2008 was a crazy, emotional, fun, learning, and life-changing year for me. Nothing stands out as singularly monumental, but thinking back on the past year, I’ve had some exciting firsts, some great almosts, a lot of important lessons, and some amazing times with family and friends. I might not have thought it along the way, but looking back, I would definitely give 2008 a thumbs up, rather than a thumbs down.
Ok…2008, I’m going to try to hit the high and important points.
This year encompassed a lot of firsts for me. I started living in my own apartment, with no roommates, which has been a good and bad thing. I think the solitude has taught me a lot about myself. It was definitely an adjustment coming from college with 3-4 roommates every year, to living at home with 3-4 roommates, to living alone. It’s nice when you want to be alone, you definitely c
an, and with my crazy schedule, it’s worked out pretty well. I still miss having roommates sitting in my room when I get home from class…err work, and always having someone to eat dinner with, or go on random adventures with, or get into some kind of trouble with, but I guess that’s what friends are for, and I definitely have made some great ones this year. I think that living alone has forced me to get out and meet new people. Sometimes living with people makes you content to stay home more, and complacent to only hang out with them. These are not bad things, but I’m putting the positive spin on my sitch, and I’m glad for the forced meeting of people this year :).I’ve learned a lot about myself also through the care and time I have spent with my grandmother (Grandmommy) this past year. It really has been an experience I never thought I would have to take on, especially this early in my life, but as a participant of this part of my life, and not a spectator, I am eternally grateful for whatever reason that I have been placed in the position that I have. I have no doubt that it was not all by chance that I work an
d live so close to where she lives. It has been trying and hard to completely swap roles with someone; To care for someone who once cared for you. It is hard to spend so much time with someone who doesn’t speak much, when she used to be a constant chatter box full of advice and knowledge. I love our time together, and am glad that I have come to be somewhat less sad about the situation, and switched gears into thankfulness that I even have her here at all. As strange as it sounds, she has taught me equally as much or more since her mind has changed, than she taught me before. I find solace in the time we spend together and what it has taught me about unconditional love. I am blessed that I am not scared of her situation, but have embraced it, as it is all that one can do. Our time together has definitely shaped me and caused me to realize the important things in life, and to perhaps not take myself so seriously. Life is precious and I think that we forget that sometimes. I’m thankful for that reminder through Grandmommy’s daily ups and downs with her dementia/Alzheimer’s.
d live so close to where she lives. It has been trying and hard to completely swap roles with someone; To care for someone who once cared for you. It is hard to spend so much time with someone who doesn’t speak much, when she used to be a constant chatter box full of advice and knowledge. I love our time together, and am glad that I have come to be somewhat less sad about the situation, and switched gears into thankfulness that I even have her here at all. As strange as it sounds, she has taught me equally as much or more since her mind has changed, than she taught me before. I find solace in the time we spend together and what it has taught me about unconditional love. I am blessed that I am not scared of her situation, but have embraced it, as it is all that one can do. Our time together has definitely shaped me and caused me to realize the important things in life, and to perhaps not take myself so seriously. Life is precious and I think that we forget that sometimes. I’m thankful for that reminder through Grandmommy’s daily ups and downs with her dementia/Alzheimer’s. I love her so much.
On a lighter note, I had some amazing times in 2008 with friends! I was fortunate to get to go on a trip to Colorado to ski, which was my first skiing experience—the Losaks are tropical people. I also had the unique opportunity to travel with my brother and wonderful friend Brian to NY for an adventuresome trip I will never forget.
AND…Crista and I went to Laguna Beach, California to visit Lauren while she was working out there. The trip was so much fun, and reminded me of what sweet, fun, crazy friends I have! Fun memories! My last trip of 2008 was to St. Louis with Lauren Lockett, which was spur of the moment, fast, exciting and COLD!
Crista and I also joined a gym in 2008..which I am so proud of us for doing. We’ve been going pretty regularly…so watch out!
Our family lost our sweet dog Chloe that we had for 12 years. What a sweet dog she was. She is missed.
Did I mention I was in and attended sooo many weddings this year. For full report see earlier blog post.
I have made a lot of new friends and kept up with old ones!2008 was also the first full year of the working world for me. I have been really privileged to work in such a nice place with such encouraging people in the years directly following college. I have learned a lot, and think I might be a little bit smarter and more…. something. :) Hireable? Philosophical? Crazy? Goal-oriented?
Speaking of goals…. This year I want to have more adventures. I want to learn another language. I want to live somewhere else for awhile. Experience another culture. I want to build more meaningful relationships. Decide if and what I want to go back school for. I want to write more. I want to read more. Drink more water. Be more vulnerable. Keep up with friends that don’t live here better. Take more risks. I want to find a job that I’m passionate about, or that contributes to something I’m passionate about. I want to work out more. Travel more. I want to live more. Pray more. Love more. You get the picture. :) Phew… thanks for sticking with me through this up and down, happy and sad, long and short blog post.
Here are some pics from New Year's Eve this year. What a perfect way to end '08!
Farewell 2008—it’s been incredible.
