Top 2008 Moments

I promise this is the last "new year" post I'll publish - I've just been reflecting a lot about the 2008 and expectations I have for the next few months - (imagine Counting Crows "Long December").

2008 was filled with some sadness, a little heartache and a lot of weddings. I've made a few top moments lists of the year.

Favorite Wedding Moments
1. Drinking alone in Alabama at Alex and Susan's Rehearsal dinner
I'm not sure why I did this, and honestly it's all a little foggy, but I just sort of walked around and drank (a lot) and smiled at everyone. I was in a lot of pain the next day.
2. Dancing with Brad at Matt's wedding and falling down
If you've ever danced with me you know I love to dip (mid-song, end of song, within the first few words of a song). Brad and I were dancing and after an impromptu dip I landed on the floor. I remember bouncing a little after the initial impact. It was hilarious.
3. Gospel Choir
Priscilla's was one of the most beautiful and poignant ceremonies I've ever attended. The Gospel Choir took my breath away.

Favorite Being Married Moments
1. Voting together for the first time
We stood and waited together in the rain on a Saturday in November, it was awesome.
2. Election Night
Later that night we talked about how exciting it is that our kids will be born under Obama's presidency
3. Discovering Fillmore Street
Lot's of great shops, restaurants, people.
4. Stevie Wonder
DC and I went to see Stevie over the summer - it was an amazing, almost religious experience.

My favorite books of 2008
1. Water for Elephants
2. The Art of Racing in the Rain

Worst Moments of 2008
1. Thinking we were going to lose Bailey and leaving him at the hospital (he's fine now)
2. MMA getting laid-off
3. Having to learn about testicular cancer

Potential for 2009

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Ellen Goodman has a really fantastic outlook on how to think about starting a new year:

"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential."

I totally agree with her and plan on doing a little of both. I'm going to work on areas of my life that need improvement and do a better job of appreciating what's on its way to becoming amazing.

Things to work on for 2009:

1. Patience - in every area of my life
2. Greater appreciation of husband, family, friends
3. Take Vitamins (everyday)
4. Being more mindful and present in the moment (I'm reading a fabulous book on Buddhism)
5. Recognize that while my way is usually the right way....there can be more than one right way to do things ;)
6. Live a little less independently - I have great people around me, utilize them, lean on them
7. Be a better wife, in any way possible
8. Remember people's feelings before I make fun (except on American Idol )
9. Not obsess over money (weird thing I do from time to time)
10. Carpe Diem - less thinking, more action, more execution

Meaningful MO

A good friend sent this to me - it's very sweet and meaningful. I haven't put together my final list of resolutions but paying attention everything below is a high priority for me this year. Expect my resolutions in an upcoming post. Here's to a fabulous 2009.

For a moment, be still.
Count the ways you are blessed.
Be thankful.
Be slow to quarrel.
Search out a forgotten friend.
Suspend suspicion, be trusting.
Write a love letter.
Share a treasure.
Give a soft answer.
Encourage youth.
Show your loyalty in word and deed.
Nourish a grateful attitude.
Keep a promise.
Find the time.
Don't harbor a grudge.
Listen.Apologize if you are wrong.
Be understanding.
Be slow to envy.
Forgive.
Think first of someone else.
Show appreciation.
Be kind.
Count on miracles.
Laugh more.
Deserve confidence.
Be gentle.
Wage war against prejudice.
Gladden the heart of a child.
Decry complacency.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
Make every day a thanksgiving.
Speak your gratitude.
Speak it again.
Speak it still again.
Speak it still once more.