2010 a Year to Forget!

I have been waiting for 2010 to end since the middle of May. Finally the end is in sight and relief is slowly replacing the sadness that has followed me for the past eight months. Ever optimistic, I believe 2011 will allow me to build new memories without so much emotional pain attached. I fully realize pain is a part of this day-to-day struggle we call life and that in even doses pain can actually be character building; showing us we are made of strong stuff and all that. However, every once in a while, we are faced with those years that do nothing more than tear us down. Those years that seem to last forever and are filled with one sad event after another. So was the year 2010 for me.

Two acts of suicide in one year is too much to cope with. My dear friend and a relative both making the conscious decision to end their existence still breaks my heart. Thinking of them both being in so much emotional pain that death seemed the only release to the hopelessness which engulfed them is a bitter reality to accept. Still even with the heartache I am glad they have stopped suffering and are finally at peace.

Second only to suicide is death by cancer. What an ugly word when it is deemed incurable. We attended the memorial service of an old friend who was loving and beautiful inside and out. She was only forty years of age when she passed away in 2010. What began as breast cancer  quickly spread throughout her body. So young she was. I truly miss her and still can't believe I am not going to run into her in the near future.

2010 was the year we loss two elderly friends. Both ladies were in their 70's yet both were very active and vibrant women. Losing them was a shock to everyone who loved them. They are still in my thoughts.

With 2011 just hours away, my first thought is one of relief because we actually made the month of December without anyone close to us passing away. Surely it just gets better from here. As I analyze this upcoming year I welcome the life of retirement my husband and I will enjoy. We have been waiting for this time to arrive for the last five years and now it appears it is finally here.

Plans to move are in the works, it will be exhausting but well worth the effort. Finances are not as we hoped, but we know that holds true for everyone in this current economic climate. We will make the best of what we have and be content to live within our means as we spend more time enjoying ourselves and our time together.

Independent Contractor

Working as an independent contractor has been most rewarding. I have grown to love writing about interesting subjects. I hope to write more for myself beginning in 2011. I am still learning but feel more confident about my ability to progress.

Just shy of two years, I find my passive income where I hoped it would be. Writing part time fits my circumstances perfectly. My physical health does not permit long term commitments but freelance writing when I feel good is right up my alley. Best of all I get to keep on learning, something I never tire of.

Reviews of 2010

As we approach the time of year where lists abound. We will be reminded of all the important news topics, sports events, and celebrity deaths that occurred in 2010. I have no doubt that I will be surprised to discover I have already forgotten many current events topics. I know however that I will not soon forget the special people who helped to make me the person I am today. I will miss them all and as far as losses are concerned, I only hope 2011 will not be a repeat of 2010. Good-bye 2010, can't say I'm sorry to see you go!