Feels like something's gonna happen this year

The new year is just around the corner. Just another day you say? Maybe. But traditionally, New Year's Eve is the time to make resolutions... and lists.

I'm great on making lists. Everyday, I make lists of things that need to be done, places to go, shopping lists...

This is a list of the highlights and low times from 2009 for me. I thought 2007 was a terrible year because I lost my husband. But 2009 has seemed to continuously bring me down again and again. However, there were some highpoints as well. My list spans a little over a year but that seems to be most appropriate:

In the last year (15 months), I've:

lost a job of 6 years

earned 17 credits at CNM community college
earned an Associate's degree in PreManagement
Certificate for individual tax preparer
Ceritificate for payroll clerk

worked part time since July at the gym

began working full time this month at the health services having worked there p/t since October

for most of the year, my son and daughter have both been unemployed, although both worked several short term jobs.

volunteered at the zoo as a Rio Grande River hiking guide for school age children
volunteered in TaxHelp 2008
volunteered at my church as Treasurer

replaced several major appliances:
new water heater
new dishwasher
new microwave
new used refrigerator
repaired washer
repaired dryer
repairs on Stihl chainsaw (I list this because parts were almost $300, so it's a major appliance)

new desktop computer and monitor

and have yet to replace-
answering machine
can opener ;)

bought a 2004 Hyundai Accent
paid for major repairs on my son's Ranger
and repairs on his 2000 Saturn

lost Gunnar to nasal cancer
lost Daisy to cancer
lost a good friend
spent time at the emergency room with family

celebrated (?) a landmark birthday. At 51, I am officially over the hill.

went on a balloon ride during the balloon fiesta.

permanently injured the joint of my index finger, from my Arabian mare, Nadia, pulling away from my other Arabian mare, Annie.

planted and harvested a wonderful garden with my neighbor and my older son

began letterboxing (found 100 and placed 10) in one year
won $125 at Sandia Casino on quarter slots

saw my son play in his band, Spring Loaded Hot Dog (he won Battle of the Bands at a local high school, then lost in the B of the B at his own school.)
saw Gin Blossoms in free concert downtown

and the best part of the year involved horses:
road trip to Scottsdale Arabian Horse show with my mom
audited Dennis Reis clinic
Mother's Day Nebraska trail ride with my mom and daughter (and thanks, Tammy!!)

Yalla! (thanks for being there, Lisa)

I'm sure there's more...just can't think of anything right now. What a crazy year it was!


For 2010,

I would like to:
go backpacking. I never got to go last year although I did take several short day hikes.

go trail riding with Scout and Nadia, big time, "trailer there" kind of trail riding.

teach Yalla! tricks (kneel, say yes, whatever?)

I want to learn to play violin. I got one for Christmas from my mom. Crazy, huh? but I've always wanted to play one.

Publish my guide to canoeing the Labyrinth Canyon of the Green River.

maybe get a tattoo??

?????

I'm open to whatever 2010 brings me. I want to find a friend to share it with. I want to celebrate life because I realize life IS too short.

How about you?


I wasn't sure whether to name this post blackest (past) or golden (future) years so I decided take the optimistic point of view.

Feels like something's gonna happen this year- song: Telling Lies, artist: David Bowie, album: Earthling

Dazzled by the New (Year)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

May this year be everyone's very best!

My goals for 2009 are

• Sell my car. I have to! I bought the Infiniti to keep but financially, I just can't.
• Get my Associate's Degree and maybe move on to a Bachelor's. It all depends on if I can get a Pell Grant or a FASFA loan. I should have my Associate's by the end of summer no matter what.
• Find a good job. This depends on the goal above. I may look in April/May and finish the last couple of classes at night over the summer for the Associate's or just stay in school if I can afford it.
• Ride and train my horses.
• Clean my house!!! Declutter and throw away unwanted, unnecessary stuff.
• Work on my book. Nothing more to say because it's all in my head at this time.
• Go Letterboxing and hiking. Maybe canoeing? Maybe camping?
• Exercise!

I'm sure there's plenty more but I can't think of them at present. What are your resolution for the new year?

Dazzled by the New - song: Strangers When We Meet, artist: David Bowie, album: Outside