Last year I challenged myself in many ways.

This year is challenging me in ways I never expected – especially not so soon (we are only 14 days in, for crying out loud).

Still, there are rays of hope starting to glimmer through.

While working outside the home didn’t work out for a variety of reasons, I’ve managed to pick up odd jobs here and there. I have a part time job working for a lovely lady & the job is 85% virtual/online.

Another odd job is something I’ve thought about doing for a while. I’m just dipping my toe in right now, but so far the water is nice.  If it goes well and starts to build, it could be good for me.

I’m also embarking on a project with my Critique group that is at turns terrifying…and deeply exciting.  It’s a learning and growing experience that’s coming to mean a lot to me.

Of course there’s that book-thing next month that I’m gearing up for – and another in April.  Not to mention some new stories that are truly exciting me, no matter their length.

I’m re-considering my experiment of merging my author and personal blogs. No firm decisions yet, but it’s a definite thought that’s occupying my mind. I suppose it all depends on how active my author blog becomes and how much the traffic grows.

On the family front the kids are back in school, and now that hubby’s flu has passed life should begin to return to our normal schedules and maybe I can get these decorations down.

My smarty-pants Denver is making a DNA model out of K’Nex for extra credit.  Molly is showing real progress in all of her IEP goals.  Kennedy is…well, she’s struggling right now & giving us cause for worry…but she is still ready with at least one heart-melty smile every single day.

Yes, 2013 is certainly throwing its fair share of crap our way…but finally I’m starting to feel that the sun is peeking through the clouds of turmoil.

Now I just need to find new ways to challenge myself like I did last year.

Any ideas?