[Gráinne]

1. Did 2016 treat you well? Tell me about your major life events or themes that kept popping up for you this past year.

This wasn't one of my better years. The theme seems to have been "expensive", as I had to have house repairs done and both cars (mine and my daughter's) went blooey.

2. What did you learn, accomplish, try, or overcome in 2016?

On the plus side, I have found a combination of medications that seem to really help with depression/anxiety. That alone I suppose makes it a pretty good year, since if I'm not in a good place, I can't do anything else right.

3. Do you normally make New Year's resolutions? Did you make any for 2016? If so, did you accomplish those goals or see fruits of your labor?

Not nearly enough, partly due to #2 above but also just my lack of motivation and planning

4. How did your relationships change in 2016?

I kinda sorta started seeing someone, but we'll see what happens . I've known her for a long time, but it seems to have changed (I'm happy about this).

5. Did you do any work on yourself physically in 2016? Get any new tattoos? Try a new hairstyle? Gain or lose weight? Overcome an illness? Talk about it!

I started weight training and have seen an improvement in my arms, especially my weaker left one. About the same time as #4, I chopped my hair very short and it's so much easier to care for.

6. What do you want to see happen in 2017 in your personal life? What about in the world in general?

I hope to nurture more friendships, including with #4 (that will be her name: #4). I want much more accomplishment. I want to be in a better place emotionally. In short, I want the best year of my life-and the best year for my country and the world.

7. What are some things you are excited about in 2017? Afraid of? Hoping for?

My daughter is going to Japan for three months in March for an anime drawing class, and I shall join her for a week in June . Although I've been to China, that was with a group; this will be myself. Canada and England were relatively easy; this will be a new challenge. I'm up (or down?) for it!

8. Will you be trying anything new in 2017?

If my Japanese language lessons count.

9. With the current political climate, will you be doing anything specific to enact change in your local community or state? What are your plans?

I haven't thought that far ahead but I want to do more volunteer work and be more involved with Junior League here (a service organization).

10. What projects will you work on in 2017?

My historical novel, I'm going back to school for my masters/doctorate, completing my Toastmasters speech book. I'm sure there's more, but that's the big stuff.

I realize some of these are redundant but the point is to start a conversation and maybe inject a little hope for those of us who need it for the coming year.

Here's to a joyous holiday for us all and a fabulous coming year!
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