just_karyn | Auld Lang Syne 2011

As has become my practice, I seem to post here very rarely, usually as a reflection on the end of a year. However, I read very often as I enjoy the depth of experience LJ provides as opposed to facebook, etc.

So, 2011. WOW, what a year. It marked an end to my job at Special Olympics Illinois. A big move from Illinois to Arizona. Arizona?! Leaving our friends and family and the hope of a better tomorrow.

So, as we have been in Arizona for just 4 months, I can say that job opportunities have been much improved over where we were in Illinois. Joe's job is really great, he's busy and making friends. I enjoy my job, and the people I'm working with. However the friends front has been sad. Everyone I work with is much younger than I am. We have met a couple of our neighbors, but they are much older than we are and other than that, no one. We have found a church that we really enjoy attending, however, it is huge. Meeting friends there is impossible. We have thought about joining a "neighborhood group" through the church and may do that after the new year. Friendship - It's our biggest challenge in moving. It's been more difficult for me than Joe in leaving behind our friends in Illinois and is definitely an area I am struggling with. Didn't making new friends used to be much easier?? :)

This is the year that our daughter will graduate college and be married. I can't believe it! We have a busy year to look forward to.

Personally, I am not making resolutions, but do have a couple of goals that I'm striving to meet throughout this new year. Hopefully posting more often will be among them.

I wish you all much love and peace in the coming year.