Happy New Year

It is that time of year again, to reflect on the past year, both the good and the bad and set goals for the new year.

All in all, 2008 was a pretty good year I would put it up there as one of the best in a very long time.

Somewhat stolen from ITP:

I'll get the Bad out of the way first.

The Dogs

The worst part of 2008 was the passing of sweet, old Ruben. I got Ruben after a break up several years ago, he was a shy, skinny, shell of a dog when I got him but turned into a great companion. Ruben didn't have an enemy in this world, he never met a stranger and he never caused me a moments trouble. He was diagnosed with cancer, out lived the prognosis by months but on May 20, 2008 it was time to say goodbye to a dear friend...I miss him still and I'm crying right now thinking about him.

It has been a rough year with Toby. He has some pretty serious health issues we are dealing with and I almost lost him too.

My Friends

A good friend of mine moved away at the end of 2008, I will miss her and her family but I know the move to a new place will be best for all of them.

My Relationships

Two failed relationships and the final blow to a relationship that needed to end (that may also go in the Good column).

I'm not too scarred from either break-up. I look back at the first one and realize what a bullet I dodged. The second one, that is a little tougher. He is a very good man, treated me well but the differences were just too great and the ability to reach compromises just wasn't there. I wish things had ended differently but I know in my heart the relationship needed to end.


Now for the Good, my favorite part

The Dogs

I mentioned before I almost lost Toby in 2008, the good news is I didn't!! He's still with us, I don't know for how much longer but we will enjoy every day we have together.

2008 will be remembered as the year of the Nibbler (aka Nibbles, Midget, Nipple and Taco Bell)!! She is such a cute, spunky little thing...she makes me laugh everyday. Nibbles isn't the dog I had in mind but it works and I'm glad we found each other. I'll give her, her own entry soon.

My Friends

I have them, they are happy, healthy and have been there for me this past year, thanks guys, you all know who you are! What more could I ask for?

My Relationships

2008 was a pretty drama free year, with the exception of Super Bowl Sunday. The year started with a 'leftover boy' from 2007. He was okay, he lived in the 'hood, he could be fun...but not the one for me. The break-up was quick, easy and pain free.

Shortly after S and I broke-up and old 'flame' reignited. We had a good six or seven months. We traveled, he got me into road cycling, always treated me well, we did a lot of things I had not had in past relationships. In the end we were just too different and had very different ideas of the 'perfect' relationship.

I'm currently seeing someone, it is going well but early in the relationship. I like him, he's a lot like me, as far as I can tell. A bit of a jock, easy to get along with, very sweet, thoughtful and supportive...hopefully he will be in the Good column next year.

Probably the biggest step I made in 2008 was beginning to forgive someone who did me wrong...I will never be friends with this person but I've let go of a lot of anger (i.e. I can be in the same room with him and not want to jab an ice pick into his skull) and I'm the better for it.

My Job

I switched jobs early in 2008. It was a lateral move but I get to focus more on what interests me, I work with a great group of folks and I can see myself being there for awhile. I've been getting really good reviews, offered the opportunity to advance my skills and my contract has been renewed for another year.

Me

This is where the real "magic" happened in 2008.

Since my breakup in early 2007 I had been losing weight. Initially, it was the 'break-up diet' of red wine and luna bars. I started running in 2007 but got much more serious in 2008.

In 2008 I completed five months of operation bootcamp, ran three half marathons, set PR for a 5K, 10K and half marathon, completed Mystery Mountain 12 miles, rode the Roswell Mayor's Ride, Cartersville and Wilson and began training for my first marathon.

Between running, biking and boot camp, I lost more weight and toned up. I went from a size 10/12 to a 4/6...not to say I haven't had issues with that but I'm working them out.

I also got my beach trip, finally! Spent a nice long weekend in Puerto Rico. It was wonderful.

Emotionally I much happier and calmer than I have ever been in my life. I'm learning to just let things go, I don't need to be in control at all times, I've let go of many of the responsibilities I put on myself and I'm spending at least as much time taking care of me as other folks. Heck, I'm even letting people take care of me from time to time.

For 2009

So what's next? I've been thinking a lot about my goals for this year, trying to be both realistic and specific so here we go...

1) get to 120 pounds, this means losing another 8 pounds or so, I will continue with what has been working for the past year, exercise and eating right.
2) compete first full marathon in under four hours. Currently scheduled to run ING in March.
3) save money/payoff the last credit card balance. I will do this by putting a $500 payment into the budget. Once the card is paid off, that money will go into savings.
4) back up my photos and music, will probably need a little help with this one.
5) take at least one work related class/course
6) keep saying no

Thank you to everyone that has been there for me this past year, I think 2009 is going to be even better!!