Another Year, Another Decade Past

Happy New Year!

10 Things I Am Looking Forward to in 2010

In all honesty, I am somewhat relieved that 2009 is nearly over. There is something therapeutic about a ringing in a brand new year, when the present year has been difficult.

For me, 2009 was tough. It brought a close to a strange, almost clandestine, dating relationship with a man who is now engaged to someone else. It brought the end to a nearly eight-year job, which never really progressed much beyond entry-level. It brought a certain amount of fear and uncertainty to the fate of my home. It brought much more solitude and "alone time" than I had ever expected, or wished for. And now, I have noticeably more distance between myself and those I was once close to. Not my best year.

Not all can be considered bad. Hindsight shows me that the man I was dating last year was definitely *not* the man that I was destined to be with, and I know that I would not have been truly happy if we had stayed together. In retrospect, the job that I had in the beginning of the year did indeed put food on the table and a roof over my head, but never challenged me, or allowed to me to use my talents, or progress into something bigger and better. I am still unsure of the fate of my home, but I am not going to fret and worry about loosing it and being forced to live in my car - there are good people in my life that won't allow that to happen. All of the excess solitude has forced a fair amount of introspection and reflection of my life; where I've been, and where I am going. And while I miss having certain people in my life, I am learning to leave my heart open.

Here is my list of 10 things that I am looking forward to in 2010:

1. Finding a permanent job. (OK, there is no such thing as a *permanent* job, but I would like one with benefits such as paid holidays and vacation days.)
2. Getting caught up, financially. (A girl can dream, can't she?)
3. Fixing up my yard.
4. Tidying up my garage.
5. Making some new friends.
6. Loosing 15 pounds.
7. Redecorating my bedroom. Maybe some new bedroom furniture.
8. Writing more often.
9. Taking a trip.
10. Finding laughter and joy.

Mr. Incredible (AKA My Dad)

My parents met as teenagers at a church youth function. It wasn't long before they started dating... each other's friends.

Lucky for me, when my dad was dubbed too "boring" by my mom's girlfriend, my mom seized the opportunity to snag herself a real gem of a guy. They soon fell in love, and were married a couple of years later.

And then they started a little family of their own. Two kids, then two more kids...

And then I came along.

I couldn't have picked a better father! He was such a great role-model, too.

I can recall one time, when I was a teenager, I imposed upon my parents the job of screening my phone calls. When someone in particular called one day, I didn't feel like talking on the phone, and asked (more like 'instructed') my dad to tell him I wasn't home. My dad refused! He told me, "I am not going to lie for you."

Even today, that sticks with me. My dad has always been incredibly honest, beyond belief. This is just one of his many virtues that I admire so much about him, and I strive to be just as he is.


As a kid, it's hard to fully comprehend and appreciate the sacrifices that our parents make for us along the way. My dad worked very hard at making sure that we had every thing that we needed, and then some. He wanted to make sure that his family was well provided for.

It took me many, many years to realize just how much effort a good father puts into raising a well-adjusted child to the point of a self-sufficient, responsible adult.

However, fatherhood doesn't stop there. A good father is always there for his kids, even after they leave the nest.

My dad has always been there for me, still guiding, and still very much a huge influence in my life.

My dad was, and still is, such a great dad.

And today, on his 80th birthday, I would just like to take a moment to tell him just how grateful I am to have HIM as a father.

Happy birthday! I love you, dad.

The Dark Tunnel We Call 'Life'

Hi there. Remember me? I know, I know; I've been very quiet over here lately. A little too quiet, perhaps.

Truth is, I have been having a few challenges over the past few months. Actually, over the past YEAR.

Yes, tackling challenges is what shapes us, forcing us to make changes in our life. And yes, there have been various changes in my life. Unfortunately, all the changes have put a damper on my blogging.

Still, the good news is that we are just DAYS away from a brand new year! With new year comes new hope. For me, 2009 has been a year full of much fumbling and muddling; searching for a new path in life.

It's a lot like moving through a dark tunnel. You can't see. You don't know where you are or how much further you must go, but you must have faith that if you just keep moving, you'll make it out eventually.

2010 brings the light at the end of the tunnel. Can you see it?