See ya 2008!

Time... time... time...


2008 was the fastest year ever. Here I sit on my couch, in my apartment, with my husband, in a wool sweater, wearing wool slippers, watching (not really) the Whole 9 Yards on a huge tv next to a Christmas tree... all things I did not have last year at this time.

Last year on New Years Eve, I was over at Jon's parents house, getting ready to host our friends to watch the ball drop on Telemundo in between Rock Band and Celebrity. I was feeling a bit antsy - Jon had promised to pop the question before 2008 appeared. Well, that did not happen. But as they say, all things happen in their time.

And I cannot believe everything that has happened.

In 2008...

- I got engaged, moved out, then married, then went on a honeymoon to the Caribbean, taking our first (and hopefully not last!) cruise
- three of my cousins got married (Jake to Andrea, Carin to Nate, and Matt to Kezia)
- Lindy & Matt, Ellen & Kevin, Kris & Krista, Brandon & Rebecca, Lauren & Josh, Kelly & Kurt, Lauren & Dave, Brian & Suzanne all got married (and not in that order)
- Jeremy & Courtney, Les & Ben (I get to be "matron" of honor!), Mike & Mary, Bill & Dorothy, got engaged
- Everyone got pregnant... Michelle & Jason due early Feb, Nancy & Dan (they have already welcomed Rebekah into the world), Paige & Brian ready for #2 at the end of Jan, Matt & Kezia, Colleen & Paul, Drew & Kim ready for 2, Nick & Stephers, Sara & Dan, Caroline & Brad (Sydney has come already also!), Heather & Rene.... Two more people just told us today, but I think it is a bit early to spread that joy!
- I got my Masters in Secondary Ed after taking 4 more classes this year, including one online course through PSU. I should finally get my diploma (and raise at work!) in January some time


It has definitely been a time of joy. I feel like I have not had time to really revel in it, either! I will still have many happy memories of this year, mostly because of all of the wonderful friends and family who have filled it up.

So what of 2009? What do we plan this year?


Well, in March I am hopefully going to New Orleans for the NSTA Conference.
Over spring break, we may try to go diamond digging, though I think we are more likely to go up to see our new niece, if we have not gotten to see her before then.
In the summer, we head to Costa Rica with some students for 9 days of learning and eco-friendliness.

What else, what else?


This is the perfect year to really evaluate where Jon and I are headed. I am very interested (much to his dismay) in teaching or volunteering abroad. The way I see it, our lease is up in September, and we have nothing to really hold us down besides our previously mentioned really big tv. I am sure my family would not mind babysitting it. I am anxious to look into the prospects. Since we are NOT pregnant (and not planning it), it is the perfect time to go. Will it happen? We shall see. If it falls into place, then we go. If not, then no.
There are many other prospects... children among them... but I would like to look into doctoral programs as well as take some time to figure out this endometriosis stuff. There are a lot of treatments out there that I would like to pursue. Who knows! 2008 held so much, it is hard to believe that there is anything left over to do... but at the very least, we know we will have a LOT of baby showers to attend.

I am definitely looking forward to enjoying this year. It is the first year I feel like every option is open to me. I do not have to worry about getting married or taking grad courses. I can do anything that I want to do. What a blessing!


But before we move into 2009, we are just going to enjoy tonight! :)