A late post about the New Year...

Better Late Than Never...Right?! Due to a lack of brain cells, here are some "stolen things"

Misc. Questions:
Where did you begin 2008? At Mike & Mary's house for Natalie's 1st birthday!

What was your status by Valentine's Day? Engaged to Stan the Man and floating on clouds.

How did you earn your money? Teacher at Crestwood

Did you have to go to the hospital? I visited others in the hospital

Did you have any encounters with the police? Nothing too serious...haha

What did you purchase that was over $1000? The reception site for the wedding

Did you move anywhere? Yes, we moved into our first house! YAY

What concerts/shows did you go to? I'm not sure...they blend together...I'm too old to remember, isn't that sad?!

What's one thing you thought you'd never do but did in 2008? I got marred again, which I wasn't sure would happen, and we bought a house

What has been your favorite moment? The wedding...trying to calm Mike down and make sure he didn't faint at the alter, all the giggles, trying not to make eye contact with him so I didn't cry, etc etc. :-)

What's something you learned about yourself? That I was a race car driver in a previous life, hahaha

Any new additions to your family? A family-in-law, a soon to be sister-in-law, a cute little foster dog that we adopted named Tessa, and a kitty out in the snow that I want to feed (don't be surprised if you hear about a new "project-kitty")

What was your best month? June was awesome...the end of the school year, the wedding, and a honeymoon provided by my coworkers.

Made new friends? I have had the chance to get closer to friends as well as meet new people, but I'm truly thankful for the opportunity to create stronger bonds with friends. :-)

(Thanks for that survey, Lynsey!)


(This was in an email from my sister-in-law, Cyndi)
Powerful Tips for 2009

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR. Tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga or stretching, and prayer.
They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured from plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Try & pay an honest compliment to someone you wouldn't normally.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to w in every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

29. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

30. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

31. Envy is a waste of time.. You already have all you need.

32. The best is yet to come.

33. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

34. Do the right thing!

35. Call your family often.

36. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for _____. Today I accomplished ______.

37. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

38. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

May your troubles be less,
May your blessings be more,
May nothing but happiness come through your door!


My goals for 2009:
1. Loose weight (x amount)
2. Get a check up from my doc and make sure my heart isn't in need of another surgery.
3. Become more organized at school and at home.
4. Spend more time with my family and friends.
5. Find forgiveness for those that have hurt me.
6. Start writing on a regular basis.
7. Read more.
8. Live every day to the fullest.