My nephew Austin with my newborn neice, Riley
A few of the highlights of 2008 include the two beautiful babies we now have in our family. Addison Elizabeth is the daughter of my cousin (who is more like a sister b/c we grew up close) and her husband; she was born in May and is soo gorgeous. And on 12/30 my brother and sister-in-law welcomed their second child, a daughter Riley Claire; my nephew (and buddy) Austin is 6 now (quite the proud big brother). It will be interesting to watch them grow. The Celtic Thunder concert and trip to Houston was a great experience...over much too quickly.
I'm not going to list the challenges of the year-however they do tend to make you think about what you want (or want to change) and how to achieve it. That however is what prompts resolutions or changes for the upcoming year. In no particular order, here are some of mine-(I read an article where goals/plans need to be as specific as possible lol, so going to try that)...
1. lose 75 lbs (I have the planner, work out program, free weights, new running shoes, diet plan) so this will happen-progress reports will be made monthly. This is for me and my health and well being.
2. keep faith and belief in myself and God-sometimes in our struggles or challenges we forget we aren't alone and that we can make it. Life is what you make of it-some things that happen may be out of your control but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it--I'm going to try and remember this more, have a better attitude (even, or rather especially) when things don't go my way.
3. Get a career-even if means going back to school I am going for a career (not just a job-I have two of those now and can barely pay the bills) I want to be able to get in with a company and be able to grow, make enought money to support myself, travel, and get ahead of the bills for once.
4. take at least one trip-either overseas (Ireland/Scotland, England, Italy) are possibilities or just to NY for the St. Patrick's Day parade or go to the CT show with Missy in P'burg..I want to travel again this year! (Last yr went to Philly for Ron's graduation)
5. start a savings account-this way I can take bigger trips (LOL), plan for a new vehicle, a house of my own or I don't have to go to the parents when life gets in the way..this goes with #3...
6. be a better friend-I know when things get rough I tend to withdraw from friends-it's a bad habit, but when friend's go through things I'm always there-try to check on them (without being annoying) to listen or whatever, I tend to be protective of my friends, I don't want them hurt.
Well I think that covers the major ones-I know we all have challenges to face this upcoming year but hopefully it will be a blessed one for all :D......HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!
