This was a very good exercise, Lynn. I've been thinking abouut it since you posted, trying to come up with what went right in 2006 and I kept coming up with "not much". But I knew that's not really true. I've been in a bit of a funk and this question has forced me to dig really deep and shift some of my baggage around enough for the truth to surface. So what I've acknowledged thus far as what went right in 2006:

DD's attending Montessori school. I'd planned on homeschooling DD, I was very nervous about it, underprepared, but resolved to trying my best anyway until it became very clear to us that she was desperately lonely at home and that she needed the peers and stimulation of a school. It's gone very very well--she loves it, is doing fantastic, we love the teachers, the program, everything.

My temp job went right in most regards though I felt disconnected from my family, friends--basically, my life--while it was going on.

DH picking up the slack while I was at the temp job went very right. He got DD to and from school, took care of her after school, did dinner/bathtime/bed routine (juggling all this while continuing with his regular workload), AND took her to Worship and Sunday Sunday School on the Sundays I worked, which, if you knew him, would bowl you over. He does not normally attend services with DD and me.

Knitting so many of the Christmas gifts to family this year went well. Mom, Stepdad, Little Brother, Second Oldest Brother, his Wife, the two Nieces, and Mother-in-law all said they really really liked the Felted Ballet Slippers, Scarf, Stocking Cap, Felted Coaster & Trivet Set, Ladies Stocking Cap, Baby Earflap Hat, Woven Cable Headband & Scruncie, and Scarf, respectively. Which is gratifying because a lot of time and effort and planning went into (most) of the gifts.

It was right and good to begin reading the books "How to talk so your kids will listen..." and "Emotional Intelligence". I'm starting to get a handle on what's going on emotionally with DD at this age and how to respond to her in another way that actually works.

My church has gone right for me this year (in terms of "correct" only, it's a liberal/left denomination!). Every week I am more and more thankful for the United Church of Christ and for the people of our congregation who make it what it is...a true spiritual home for me and DD. Even though I sometimes feel that I'm running around too much, it's been good for me to be one of the rotating Sunday School staff and participating in the lay-leadership teams--Spiritual Nurture, Social Action, Christian Education, and the Search Committee for a new pastor. DD loves going and I love our conversations about what she learns there and her follow-up questions. I deeply cherish these talks when I'm sharing my faith with her and I feel so supported by my involvement with our church--I can't articulate it at the moment but it's all tied up together and I'm really happy about it.

And so, to conclude, I'd have to say that YOU went right for me this year, Lynn. Your friendship and this website keep me grounded, in touch with my heart, clearing my head, and in general, saving me from myself. Most of my other friends are a direct result of your Wed. knitting group. I can't tell you how glad I am to have found you. May Heaven's Blessings pour out on you and yours for ever and ever. Thank you. Thank you.

Anhata
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