Updates on Randy and Year of the Horse

Someone told me the other day that this is the year of the Wooden Horse (Chinese Astrology).  I was also advised that the previous two years were “water” years, 2012 was the Water Dragon, followed by 2013’s year of the Water Snake.  Apparently, the past two years have been low on energy and kind of sad.  I can certainly relate to that.  But the year of the Wooden Horse is supposed to bring better times.  According to Susan Levitt, “The Wood Horse year is a time of fast victories, unexpected adventure, and surprising romance. It is an excellent year for travel, and the more far away and off the beaten path the better. Energy is high and production is rewarded. Decisive action, not procrastination, brings victory. But you have to act fast in a Horse year. If you are not 100% secure about a decision, then don’t do it. Events move so quickly in a Horse year that you don’t want to gallop off in the wrong direction.”  Ok.  I’m ready. I have an adventure coming up the end of February…off to Thailand and Myanmar for diving.  I am so looking forward to it. CLICK TO TWEET.

Randy is recovering from his double lung transplant very well, but his father is experiencing health issues, and that is holding back some of his recovery, I believe. We are in the process of trying to get some home health care involved, meals delivered, and someone to help Ran’s dad a few times a week with tasks he wants done. Hopefully that will free Randy up a bit to get back to PT full time and other recovery tasks.  I hope so. With lung transplant, there is ONE window, 6 months to a year, to get your lungs to their absolute best.  After the one year mark, they begin to age.  It is critical that Randy work as hard as he can to get as much lung volume as possible.

Midlife and the empty nest offer great opportunities, but there is also the other side of midlife: our illnesses, parent illnesses and the loss of your parents.  And your friends. So far in 2014 a friend has lost her husband suddenly, an old friend has passed away, and my biological father passed as well. My aunt fell down a flight of stairs and broke her leg and her collarbone.  As in all times in our lives, midlife definitely has its set of challenges. However, the year of the horse didn’t start until Feb 1, and all of that happened in January. So I still have hope for 2014!  I received a surprise invitation to see Sting on Sunday night, so that is an unexpected adventure. One thing I have always known is that you have to go while you can. As far as possible, and within reason, go and do what you want to NOW, while you are able. Truly, you only have this moment.

So…. Go Horse, Go!  Run for the Roses! Make the Year of the Wooden Horse, 2014, a great year!  Oh, and Happy New Year to you!