Twelve Years

Compared to someone like the Old Lady that has worked the farm for like 45 years, my 12 years does not sound like much.  It feels much longer than 12 years.  I was 43 years old when I started there.  That is much younger than I feel now.  Here are some of the changes since I started.

I was not a Grammy.  Hard to believe!  Now I have three wonderful grandkids that have changed my life.  Every time I see them they bring me joy.

I still lived a "normal" life.  I lived in that other town over 30 years.  Not going to lie, it never felt like home to me.  I was never comfortable there.  Now I am back home.  It feels right.

Twelve years ago I still had my in-laws and my brother.  It feels like a lifetime ago that I lost them.  I'm going to say that is part of the reason I feel older.  That was a time in our lives that took a huge toll on our family.

Hubby was still working.  I have said it many times, people should not stop working at such a young age.  It is not healthy.  If he had hobbies, it would be fine.  He does not have hobbies.

We had two dogs that are no longer with us.  Did not have a cat.  On that subject, the cat was a really bad idea.  It just did not work out the way I thought it would.  I wanted a little kitty to sit on my lap and let me pet.  This is not that kind of cat.  It is an evil cat.  Sassy is the cat I wanted.

I was not part of an awesome book club.  Having the book club come together was such a positive thing in my life.  After wanting one for so long, it just came together so easily.

I smoked.  That is shocking to me.  It has been almost seven years since I quit.  That is a major positive change.

I did not know as many awesome women as I know now.  I have met some great people.  I believe we take positive from people that become our friends.  Helped me become the person I am now.

Drove a really ugly, big Crown Vic.  Ugh!  I did not like that car.  It was a handy me down from Hubby.  I don't take his hand me down cars anymore.

I did not have a cell phone.  That is amazing.

I did not know Arizona.  She could not have been called Arizona.  We started work on the same day.  Sat next to each other.  Good times.

It has been a long, twelve years.  I am not the same person I was.  I think I am stronger, more forgiving, and I enjoy life more.  Cannot wait to see what the next six months bring.  Will not even think about twelve years.