2009 IS MY YEAR!

As many are ringing in the new year either sleeping or partying, I am a little reflective, (and cold, with the wind chill here it is -13 degrees). The year 2008 brought many challenges and joys. Some of you have listed things out, and I am going to steal the idea.

2008 brought:
-A great Florida getaway to get some well needed sun and fun with the "family"
-Lots of snow
-news that my "family" was moving
-prospects of moving to Chicago was on the horizon
-house on the market
-MY BABY MILO TURNED 1!! on Cinco De Mayo!!!
-I celebrated my "57th" birthday with great friends and family
-My first year as a middle school teacher ended, definitely a change from elementary school.
-I tearfully said goodbye to my beloved friends and family.
-I found out what it is like NOT to work over the summer. (Financially, not wise, but Emotionally very wise).
-Rebecca Payne got married, and is not Rebecca Lewis
-I visited the Illinois State fair for the first time, and WORKED MY ASS OFF painting and keeping others from going crazy. (oh i just looked, my ass is still here.)
-My loving sister had a beautiful wedding in Colorado. I was a bridesmaid, and Kim was the beautiful bride.
-My second year of middle school started.
-Said goodbye to my 1998 Nissan Sentra, crushed from a drunk driver. ugh.
-Friends helped me establish a stronger budget, (i am still working on that one!)
-Purchased a 2006 Toyota Camry, still getting used to it.
-Got a second job (again) at JC Penny in the Home Department, (right up my alley)
-Celebrated Thanksgiving with a new group of friends!!
-Had a dead tree fall in my yard
-Shoveled more snow
-Had the best ever Cookie Swap Party!!! (Karen and I are great hostesses!!)
-Got Christmas presents out before Christmas. (a big feat if you know me!)
-Developed new traditions for the holidays, spent with great friends.

You know, 2008 had a lot of tears, both happy and sad ones. God does have a plan for me. I definitely struggled with the notion of change and things that are out of my control. I get very uncomfortable with the "unknown" and have had to shelf that uncomfort. The struggles this year has only made me a stronger person, who is able to be more reflective of my relationships with people. God has provided me with a great support system across the states. Friendships strengthened with the distance of another. Phone calls got longer and more meaningful. Schedules have allowed me to put things on the calendar to look forward to something new.

As Jane said to me this season, "Karen, I want you to have to courage to bust out and meet someone, 2009 is your year!!

To that Jane, I raise my glass and shout, "2009 IS MY YEAR!!!!!"