I guess 2007 is the year of change for me. Both Steve and I realize nothing lasts forever. We hope our marriage does but what about friends, jobs and location?

This year Steve decided with much prodding (from moi) to move to a new school. He had been at his school for a total of fourteen years. He was known as Superman. He was the security at this school where not only did the present youngsters know him, but their older sisters and brothers did as well. We actually were waiting for the next generation of children to come up to him and ask if he knew their mom or dad who had previously attended this inner city school. Well, that didn't happen. A change of administration led to a change in hours and overtime which led to Steve FINALLY realize it was time to move to a school closer to the house with an added bonus of more hours of work. He now saves 20 miles a day round trip and gains 5 extra hours of work per week.

He was given an amazing going away party, which is unusual for the school employees here in Las Vegas. So many people change schools. There would be a party every day if everyone was given this type of good bye. I felt so proud watching him shine on his last day at this school. He seems happy at the new school. The staff seems nice and I know it's going to take a little while until he thinks of it as home. However, I know that will happen.

I am at the stage of my life where as I am ridding myself of people I no longer want in my life. Perhaps they were once thought of as friends or just fair weather friends but I am cleaning house. It takes time, it takes thought and it also takes emotion; however, I am doing it, all for the sake of change and sanity.

We also have decided that after this year, aka December 2007, we are not renewing our membership to our synagogue. Frankly, it hurt me to make this decision and this change, but as much as I will always be proud to be a Jew (hopefully a good one at that), I cannot condone the changes that are being made with the Board of Directors at the Temple. I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror and be happy with what I see. The congregation built a beautiful new building that I am sure is more expensive to run than was anticipated, so everyone has to pitch in and pay for it. That I understand, however how they chose to go about it is something I choose not to share at this time. I wish them well. Again, I will cherish the 23 years I've shared with them but now it's time to not be affiliated with a synagogue and let the young and the more affluent handle it.

I am looking forward to Steve's retirement. That's not for a few years. I am ready for another change. I am ready to move to Texas. I am living for today, but planting the seed for our future. I have to clean house so I can move on in peace.

After reading this, I realized it probably sounds as if I am angry. I am not. I have to find the happy medium so I can allow myself the peace I need. Last weekend, I watched Larry King. I do not watch his show often, but Joy Behar was on the show promoting her book, When You Need a Lift. I have been so blessed in my life and when I find I am going to either start to feel sorry for myself or I am not having a great day, I have so many wonderful things to remember. By having these memories, it rips me out of the bad mood and I am OK again. I think the idea for her book is fabulous. There are so many angry people out there. I hope we all take the time to realize that we cannot sweat the small stuff. If something is bothering us and it's been more than six months, (our son taught us this) either handle it or live with it. Life is way too short. Each year it gets more noticeable.

I wish for all of us to find peace in healing.

Love,