Closing Out 2016...

I had high hopes for 2016, but in the end, the year did not go anywhere near what I had intended to have happen.  Most of the year, I was wrapped up in trying to deal with physical issues.  I started seeing a kidney specialist, an orthopedic, back specialist, chiropractor, and a gynecological oncologist.  I have endured many injections and blood draws.  Finally, the end of the year saw me getting a D&C.

Deep down inside, I knew I did not have much time with Chloe.  By the end of 2016, I was quite right.  Poor little girl had developed cancer on her liver and by this month, she stayed with me as long as she could.  Bo and I still hang close together.  I miss her every day.  Quite honestly, I do not sleep too well without her.  I wake up around 2:45 to 3 AM every night.  That was usually when Chloe would want her water.

I had a friend ask me if I was interested in getting a pomeranian puppy.  That person had already looked up the puppy and got all of the details.  I said that I needed to recover financially as well as emotionally.  Also, I do not need someone trying to push something onto me.

Due to all of the pain and physical ailments, I hit a rock bottom with anxiety and depression.  I was tired all of the time and have been so stressed out.  By August time frame, I was watching way too many YouTube videos and being persuaded to buy a lot of items.  I hope to step away from that once this new year starts.

I was blessed with actually winning a large amount of money on a slot machine at WinStar for my birthday.  When I returned to my room for a break, I sat down and cried because I was so grateful.  However, I also felt that this was something to tell me that something bad was going to happen down the line - the money was there to help.  Oddly enough, that would be true.

I managed to see two of my favorite bands, The Cure and Echo and the Bunnymen this year.  My misfortune found me missing a band that I had so much hope to see - Kraftwerk.  I viewed their performance on YouTube and kick myself so much for missing them.  However, my back would not allow that at all.  I was also sad to have missed seeing Garbage, again.

I am grateful to still have a job after a lay-off period.  I may not be safe for next year, but I hope to get some control over my doctor's appointments.  Towards the end of the year, I was so tired of going to a different doctor every week.

I also managed to get noticed on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.  Feels good when people like what you have to say.

This evening, I am working on decluttering my living room.  Bo is not particularly happy, but I am making progress.  I am about to go into the kitchen to start on the "finger foods".  First, I have to empty the dishwasher, then put dirty dishes into it.  After that, I will get the shrimp out and cook the meatballs.  I have a veggie tray, hummus, cheese squares, guacamole, fruit, and some bread.  I have the items needed for New Year's Day dinner:  ham, black-eyed peas, cabbage, potato salad, deviled eggs (may make more), corn meal for cornbread, and hope that next year will be better than this year.

I have hopes that 2017 will be much better than 2016.  I hope to do some fun and incredible things for the upcoming year!