Wishes for 2009...

Happy New Year, everyone!!!

Thank you to my friends and family who faithfully read my blog and follow my life through my entries. I know life is busy and it means a lot to me that you care enough to take the time to read them!

So....another year behind us...I remember when I couldn't even fathom the idea of the year 2010 and now it is only a year away! Wow! Very weird...this past year was one of tremendous growth for me, mentally and emotionally. I feel like I have really "come into my own" in my thirties. Here are some things I count as "successes" in my growth, followed by my wishes for 2009:

* I know myself extremely well by now and I am keenly aware of my strengths & weaknesses in life. I know the things I wish to work on about myself.

* I am comfortable knowing how to say "no" graciously to things that I do not have time to do, therefore freeing up time to enjoy the things I do.

* Though I am not currently happy with my weight (I know a lot of us are in the same boat here, especially after the holidays!) I know how to discipline myself in order to get back to a healthier me and I have started on the road towards that goal.

* I was never taught how to manage money when I was growing up. I spent many years struggling, failing, and trying again (many thanks to my EXTREMELY patience husband on this issue!) I had to learn the hard way and feel confident now.

* I was also never taught how to run a household. I lived with my paternal grandmother. She ran the house and didn't take the time to teach me anything. God rest her soul, I loved her but she would rather I stayed out of her way and just let her get stuff done. I asked her once to teach me how to do laundry so I could help her but she didn't think I should have to do it, I guess. I wonder how she learned? Someone must have taught her...Well, after many years of "on the job training" (and a husband who had to teach me how to sort clothing, etc (again, honey, thank you for your endless patience!) I know how to successfully run my household, with all the chores involved.

* My husband jokes that when he married me, I didn't even know how to boil water! That's not far from the truth, actually. I have a picture of me in 1992 with the first Lasagna I ever baked! I was very proud. No one taught me how to cook, either. Again, my grandmother, God love her, did all the cooking and told us to "stay out of her kitchen", unfortunately. So I never learned that either. Over the years, I taught myself how to cook and bake. Baking eventually became a passion of mine, as you all know but I can cook a pretty good meal, too, I am proud to say! My husband is especially happy for this and our boys never had to suffer through my "learning years", only my husband had that privilege!LOL

Now, onto my wishes for 2009:

* I wish to become debt free. I have us on track to achieve this goal and barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will reach it!

* I wish to be a healthier-sized me! I did it 6 years ago, I lost 30 lbs, so I know HOW, I just have to stay determined. And if I do, my goal is to celebrate my June birthday as an improved me!

* I wish to add a Corgi to our family! I'm sure you have read my earlier blog entry, "Dreaming of Cupcake", where I talk about my desire to get a dog. I am in contact with a breeder who just mated her Corgis and I will find out mid-month if the mama is pregnant! If she is, there will be puppies due on Valentine's Day. I am first on the list to get a puppy from that litter. I would be able to bring one home in May, an early birthday gift to myself!

* I wish for my husband to find another job. He is not happy with the current company and it is not a strong company, we are surprised it has lasted this long. So, we are keeping our eyes open for a new opportunity!

Well, that's it for my reflections and wishes for 2009. I encourage all of you to make a mental list of things you'd like to accomplish this year, because, as we know, time flies all too quickly!

Blessings,
Eliana