Come along on this fantastic voyage

2011 where did you go?! Come back! Not really, I don't want to take back anything that happened this year. I have many things I am anticipating the new year will bring and excited to receive it too. Time to reflect on all the commendable stuff from 2011 although shuffled in there, were some not so good elements. Let's focus on the positive shall we? Let's together go on a voyage of 2011 and I will share segments of my year with you in hopes that you can also slice your year with me. I would love to learn how you have changed, what significant details have happened to you and about what goals you have for 2012.

My stories always revolve around people because it is those people who surround me that make me who I am, hold me, save me and love me, so therefore, my reflections will be about the important impacts people have made in my life this year.

I learned this year that the first one I should and will always thank, is God, my savior. Without him nothing is possible. I gave up trying to control my life and situations a long time ago when I recognized that what he has planned for us is far greater that what is on this earth.

My father or apaaaa!! lol. He made me to be a reflection of him. This amazing man has never let me down, his uncanny ability to say the funniest things or just what I need to hear at the precise moment can only be credited to his abundance of life experiences. He never remembered that this year, his baby girl (me) had a significant birthdate but he never does, so it doesn't change anything. He recently had another "tuneup" at the hospital so he should be good to go for a while or at least until he feels that he needs to flirt with the nurses!

Speaking of my father...he was there for me when I needed a place to stay. In February of 2011, I lost my home to forclosure. It was actually a welcomed forclosure because in this home were all my memories and reminders of the life that once was but could never be again. I had to move out fairly quickly and because of the lifestyle I had been living, I wasn't able to move into a new place immediately so, my best option was to move in with my father. You know what? a girl ALWAYS needs her daddy and somehow if you are lucky enough to have one in your life, he always manages to make everything ok. But wait, not all the stories have such a positive outlook because moving in with my father meant I had to deal with her. Haha! yeah we all know who "she" is. All in all, it wasn't so bad and I spent 2 months there just enough time to get back on my feet and rent my own place. While there, I was reminded that although I was a grown up with children and my own life, my dad still treated me like I was a child. Lol made for some interesting weekends (and that's all I will say about that).

I blogged about moving and how I was worried that my kids would not adjust but I don't think I gave them enough credit because they did wonderful. It was the best thing to do. My family was changing, evolving and going through the normal stages of life. During this change, my oldest daughter graduated high school and was on her way to college. How proud I felt knowing that I would be able to say "I have a daughter in college".

At work, I received a promotion which to me meant that they had finally recognized what I have to offer. I was ready for the challenge and what a challenge it has been. When you go from being a peer to management, there's some resistance. I will always say that my style of managing is to take care of the employee, encourage them,support them so that they can give 100 pct to the company. Well, reality check taught me that no matter how well you treat someone, they have their own agenda. I am enjoying my role and look forward to continue growing in this area.

Another positive point in my life this year, was meeting Carlos. I have learned so much about myself and about relationships through my experiences with him. I have met many, yet none peaked my interest like he did. We are taking it one step at a time and so far he is adjusting fine to my life and challenges. He holds me when I need it but also keeps me in check, often. In the time I have known him, I have seen many positive changes in him and my hope is that if ever part ways, we will always remember the good times we had.

I don't have enough space to write the next paragraph because it involves what is dear to my heart...my family and friends. I have thanked many and expressed to them through my writings what they mean to me, I don't think this needs too much explaining since anyone who is fortunate enough to have people that love them to surround them, is blessed in more ways than one. My family and friends mean the world to me and everyday, I thank God for giving them to me.

I hope that when you read this, you can also reflect on your part year. I know there were many other things that happened, I could write a book!

For 2012, I want to continue growing in my faith, continue nurturing my relationships and I definitely want to travel! Let's see what adventures 2012 brings!

Love you always and forever,

Kika