New Year, New Word, New Life

And so 2008 comes to a close. I was trying to think about the past year and reflect upon my successes and exciting moments and I started getting a little weepy (it can happen sometimes). Here are my favorite 2008 happenings:
-meeting wonderful women who are accepting and inspiring. oh, and they are true friends.
-Paying off a HUGE credit card balance by myself and not incurring interest
-singing my concert (and preparing for it, making arrangements for it, etc). This was big for me and something I never thought would actually happen. It built my self esteem and I felt so amazing after it.
-Reading just to read - this was something I previously stopped doing. For a while I was reading just to get better arguments for "my side" and now I am embracing knowledge and relaxing with a good story
-Preparing for my wedding and having fun with it
-fostering a fulfilling relationship with Freddy
-sticking with my 366 photo project

In 2008 my word of the year was peace. And I do feel that I was happier, full of a sense of being ok with me and my life. It was a good word and I thank it.

And now I introduce to you (drum roll please) my word for 2009: CHANGE. There are lots of changes going on in my life this upcoming year. I am getting married. I will be moving out and starting my own life in my own place (wherever that will be), I will need to change how I think about money, food, my lifestyle. I'm not going to lie, I am nervous. This will be a momentous year. And I just have to say to myself that change is good and I will enjoy the ride.

Happy 2009 filled with lots of blessings.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

As some of you know, this is my ringtone at the moment, as I seriously love Christmas time. This year has been a little different, as I decided to be more simple in preparation and gift-giving. Those I love will receive one gift (this excludes stockings, of course, but those are simple, too). Yup, my mom is shocked as she remembers the year of the gap pjs stacked in boxes (no joke) four feet high for everyone on my list. And it just isn't worth it. Too crazy to buy, too much debt to incur, and realizing it is the people that make the gifts helped me realize that it was time to change. And I loved shopping this Christmas. I loved that I was calm and smiling and that I didn't have to trek to Roosevelt Field Mall once (three years ago I was stuck there in snow with Freddy). I thought that it was actually more meaningful to find one gift per person, as I had to really hope this is the perfect gift.

Our family and friends will be spending time enjoying one another, gifts just don't measure up to the joy we share in these moments. So, here are some highlights of Christmas Prep 2008 (since I have again been a bad blogger).

My new slippers and PJs for Christmas (I know fugly slippers, but man are they warm!)


The gals at out office part-ay


At a Christmas Breakfast


Each year Mom buys my brother Christopher and me ornaments celebrating something special from the past year. I received a teapot and Chris got a kiss my bass ornament, as he caught his first striped bass...very bold choice for Mom to buy.


2 of my fave ornaments, always aranged this way (please say it out loud and giggle)


At Rockefeller Center


And skating there (scratch it off the Bucketlist)





The Nativity at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC (I am obsessed with Nativities, may be another post)



And our new favorite tradition - The Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Garden. Everything is made from bark, twigs, leaves and the scenes are famous NYC landmarks.

Peace and Merriment to All!!!!