Wow! It's over! 2008 is another year in the history books.
08 brought some happy times and some not so happy times. I'm glad it's over and excited to move ahead with the new year and see what it has to bring!
2008 brought:
The close death of my mother in a car accident. It was a long, slow road to recovery for her including 6 months in hospital. She's thankful to be alive and back at home, but it's difficult to see how limited she is now physically. She's in her late 70's and age and years of not looking after herself have caught up with her. Her accident took months out of my life well as I cared for her, running back and forth to hospital, looking after insurance, home care etc.
My son's high school graduation was in June, and I am SO proud of him and all his accomplishments. We've just completed his university applications and I'm so anxious to see where life takes him. He wants to teach and I think he'll be a great teacher!
Gerald and I took a much needed vacation to Cancun in February where we reconnected with each other and finally had some time in life to sit back and talk to each other. It was a wonderful and much needed week away. This was also the week that got me seriously thinking about making Mexico our home as my love affair with the country and its people began.
We lost our beloved German Shepherd and sent her to the rainbow bridge. This was probably the most heart wrenching thing that happened throughout the entire year. Making the decision to put your animal to sleep is so difficult. The kids were heartbroken but we took consolation in the fact that it was the best decision for her. She could finally rest without pain. We miss her everyday, but have so many wonderful memories of our girl.
We had the chance to take a vacation as a family, taking the kids to Playa del Carmen in August. I think I left part of my heart there! Having both kids with us on vacation is a rare event and we loved every minute of it! Both kids were thrilled to be there and loved Playa almost as much as me!
I started my last year of university and the light at the end of the tunnel got so much brighter. I also filled out my own applications for teacher's college and began the long wait to get an answer.
2009 will be the year when:
I quit smoking. Again. And hopefully for the last time. With my 40th birthday just around the corner, I'm finding myself focusing more and more on adapting a healthier lifestyle and taking better care of myself.
I will graduate!!! This is my last semester in completing my undergrad degree and I can't wait!
I will also begin teacher's college and take another step in getting on with my life. Unfortunately, this also means that our finances are going to go down the proverbial drain.
I will focus more or myself instead of getting bowled over by life. I really want to be able to take more time for myself and rediscover the things I love about me.
I will try to finish some of the projects we've started around the house. Some of these having been left unfinished for a few years now and this year, I swear they're going to be finished!
There are so many things that happened in 08 and so many that I'm looking forward to in 09.
All the best to you and yours this new year!
