goodbye 2008...

I have been trying to think of a way to sort of sum up 2008, but it's hard because I have always lived my life by semesters, or 9 weeks, or by what year I was in a program... my calendar goes August to August. Guess that's what happens when you go to school all your life and then work in a school. But I'm going to start with January of last year and I've decided to just list things that happened, both good and bad, BUT for the bad things I'm going to put something good that came out of it and for anything good, I'm going to put how it will continue to be a good thing this year. We'll see how it goes, and I'm sure I won't have a complete list, but I want to look at things in a positive light. I've really struggled the past 6 months with my outlook and I am even going to a counselor... yep a counselor, which I think everyone should do at some point in their life. I think up to now, I have only told a total of 7 people about it and a few of those I had to tell because it affects work if I can't get a late enough appointment. Anyway, it's really helping and I really really like my counselor. I mainly went to deal with things with my Papa and all the other deaths and I felt as if I was going through some mild depression. It turns out I've talked more about  my Mom's death and other things as well. Ok that was a tangent but I've just gotten to where I felt like sharing that I'm going to counseling... it's just one of those things that you don't necessarily announce to everyone. Alright, back to the 2008 review/reflection, etc...

1. My Papa as well as 4 other family members passed away ~ it's a good thing because he is not suffering and is in Heaven (as well as the other family members) so I am definitely at peace about that

2. I've had an emotional roller coaster this year with some depression type feelings and anxiety ~ it's forced me to really rely more on God and not try to do everything on my own (still working on this!)

3. Several babies born in '08, the ones closest to me include a new baby girl cousin and a new baby boy nephew! ~ these babies will continue to provide lots of joy in my family and be thankful for the new lives we've had given to us (I also have several friends and one cousin expecting in 2009!) 

4. I have spent a lot of time with my family and have realized more than ever how important family is ~ I hope to continue to stay in contact with extended family. I often take for granted the family that I have not living close to me. 

5. I have loved, LOVED having my digital camera ~ I got it last year for Christmas, it's one of the big ones, and I have taken over 3,000 pictures on it. I love taking pictures, looking at them, and doing things with them (scrapbooking, photo gifts, etc.) It's really allowed me to capture a lot of memories this year that I wouldn't otherwise have. And it's great that I can take as many pics as I want.

6. I am in my 2nd year of having a REAL job ~ and I definitely hope for 2009 that I continue to have my job. I'm very thankful for it and even on the bad days I know many people don't have a job right now. 

7. Alex and I are doing great ~ of course we have our ups and downs but we have made it a little over 5 years and I don't know what I would do without him! He is crazy but he takes care of me and puts up with my faults, which is a tough job! I hope that 2009 brings us another good year with more ups than downs. 

8. I've gotten closer to some unexpected friends, made some new ones, and haven't heard from some old ones ~ I'm realizing that people definitely do come in and out of your life, you may not always have the same friends forever and it's not always a bad thing. New friends bring in new perspectives and adventures, and of course it's always good to have an old friend around.

9. Family is so important ~ I would not have made it in 2008 without my family. From my Dad who supports me no matter what to my niece and nephew who love unconditionally and always keep me smiling, I know that these are the people that will be there forever, no matter what, and I gotta make time for them. 

10. Hmmm... I haven't quite stuck with my original idea all the way through this post, but it doesn't seem right to stop at 9, so for # 10 I'll say something about my hopes for 2009... I hope to spend more time with God, less time worrying, continue to spend time with family and friends, and just enjoy every day as it comes. Things won't always be good, but I need to remember that it's a good day as long as I'm alive.

So, if any of you made it through this whole long post let me know what your hopes are for the new year, or something important you learned in '08.