One year later

Today is the first anniversary of my divorce.  Surviving that is indeed a milestone to celebrate.  But rather than dwell on the past, I'm looking forward to the future.
One year ago I was a mess.  I cried at the drop of a hat, had terrible insomnia and emotional lability.  I could not even contemplate facing the spath without a beta-blocker and an anxiolytic.  I was numb for the entire negotiation (or more appropriately, extortion) process. 
I know I've come a long way.  I am healthier and happier than I've been in a long time.  I finished a 60,000 word book.  I finally sold my second house which has been hanging for three long years like a millstone around my neck (yesterday!), and am remodeling to make my kitchen into my dream kitchen.
Exactly 51 weeks ago, I spent a good part of an afternoon with members of a certain government agency armed with documents garnered during the divorce.  I don't know if they'll be able to put him in jail, but certainly there will be penalties paid, and he'll know that he hasn't gotten away with everything that he believes he has. I have exercised my constitutional rights and bought a firearm.
I have paid a quarter of a million dollars in tuition to the University of Hard Knocks and earned a doctorate in Difficult Life Experiences.  I am smarter and wiser now for my tribulations.  I will no longer be a patsy. 
My two boys are turning into wonderful young men.  I am so proud of both of them!  I have a wonderful circle of friends who have been so willing to give me support and love.  And while we're busier than ever at work (job security), I still look forward to interacting with my colleagues and patients every day.  I have so much to be thankful for.......

It's going to be a GREAT year!!!

What I've learned

The new year always brings an opportunity to reflect.  With another birthday upon me, I began to muse on what I've learned in my almost half-century upon the earth:

1.  There really are very few absolutes.
2.  There are some really good people out there.
3.  There are some really evil people out there.
4.  I have so much to be thankful for.
5.  If something doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger.
6.  I may never again fit into those clothes in my closet.
7.  No one is more loyal to you than your dog.
8.  You really do get smarter as your children get older!
9.  Things are just that.....things.  It is your loved ones that make all the difference.
10.  Don't take your good health for granted.  Every day is a gift.
11.  No matter how often I try, I will never like mustard.
12.  My favorite destination (so far) is Greece!
13.  I will never learn everything that I want to learn.
14.  I don't like yard work.
15.  I really like my job.  I don't think most people can say that.
16.  It's really a lot of work to get a book published.
17.  Embarrassing as it is, I usually prefer to read fluff over literary masterpieces.
18.  I read cookbooks for fun.  It doesn't matter if I'll never make anything from that particular book, I just like to read cookbooks.
19.  Note to grumpy people:  You really can catch more flies with honey than vinegar!
20.  I fervently hope that the "Just World" hypothesis and karma really do exist.