2017 A Year of Firsts

We have turned the calendar to 2018, Happy New Year. The year 2017 was a year of firsts for me. At this time last year I was 56,000$ in debt, I am very happy to announce that my debt has been reduced by 25,000$. At this rate I will be debt free by 2019. It was a collaborative effort my fiancé and I.

Yes my fiancee, we became engaged last year, both for the second time. She is my rock. Her wisdom, guidance and support are invaluable. I love her so much. We complete each other.

In addition, to the debt repayment, we also continued on a regular basis to contribute to our future retirement. 

I reached a milestone in blood donations with my 25th, looking forward to reaching 30 by the end of this year.

I completed a work project, developing and implementing a training orientation manual for Health Care Aides working in the Tuberculosis dept. I collaborated over 18 months with doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to produce a 58 page masterpiece. 

The biggest first of the year was spending time with my grandson Oliver (Ollie). We were blessed to have him stay with us for 2 seperate months. I changed my first diapers and had the rite of passage happen with him peeing on me at one occasion. Oh man was he proud of himself.

I learned all I needed to know about Paw Patrol, who is your favorite, mine is Zuma followed by Chase is on the case. A simplistic show with great moral values of teamwork, perseverance and collaboration.

Not to forget about Moana and a whole host of other animated movies. Oliver continued to bring joy, love and life lessons to our life. At 53, I never expected to be a grandfather let alone a (step)parent. I also met Shelley's children and immediately fell in love with them. Both talented, mature responsible young adults who will make great strides in the world. Love you Gerry and Kelsey. 

The biggest first was in self discovery. I am proving to be a late bloomer. I am still evolving and learned that I am powerless when it comes to money, hence the debt issues. I am evolving when it comes to interactions with family, colleagues and people I am in conflict with. My mental health has been steadily positive with several dips into depression. A fact of life to deal with. 

I continue to share my mental health story with school aged students and continue to marvel at their wisdom, knowledge and openness. 

I do a great job at managing my own depression, recognizing low moments and reacting to them. I need to do a better job at recognizing and reacting positively to others mental health issues. I need to be a better support in this area.  

2018 will continue to be another year of firsts. Happy New Year everyone.