Out with the old, in with the new

There’s something about an impending new year that causes me to reflect on the past year and ponder the next year. 2008 was an interesting year, and the last half of the year I feel like I lost a good piece of myself. It was the first time I felt old as I watched my independent Grandma need lots of help. And then I watched the numbers on the scale grow as I lost my own discipline and turned to unhealthy food to help keep my own sanity as I watched too many loved ones hurt. But it wasn’t a completely lost year. There were so many funny and memorable moments with my kids. And The Narrator and I finally made it to Sanibel Island for a mini-getaway which I had been dreaming of for years! I learned how to hand embroider this year which proved to be an enjoyable past time, and I purchased a serger which caused my sewing to go through the roof. We had nine weeks of visitors, never going longer than 3 months without company! And then in November I joined Bible Study Fellowship which I have enjoyed immensely and can’t wait to start up again in January. I never knew the life of Moses could be so interesting and applicable!

So what about 2009? Yes, what about it? On the way to our friends house for Christmas Eve, The Narrator and I started a string of, “2009 will be the year I….” Here’s what’s on my list!

• 2009 will be the year I learn how to knit. I’ve been sort of trying off and on since 6th grade. This is the year. I mean it! And since my mother-in-law will be here in a couple weeks to coach me, I can start right away!
• 2009 will be the year I finally read Jane Austen. Anyone have a favorite one I should start with?
• 2009 will be  the year I quit blaming everything else and drop these extra 15 pounds. Maybe I’ll finally do that triathlon I owe The Narrator, or at least a 5k.
• 2009 will be the year I start to take my writing more seriously, even if that just means writing in a journal every day, or blogging more often!
• 2009 will be the year I learn how to fashion draw. Maybe I’ll even design something of my own and make it!

So what about you? What would you like to do or learn in 2009?