My Vedic Astrology chart indicated I would be challenged until 2019. Let’s sum up some of the recent challenges, just for fun.

2013 – Oct 2nd, laid off job (first time in my long work life!)

2014 – February 7th, Vincent John Salvati, my one and only nephew died of an accidental overdose in February.

2014 – February 14th, started a new job – such a blessing to be able to pay the mortgage on time now.

2014 – May 22nd, Regina Connolly Salvati, my sister and last remaining family-of-origin member died of liver failure after a life-long battle with alcoholism and addiction.

2014 – May 23rd, my 60th birthday. And for the first time ever, I felt very, very old.

2015 – Summer, we lost two pugs. Our healthiest pug Frodo had a massive stroke and had to be euthanized. A month later, my oldest pug Xena had to be euthanized.

2015 – September, realized that my life-long best friend wasn’t much interested in really staying connected. Also realized that someone I thought was a deep and abiding friend didn’t really need my friendship once she married into money.

2015 – October, wrapped up a very long and expensive probate for my sister’s estates (I represented myself to save money).

2015 – November, rear-ended (minor damage) by someone on the way to work. Wanting to trust the world, I believed him when he said he’d pay for the repair so I didn’t call the police at the time of the accident and just exchanged information. He’s no longer returning my phone calls or text messages now that my car is fixed and I need him to pay the $625.

2015 – December, a fascist blowhard (aka D T) is leading the Republicans for the nomination for President; and a lying, corporate tool and war-monger (aka HRC) is leading the Democrats. I’ve donated to Bernie Sanders campaign and am doing everything I can to help him win the Democratic nomination. But I need a plan B. I wonder if Canada will take a political refugee from the USA?

2015 – December, painful realization that no matter how hard I try, I cannot make a family out of individuals who have no desire to live near me, or be part of a family. There are so many other aspects to this painful realization, but I’ll leave it at that.

2016 – January 1st, I realize for the first time that I’ve spent my life waiting for ‘someday’ to occur. Now I’m close to 61 years old and finally understand that ‘someday’ is never going to come.

In June I’m taking my sons to visit Vincent and Regina’s graves at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetary near Albany, New York.

We will then see my cousin Suzanne in Connecticut before heading off for almost four weeks exploring Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy and Greece.

I’m praying the Universe gives me a reprieve in 2016.