!
You’re right–focus on that silver. That’s what I’m trying to do, although I often fail!
2011 was filled with medical “crap” for me and like you … I am done with this year. The silver linings are very visible to me in hindsight and I have learned and grown a lot experiencing it all … but, I am anxiously awaiting for the new year. I wish you a 2012 with much less “crap” and good health … Happy New Year.
Oh my goodness Jane! I had no idea. You are amazing for being able to deal with all of this and still keep your head up high. It takes a strong and faithful person to see the good when so much bad has happened. Here is to hoping that 2012 is a blessed and much happier year for you and your family! XOXO
Crap storms. (You are a better woman than I, who am less euphemistically inclined.)
I am sorry you have had your share. Looking back, um, I could certainly say… moi aussi. But I am heartened by your attitude, and there are always (almost) silver linings, so I am going to take your approach and focus on those. (All your daughter’s A’s??? Fantastic!)
And have a wonderful 2012!
I don’t even know where you live but I was volunteering to live in your 50’s bungalow! LOL! Glad you found a good renter. You know as a landlord you’re entitled to inspect every so often, with notice, right? And you pull credit reports on prospective renters right? Both things will help keep tabs on your property… ANYWAY…Happy New Year to you and your wonderful family…I hope 2012 is just fantastic for you!
Hope 2012 is the year filled with goodness. Raising a virtual wine glass to silver linings. Happy New Year to you and yours Jane.