January 2004: Brutally cold temperatures made for a long, hard month. Ben turned 17. Ben was accepted into NAIT for the fall. Nick kept me busy and entertained.

February 2004: Got Ben’s tux for Grad ordered. My brother won $6000 in the lottery. I was put on restrictive duty at work with my shoulder and elbow troubles. Sarah’s soldier returned from Ontario just long enough to break her hear again…..BASTARD!

March 2004: Enjoying our Oilers season tickets, but playoff hopes are getting slim! Doctor put me on meds, set up physio therapy, and took me off work for 4-6 weeks. My Oilers’ poem was published in the Edmonton Journal.

April 2004: Sarah turned 21 and I turned 46. Still off work. Had a cortisone shot in my shoulder. Oilers miss the playoffs. *wah* April 5 I happily returned to work. Had a delightful time with Nick at the Special Needs Rodeo. His first time on a midway.

May 2004: Ben’s play won locally and they advance to Provincials now. I took Nick to the Symphony. It was a DISASTER!! Ben won “Best Actor In a Supporting Role” at Provincials!! Team Canada won the cup! Ben got his braces off. Ben’s graduation was great! He looked so handsome!

June 2004: My 2 good friends and co-workers announced their retirements. *sniff* Work was very busy winding up the year, retirement events, etc. First day of summer break, I dragged out the paints, and painted all the lawn furniture.

July 2004: I spent almost all of July painting my kitchen, cupboards and all, breakfast nook, and family room. Ben went to Stage 13 with some friends, and Sarah and Ben went to Edgefest. The first half of the month POURED rain, and the second half was HOT. Hubby bought an A/C for our bedroom! (heaven!)

August 2004: Still painting and decorating. Painted the dining room and the railing. Hubby and I plan our first vacation in 3 years - a 5 day getaway to Radium Hot Springs. I have my first drink in 15 years while on vacation, after deciding I’ve set a wonderful example for my kids during all their impressionable years by not drinking, and now if I want to enjoy happy hour with hubby from time to time I will. I bought a new domain for all my photos: Little Glimpses. Replaced our old power-sucking 2nd fridge, and deep freeze with nice wee versions. Ben started at the Technical Institute.

September 2004: I’m back at work, with new administration, lots of changes, and not liking any of them! It snowed Sept. 9!! Hubby and his folks start installing the new hardwood floors in the dining room, kitchen and family room. Awesome!!!

October 2004: I tiled the bathroom and closet floors. Ben wins “Drama Student of the Year” from his High School!! No NHL hockey! *crying* Having serious problems with my knee. Haven’t worked out in months. Getting very fat!

November 2004: Hubby laid new berber carpet in the hot tub/workout room, TV room and stairway in the basement. Christmas shopping is nearly finished. I started painting the basement stairwell and TV room. Also painted the laundry room cupboards. Sarah started dating Jay.

December 2004: Had to attend the 2 day Non-Abusive Restraint Training seminar. The physical day 2 nearly wrecked me. My back has bothered me ever since. The brand new Tim Hortons opened here in town!!! We had our 26th wedding anniversary. Hubby turned 47. Survived Christmas! Wallpapered the TV room.