2022 Year in Review

I keep thinking that I need to write and that I should post a year in review. You know, for posterity and such. Here goes:

In 2022, I finished my doctorate (#humblebrag). I'm Dr. Storm. It still makes me giggle because it's kind of ridiculous.

Trey started a new job. He kind of single-handedly ran an incredibly successful wire department where he had loyal, happy employees and sent millions of dollars spinning around the world every day (#wifebrag). The bank sold, and there was some uncertainty for a time. But by May he had started at a new bank in the area - kind of a "start up" I guess. I can't think of anyone else more qualified and able to help build an organization from the ground up. 

Tucker moved out, and we all survived. I mean, he lives 18 minutes away with traffic, but this could be traumatic for a Mother (he mostly calls me "mother"). He's a great kid/young adult human who takes care of his business (#mombrag). He hasn't starved yet, which is one thing I was legitimately worried about because I'm not there to remind him to eat. He LOVES his work with A&M football and has a great boss who inspires him, appreciates him, and holds him to a high standard. He also has grown out what I'm told is an "epic" mullet. College kids, right?

Keaton started his senior year of high school. This could be traumatic for a Momma (he mostly calls me Momma). He takes about three classes where he mostly does what they need him to do and where I'm pretty sure he charms the teachers into letting him work on his timetable. He's also taking an automotive class at the end of the day, so he spends the last part of his school day every day working on cars. He loves it so much. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity for him. Also, he still works at the cafe (since he turned 15!), and now he's server. He didn't work for about a week during Christmas, and the last two days of work have been so great for him. He's come home both days talking about how much he loves meeting people and chatting them up and such. 2022 also got him got a big, loud truck. High school kids, right?

Trey's sweet mom took a fall early in the summer, and she spent about four months in the hospital and skilled nursing. It was tough on everyone, but no one more than her. We are especially thankful this year to have her home. It's worth noting that her husband of over 60 years spent all but two nights sleeping on a couch or pullout bed in the hospital to be with her. We all tried to pitch in, but Trey and his sister were devoted to helping their parents on the daily. My husband comes from good people. He's lucky he found me because I come from good people, too (#daughterbrag). We sure do love Mimi and are so very grateful for her, especially this year.

In May, I started the Very Best Job on Earth. I'm serious - my title is "Director with the Very Best Job on Earth." I have the wonderful pleasure of leading the elementary principals in my district and co-leading the Curriculum and Instruction Department. The educators I work with are dedicated to helping prepare kids for any opportunity that comes their way, and I get paid to learn from them and look for ways to support them. I get paid for that! Even when it's hard, it's a dream. 

And now we look toward 2023. I need a learning project - I've often considered trying to learn Spanish, but lately I wonder if I should take piano lessons. Fun fact - I have weirdly crooked  pinkie fingers and don't use them when I type so I'm a little concerned that could impede my ability to learn piano. I should write more - I like writing. Maybe 2023 will bring a little of that. It will certainly bring Trey and me a life with two grown children!  We like each other a whole bunch, so we'll miss the kid-parenting but we'll likely find some other adventures. 

I used to tell my high school kids that high school is wonderful and fun, but if those are the best years of your life then you're doing it wrong. That's how I feel about another year older and phases of life ending and beginning. It's really up to us. If we believe the best is behind us, then we're probably doing it wrong. Cheers to 2023!

Happy New Year!