2008

As 2008 comes to an end…

1) Where did you begin 2008?
Hospice with my dying mother.

2) What was your status by Valentine’s Day?
Married??????

3) Were you in school anytime this year?
All year.

4) How did you earn your money?
Tutoring

5) Did you have to go to the hospital?
Yes, but not as a patient

6) Did you have any encounters with the police?
Yes, my car was broken into recently.

7) Would you relive 2008 over again?
Yes, even though it was the worst year I have lived through thus far. I believe it is all about growth.

8) What did you purchase that was over $1000?
Much needed car repairs and a laptop.

9) Did you know anybody who got married?
Yes, 3 couples. I tried to warn them.

10) Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes, besides my dear sweet mother, I also lost my maternal grandmother and a paternal aunt.

11) Did you know anybody that had a baby?
Yes, my brother’s family and three friends all welcomed new additions to their growing families this year.

12) Did you move?
No.

13) What concerts/shows did you go to?
?????

14) Are you registered to vote?
Yes.

15) Do you still have the same job as you did in 2007?
No.

16) Did anyone betray you in 2008?
Yes.

17) Describe your birthday.
Bittersweet.

18) What’s one thing you thought you’d never do but did in 2008.
This is private.

19) What has been your favorite moment?
Spending the summer with my children.

20) What’s something you learned about yourself.
Despite the pain, I still haven’t broken. I guess I am strong.

21) Any new additions to your family?
Yes.

22) What was your best month?
November

23) Were you in a relationship this year?
For lack of a better term, yes.

24) What music will you remember 2008 by?
Jack Johnson.

25) Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Jack…he knows who he is.

26) New friends?
Yes, some very good ones.

27) Favorite night out?
That one night on the beach with my kids…

28) Would you say you’ve changed since the beginning of this year?
ABSOLUTELY.

29) Do you think 2009 will be better or worse?
Unfortunately, I believe it will be worse. But I hope for the best yet!

Alpaca

I went on a leisurely bike ride tonight and discovered my neighbors have alpacas. Interesting! Particularly when my in-laws recently returned from an extended vacation in Peru and purchased sweaters made from alpaca wool as Christmas gifts.

15 minutes

9 months saving my pennies
6 weeks of running home to hide the presents that came in the mail
3 weeks of sneaking off to the store without the children to buy their gifts
6 weeks of making sure the hiding spots stay hidden
2 hours in Target just to buy the little things
6 hours wrapping the presents on Christmas Eve...

and in less than the time it takes to bake yummy Cinnamon Rolls in the oven on Christmas morning...

it all comes to an end.

I spent the day with my dad.

Not my dad that has cared for me the past 38 years. Or the dad that supported me, rescued me or even frustrated me over the past 38 years. No--today I spent the day with my birth father. The man I only met 2 years ago.

He drove to Florida to visit for a few days before heading out to spend Christmas with his daughter. My half-sister whom I have not yet met. I can’t even begin to explain how this feels. I am numb. Full of a flurry of questions and feelings and confusion. Excited to once again meet the man that is ½ of the reason I exist on this earth. Sad because I still miss my mom who was battling glialblastoma this very same time last year. She would have jumped 10 foot hurtles to spend Christmas with my birth father. Proud to watch my dad handle this very awkward situation on his own without Mom to support and guide him. My kids have enjoyed spending time with my birth father thus far. He is easy to talk to and listens to what you have to say. He is active and interested in getting to know them. It is awesome to hear their questions as they try to understand my situation.

I am glad that he decided to visit with us this Christmas. It is almost as though Mom brought him here to take my mind away from the misery that could have my first Christmas without her.




Some more pics from our adventures today...

All I was trying to do is take some pictures for Christmas cards...my kids are so goofy. (Notice d...he was miserable with his shirt tucked in so I let him keep it untucked. Such a Florida boy...flip flops and t-shirts. Maybe next year I'll do a beach picture for Christmas cards).