My life, for what it's worth, part 2

I used to do these every year, at the old place.  I think I'll do it again this year. 1. What did you do in 2017 that you've never done before? Bury my dad.   2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Sort of.  I resolved to make time for reading every day.  I started out doing really well, and then dad got sick and died and I kind of got off track.  I've still read way more this year than I have in awhile, but I'd like to try to do even more.  And I think I want to figure out a way to limit my time on social media.  It's interesting and fun, but those are hours of my life I'm never getting back, and I bet I could find a better way to use them. 3. Did anyone close to you give birth? No. 4. Did anyone close to you die? My dad.  The man I considered to be my second dad.  The cat, and the dog.   5. What countries did you visit? I did not leave the US this year.  I did have a lovely week on Maui, whic

I'm gonna say it.  2017 has been the worst year ever.  Even not counting the president, which has been pretty awful all by itself.  I lost my dad.  I lost the man I considered to be a second father.  I've been dealing with all the drama of Emily's ups and downs, and my mom falling.  We lost the cat, which sent Joe into a tailspin.  And now the dog is sick.  Last Wednesday I went to rub the dog's head and realized there were big golf ball-sized lumps under his chin.  By the next day his front leg and his face had swollen up.  Joe took him to the vet, who promised to call with test results the next day.  Finally today I managed to get the news that it's lymphoma. I wanted to take him tonight to put him down.  He's not actively suffering but he's obviously uncomfortable and he's not enjoying life anymore.  Joe doesn't want to do it yet.  We need to have a talk about this (and I will do it tomorrow regardless, I don't want any animals suffering o