Tuesday, January 1, 2008

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!

18 comments:

Carl V. Anderson said...

Go Illinois!!!

You should be hopeful, it sounds like 2008 is going to be a great one for you. Love your plans and your non-resolutions. I'm sure you'll succeed marvelously.

Happy New Year to you and your family.

Stephanie said...

Thanks Carl!! I think Illinois surprised everyone this year. I mean the DID beat Ohio State!! (sorry. Had to throw that in!) I'm hopeful they will do well.

kookie said...

Happy New Year, Stephanie. It's going to be the best year ever, for all of us (I can feel it!)

Debi said...

Sounds like the perfect way to spend New Year's Eve!

May 2008 be a wonderful, joyous year for you and your family!

Stephanie said...

Kookie - I love it when you have those feelings!! Yeah, I think 2008 is going to be a great year too!! I hope it's wonderful year for you too!!

Debi - Thanks! New Year's Eve was wonderful. No crowds, no spending outrageous amounts on drinks. Nothing but the kids! I hope you and your family have a great year as well!!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Stephanie! It looks like 2008 is going to be a good one for you.

Booklogged said...

Happy New Year, Stephanie. I agree with your idea on resolutions - we should be trying to live day by day to be better people. Sounds like you are doing a good job in that area.

Happy New Year and all the best in 2008.

Melody said...

Happy New Year, Stephanie!
May this year better than the last, and last but not least, another year of great reading!!! ;)

DesLily said...

Happy New Year Steph..
I don't do resolutions either, I think if we do we are asking for trouble lol.. If we try our best, and try not to hurt anyone along the way.. we are off to a great start!

The Library Nook said...

Happy New Year, here's to a good one for you. xx

Ana S. said...

I'm glad you had such a nice New Year's Eve, Stephanie. May 2008 bring you all you wish for!

Lisa said...

Here's to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2008!

Carl V. Anderson said...

oops...sorry about Ill.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

Happy New Year Stephanie! I hope that the new year brings you the best (you're so positive its rubbing off on me!).

Anonymous said...

happy new year!

i really like your non-resolutions and hopes for the new year :)

Bellezza said...

Wasn't the Rose Bowl just AWFUL?! I had to stop watching at the half.

I really, really like your line about how it shouldn't take a day on the calendar to make us want to live better; your goal of being the best mother, wife, person, etc. is exactly mine.

I am so happy to hear the hopeful, cheerful tone of this post, and I pray God's blessings on your 2008. I can see He's already helping.

Bonnie Jacobs said...

Good morning, Stephanie. I have a little something for you over at my place today: http://wordsfromawordsmith.blogspot.com/2008/01/mwah.html

Aarti said...

This is very late, but just thinking about the Rose Bowl makes me cringe. We played so well all year, though, so there's a lot to be proud of. So I shall still be an Illini Alumna with pride :-)

Best of luck to you this year- I hope I have a good one, too. But life is what we make of it, isn't it? So if we both plan to have good years, it really has to happen!