A New Year and a Rose Bowl Game

After a long night of "partying" with the kids, we finally rang in 2008!! I've been to many New Year's Eve parties in my lifetime. But the ones we've spent at home with the kids are always the most special. Last night was no exception. We played games (ending up with Spongebob Monopoly!), listened to music and finally watched the 'Ball' drop in Times Square. Glasses tinkled as we toasted to us and the New Year. It was really nice.

Today, I am the only one out of bed. It's quiet (except for the dogs barking at the door. I think they are cold. Sheesh. Wimps! St. Bernard's are supposed to LIKE the snow!) And I'm sitting here reflecting on the last year. Things were really weird for us. The hunt for a new job. The money issues. Working a second job. All that stuff was really hard on us as a family. And yet, we are surviving it. In less than a year, both cars will be completely paid off. Money is being set aside for taxes already. And while we won't be able to vacation in the Riviera, we will get by with a lot of budgeting. And little by little, we WILL get ourselves out of this hole caused by layoffs and debt. Maybe it's the freshness of the new year, but I feel hopeful.

I've never been one to make resolutions, and I won't start this year. I just plan on trying to be the best wife, mom, friend, employee and person I can be. It shouldn't take a date on the calendar for people to live a good life. It should be ingrained in oneself. That's how I try to live my life. We'll see how far it gets me!!

It's going to be a great year for reading too, if I can find some extra time during the long days. I am already starting to compile lists and timelines for the upcoming challenges. And there are many!! Man. I love lists!!

And today, the Fighting Illini are playing USC in the Rose Bowl. A little home state pride in that one. (of course, USC might as well be playing on their home field, but I'm hoping the Illini at least give them a run for their money!) I almost went to U of I. But after a visit, just seeing the vast size of the place frightened me off. My hometown of 527 people could practically fit on a few floors of one of the dorms!! So, when it came to choose, I opted for the much smaller, more compact campus of Bradley University. But I still follow the Illini. I hope they do well!!

So....here's wishing all of you good luck and tidings in this shiny new year. I hope you count your blessings today. And thank you for letting me into your world!