Happy New Year!!

Oh gosh...I am so glad it's the new year! I am soooo over 2008. It really wasn't a year to remember for me. Not one to linger in the past, half of 2008 was spent in emotional turmoil over my dad's lung cancer/chemotherapy and honestly the rest was just somewhat of a blur. Oh sure, there were a few bright spots; the festival was a success, I made new friends, reconnected with some old friends, saw one of my best friends tie the knot and another give birth to her first--much anticipated--child. But, I am ready for 2009 and the potential it has to be my best year ever. You know, I'm turning the big 3-0 in 2009 and with my old age has come some wisdom.

This is what I vow for the new year:

The knowledge and understanding that 'MEN ARE LIKE TRAINS...THERE'S ALWAYS ANOTHER ONE.' If he doesn't treat me the way I deserve to be treated--then someone else will. No more of this 'waiting on him to change' business...that just doesn't happen.

Attitude is everything. I can make any situation better--or worse--depending on how I react to it.

I am the only one that can make me happy. I will no longer begrudge happy couples--or happy parents--of their happiness simply because I'm jealous. If I'm not happy to begin with, having the things I most long for wouldn't make me happy either.

I'm going to learn how to sew. I'm going to make something cool too.

I'm going to listen to as many old stories from my parents and relatives as I can. I could even write those stores down.

I'm going to study more American History...and read less romance (no wonder we women are never satisfied! We compare men to the MADE-UP men in books).

And finally, I'm going to just love life and meet 2009 head on--ready for whatever lay in store for me. As Tim McGraw would say, "I'm an Indian Outlaw"...oh no...wrong song, "Cry a Little Less...Laugh a Little More"...NOW we're talking.