Question of The Day. New Year's Eve. 2016

Only about 5 hours of 2016 left in this part of the World. I know a lot of people are going to breath a sigh of relief when it's over. Was it really all that bad?

What was the highlight of 2016 for you? 

My year had a few ups and downs. I had several wonderful hours on horseback, hiked a few beautiful trails, had a couple of trips to art galleries and museums and made a couple of new friends.

The best part of the year was when my missing cat, Twinkle, came home. She got out and disappeared for six weeks, but then suddenly showed up again one morning. She'd lost weight, but seemed fine apart from that. She's been enjoying lots of extra food and treats ever since, she's back to her correct weigh now and I'm very happy to have her home again.

How about you? What made 2016 special?

Getting engaged after 8 years together. Sounds cliche but we've been wanting to do it for a while. 

Hopefully late March 2017 will see us married.  

Managed to save enough money to not only contribute to my 401K but also get some much needed repairs done at home.

It was a rough year otherwise for various reasons.  I'm not sorry to see it go.  We both woke up sick this morning, so enough is enough 

I got 2 new knees!  I had left total knee replacement Jan 20, and right total knee replacement Jun 1.  It is a rough recovery the first 4 to 6 weeks.  But at this point, I am doing great, pain free for the first time in over 8 years, no pain meds needed any longer, and I am able to do things I've not been able to do in ages.

Lots of negatives as well, but that is my big POSITIVE for 2016!

One of our daughters got married this autumn.  And Carleton has been with us for one whole year!

My trip to Ireland! Tara Hill/Boyne Valley, Glendalough/Wicklow, Belfast, Newcastle, Medieval castles and abbey's, Mountains of Mourne, St Patrick's Grave, Archaeology museum, Kilkenny,  and so forth and so forth, emotionally connecting with my late Irish grandpapa, meeting and befriending likeminded young women.....all my happy places in my head.

*Happy sigh*

Runner's up....

Liffey and Autumn coming into my life
Got a brand new car
Spa trips
Saw National Ballet of Canada, La Sylphide
Performing in the Nutcracker

 

Like everyone else the year contained real hard parts too, like my father's many surgeries and health problems, but the positives were big blessings no matter what. 

Ah, what a nice thought for the end the year--looking at the positives instead of the negatives.  

We took our kids to Disney!  My Mom and Step-dad went also and it was just a great week together!  Seeing my kids reactions to everything made all the planning and the cost worth it!  My DD's face when she saw the castle was PRICELESS!!  When my DS met the real-TALKING Mickey who played with him; well my son lit up like a Christmas tree.  It was hysterical.  Even the Disney photographer and cast member assisting were cracking up.  I wish I had known so I could have recorded it because it was just so funny and sweet.  I really enjoyed my time at Disney!

The two big "ups" for me...

- The Cubs won the World Series!!! 108 years baby! I never saw so many people just... euphoric.
- On a more personal note, I started my cat sitting business. I ended the year with almost $2k profit (after expenses and what-not), and have 14 clients. I'm still amazed at how far this business has come.

I got MOVED DOWNSTAIRS!  I was only getting out of my front door about 3-4 times a month, because of my walker, but now I'm in and out, sitting on my porch 7-8 times a DAY!  I can go get my mail daily, and take out my trash whenever I want, and get to the laundry room without help!  I can even help the cab driver get my groceries in the house!  THIS ROCKS!

i'd have to say that there are two things i consider 'highlights' of 2016 for me. the first is my three cats -- all happy, healthy, and enjoying our life together. the second would be the many wonderful members here at TCS who i've come to know and care so very much about, as well as all the cats of our members. these two things made my year a really good one! 

of course, there have been challenges this year in my life, as well as much of what's been going on around the world and here in the US -- on the negative side of things.

my 2016 has been pretty boring. nothing majorly eventful happened.

Guess the best thing that happened was me getting my reef tank? 

I started this year with a funeral. I ended this year the same way. I welcome 2017.

Sorry to be so negative but 2016 has been a horrible year for me. I totaled my car, Muffin died in April and Muffy died this morning. I found out I am diabetic and then there was that awful election. I can't really think of anything good that's happen to me. 

So sorry,  @Muffy  I hope 2017 is better for you.

The best thing that happened to me was Lily, who I adopted in August. She is the lap cat I've always wanted. I plan on spending New Year's Eve with her purring in my lap and a book in my hands.

Muffy said:

Sorry to be so negative but 2016 has been a horrible year for me. I totaled my car, Muffin died in April and Muffy died this morning. I found out I am diabetic and then there was that awful election. I can't really think of anything good that's happen to me. 

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I'm so very sorry for your losses. I hope 2017 is a better year.

I was able to return to the church, which is something I'd wanted to do for years. I faced my fear & went to confession so that I can now receive the sacraments. Attending mass is now probably the highlight of my week.

@Muffy, I am so sorry for the loss of Muffin and Muffy.  That is very hard and I am wishing that very good things come to you this New Year.  My sympathies to you on your loss of Muffy just so recently.