Another year gone by. .

This is usually the time of year to begin to make New Year's resolutions and reminisce about the past year. Resolutions for me are usually the same. Lose weight and learn to do the splits. That part is easy. The looking back at my year can bring a smile or sometimes throw me back into the gauntlet of pain I experienced at a time during the year. In this time of reflection, I can say what brings me happiness. That is always to easier start in my reflection.
First off, the happy things

-Chris getting a job that he loves and excels in. I knew he would do well when given the chance, and he has not disappointed me.
-My job at the Mission Inn. I hate it and love it at the same time, but I am mostly thankful for a job.
-Gas went down significantly.
-Chris and I got back together and are better then ever:)
- Baby Collin and Baby Avery were born.
-Tina Fey played an amazing Palin. It's iconic.
-Wounds with friend(s) seem to have healed and found peace.
-HSM 3 came out.
-I saw Wicked for the 2nd time.
-I celebrated a San Fran style Anniversary of 2 yrs.
-My mother opened the first Christian counseling center in Rwanda, Africa.
-I registered to vote. . .finally. I am registered as an "Emotional Republican" and in the next 4 yrs., I will help in determining who the next president will be.
-I bought my first car that I love. She is a Yaris called Roxie Heart and I so thankful for her.
-My broken toe left me out of work with time off enough to be able to spend the holidays with Loved ones. It was a blessing in disguise.
-Heath Ledger played what I believe will be one the most brilliant characters in history. The movie was a thought provoking look at our morality and it was a wildly entertaining movie.

. . .and the list goes on.

This had been quite a year for me. It feels as if my world was turned upside down. Oprah promised it would be my best year and now I don't believe everything she says. I am not bitter at all about these troubles, just a little disappointed.

-My Grandma, the only Grandparent I have ever known passed away. That was a crazy time. My mom put her underwear on backwards and we all lost our minds a little bit. Abby sang a song that started with "Grandma Ginny go to heaven". Thank God for laughter during that time. It was a drawn out process.
-I became estranged briefly with 3 best friends of mine, at the same time. That's quite a pickle. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Sometimes, I guess you have to learn the hard way and I had a lot of learning to do.
-The Mr. Bowmont died. (I am actually kind of relieved that happen.)
-I entered into what is known as a long-distance relationship. It sucks and I wish I could see him everyday.
-Veronica graduated and moved back home. Who does that?
-Bettie Page died.
-My dreaded broken toe. It has been a little ridiculous and I am still out of work. I have surgery on January 23 for my precious toe.
-Heath Ledger died and has now left a hole in the future of cinema(Chris Nolans words, not mine). It is a great loss. It will be a very hard role for someone to take on the Joker the way Heath did and have the same impact.

With all this reflection, I can speak of my plans for this year.

-I am planning a trip to Rwanda, Africa. I am going with my parents who encouraged me to go. This will be a wonderful experience that I hope will continue to go on in our family's history.
-I plan to go back to school. This toe thing has made it difficult for planning. Last time, they told me a week before I would have my surgery.
-I am planning on moving up North after Africa. My life is down here and it has been a difficult decision to make, but Lord willing, I am going to be relocating my life to a place that only feels like home because the man I love is there.
-I hope to be engaged by the end of this year, but everything is in its own timing especially when it comes to something as big as a marriage:)
-I am hoping to be the proud owner of an English Bulldog from a family friend and it will be called Byron or Bingley.

So far that is what I can think of. I hope your year of 2008 was a year that you can look fondly on. This year is your best year, as Oprah would say. We are going to do great things. . . .I hope. Our economy is in a slump and we have a world of problems, but I think we are a more willing people for change, growth and success.