This is Part 2 of my New Year's posts - the year that was. A look back at 2015.
All in all, 2015 was very good to me. The top five highlights from the year:
Number 1: Phoenix Rock and Roll Race
Dennis and I managed to squeeze in two trips this year. First up was Phoenix in January, to run the Rock and Roll Race. My surgery ended up being delayed so I only had a month or so to train but I managed to squeak out a 10k. As it turns out, it would be my last destination run. The Tamoxifen took it's toll and my running days had to come to a halt shortly after that. But if I had to have a last run, I'm glad it could be in such a beautiful place.
Number 2: Train Trip Through Verde Canyon
Dennis and I took a beautiful and romantic train trip while we were in Phoenix, through the Verde Canyon area. We travelled first class (because we're fancy people) and even though I had a cold (what else is new) it was wonderful. We saw some beautiful countryside and had some time to relax and just be still together.
Number 3: Halloween Horror Nights
I never, in a million years, expected to put this one the list. I was dreading - DREADING - the event the whole time we were in California. But you know what? It ended up being so much fun. And usually I hate being chased. Hate it! (Couldn't even play tag as a child, it created too much anxiety for me.) While I enjoyed the event for its own merits, it was also fun to indulge Dennis and be able to join him whole heartedly in one of his adventures.
Number 4: Getting Out of the House
For some reason, this year Dennis and I signed up for things left and right. And we would always wonder what the hell we were thinking right before, but then be glad we did it afterwards. A few of our events this year: Wizard of Oz, Barenaked Ladies, Shrek the Musical, Kevin McDonald, Scott Thompson... and probably a couple others that I'm missing.
Number 5: Family Time
I can't think of a particular time but we did have lots of family time this year. I am so grateful that we have rung in another year with both Mom and Dad still here and healthy. I am so grateful that we live in the same city, and that we can see each other at church, or get together for dinner, or just drop by for a visit.
While there have been lots of good things this year, it was also a hard year in some ways. I haven't stopped looking over my shoulder yet. Maybe with cancer you never really do. I don't yet truly believe that I'm healthy. Every ache, pain or anything slightly abnormal and I find myself wondering if the cancer is back. Or if it's a new cancer. I think I'm also still processing the experience. While I have lots to be grateful for and most days I'm able to feel the joy of being alive, cancer has been a profound sadness in my life.
All in all, 2015 was very good to me. The top five highlights from the year:
Number 1: Phoenix Rock and Roll Race
Dennis and I managed to squeeze in two trips this year. First up was Phoenix in January, to run the Rock and Roll Race. My surgery ended up being delayed so I only had a month or so to train but I managed to squeak out a 10k. As it turns out, it would be my last destination run. The Tamoxifen took it's toll and my running days had to come to a halt shortly after that. But if I had to have a last run, I'm glad it could be in such a beautiful place.
Number 2: Train Trip Through Verde Canyon
Dennis and I took a beautiful and romantic train trip while we were in Phoenix, through the Verde Canyon area. We travelled first class (because we're fancy people) and even though I had a cold (what else is new) it was wonderful. We saw some beautiful countryside and had some time to relax and just be still together.
Number 3: Halloween Horror Nights
I never, in a million years, expected to put this one the list. I was dreading - DREADING - the event the whole time we were in California. But you know what? It ended up being so much fun. And usually I hate being chased. Hate it! (Couldn't even play tag as a child, it created too much anxiety for me.) While I enjoyed the event for its own merits, it was also fun to indulge Dennis and be able to join him whole heartedly in one of his adventures.
Number 4: Getting Out of the House
For some reason, this year Dennis and I signed up for things left and right. And we would always wonder what the hell we were thinking right before, but then be glad we did it afterwards. A few of our events this year: Wizard of Oz, Barenaked Ladies, Shrek the Musical, Kevin McDonald, Scott Thompson... and probably a couple others that I'm missing.
Number 5: Family Time
I can't think of a particular time but we did have lots of family time this year. I am so grateful that we have rung in another year with both Mom and Dad still here and healthy. I am so grateful that we live in the same city, and that we can see each other at church, or get together for dinner, or just drop by for a visit.
While there have been lots of good things this year, it was also a hard year in some ways. I haven't stopped looking over my shoulder yet. Maybe with cancer you never really do. I don't yet truly believe that I'm healthy. Every ache, pain or anything slightly abnormal and I find myself wondering if the cancer is back. Or if it's a new cancer. I think I'm also still processing the experience. While I have lots to be grateful for and most days I'm able to feel the joy of being alive, cancer has been a profound sadness in my life.