2010 recap

Blogging somewhat regularly (I use that term loosely this year) and taking a lot of photographs gives you a different perspective at year end.  There is actual...documented proof of the things you've done and places you've been and odd thoughts that you've had.  It is nice to be able to take that trip down memory lane without actually having to remember too much on your own.

2010 is certainly a year that I am glad to be putting behind me.  It has had some of the biggest challenges I've had to face physically and emotionally but those challenges aren't what I'm carrying with me into 2011 and future years.  Instead, it is the love and support of one very strong and truly amazing husband...the warmth I've felt from friends and family both near and far...rekindling friendships with childhood friends...receiving the kindness and support from people I didn't know but have since become friends...did I mention my super husband and awesome mom...

I feel a bit wiser this year for some reason...am probably not but since you are now a captive audience I am going to pass on some of my bits of wisdom from the year...okay...maybe not wisdom but just thoughts...

• Laughter can really help to get you through anything.
• It is important for Kate to start the day with a good cup of coffee.
• Seeing life through the eyes of a child is a good perspective to have.
• The postal service still rocks.
• Standing on the Great Wall in China is just as incredible as I thought it would be.
• Giving is a good thing.
• I spend far too much time on the phone at work...
• Duke is a great healthcare provider...and...has an especially great basketball team!
• I enjoy having visitors in Singapore...hint...hint...
• Red meat really isn't all that bad.
• Hockey games are far more fun in person.
• I have an unexplained and uncontrollable fascination with the $2 store here in Singapore.
• I love traveling around and exploring new places with Alan.
• Asking for help is not fun but is sometimes necessary.
• I'm constantly torn between missing all the wonderful things about home and enjoying all of the new experiences here in Asia.
• Peas are still the cause of all evil in the world.
• Alan & Tina were right that it is good to always have a camera in my bag.
• Doing laundry is still the best chore...ever...
• Developing new friendships...even at my age...is really quite fun.
• I am, and always will be a cold weather gal...but Singapore heat is starting to feel normal to me.

I do not have any specific resolutions for 2011.  Instead, I have a bunch of things planned in my head.  You'll likely read about them or hear about them or find pictures of them at some point but for now...they are staying in my head.

I'm off to Bali tonight to celebrate the New Year weekend with some good friends.  I've not been to Bali before so I'm looking forward to exploring...relaxing...reading...and doing nothing.

I'll leave you with some photo highlights from the year:

Raleigh in Jan

Singapore Slings with Tom & Alan during their visit for Chinese New Year

Before chemo in Feb

Springtime in Durham in March

Fresh strawberries from the NC Farmer's Market in April

Hanging out with my brother, Alan in May

 Visiting China and climbing on the Great Wall of China in June

Visiting Vietnam for the first time in July

Also in July, remembering a solider who lost his life for our freedom

Recovering and hanging out with friends in August

Visiting friends and family in Ann Arbor in August

Eating my very first Philly Cheese Steak sandwich in September

Seeing lots of pumpkins and autumn stuff in October

And seeing a cotton field for the first time in October

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Ashleigh and David

Spending a good bit of December with Alan

Seeing the progress of being patient...and to being healthy!

Happy New Year everyone!