Good Riddance!

The ball dropping on Times Square, marking the demise of 2008 and the dawn of 2009, will be a more-than-welcome sight for me, and I suspect I'm not alone. Each year has its troubles, but doesn't it feel like this one had its share and more? Steph & Molly, can I get an "amen"?

The worst of it will likely follow us into 2009 and several more years to come: the economy. Mr. Fry's high-tech job evaporated like dew on a summer morning. A highly qualified, generally sought-after network engineer, Mike has found himself in stiff competition with millions of others. He ended up taking the first thing he could get just to keep an income stream, but he's horribly underemployed. And working nights! Although as secure as anything can be these days, my job hasn't given any substantial increases in more years than I can count. My annual raises haven't even covered the rising cost of living; I'm actually making less than I was a few years ago. Couple that with the beating from Wall Street, and we're financially punch drunk. We know that life goes on, and we hold high hope that the new year will bring better opportunities.

In March, I lost my companion, my soulmate, my heart of 17 years, my BooBoo kitty. Letting him go was not nearly as hard as watching him decline for the past few years. But he wasn't even gone before our newest wild child showed up in the midst of horrific weather. In many ways, Leeloo seems to channel my old friend, so I still catch a glimpse of him every once in awhile, particularly when clean laundry is involved. Just the other day, I came in the door and I could have sworn I saw him sitting there, but it was just a shadow.

Due to complicated circumstances, my routine of regular exercise went out the window. I'm overweight, out of shape, and pissy about it. My body feels like hell and I have a closet full of clothes that don't fit. One of my goals in the new year is to work out a new routine that will help me get my groove back.

2008 was not without its positives:

I started blogging, which has been a huge blessing to me. I so appreciate everyone who stops by to laugh with me or at me. I am grateful for the help and encouragement as I bumble my way through horsekeeping. I'm learning every day.

I moved to a different position within my department — Communications Coordinator. After having a job that defied description for so long, I can now say simply, "I am a writer." After the transition period, the travel portion of my job should be either greatly diminished or completely gone. Although I traveled to some fabulous places, stayed in five-star hotels, I was not handling the stress well at all. Every year for as long as I can remember, I have gotten very sick on at least one (of five) of the trips. I'll miss the perks, not the hassles.

My confidence continues to grow, and that in itself has moved mountains in terms of being able to handle my spotted problem child. Last year at this time, I would not have dared even attempt taking Poco outside the fence with or without Jaz. Pokey will never be a pocket pony, but he's the reason I can't be complacent for a second and why I keep stepping outside my comfort zone. And where would I be without my patient, steady little Jazu? I love them both dearly. My goal is to continue to strive for improvement. If finances permit, I want to get back in a regular lesson program.

I got my new saddle as well as all the tack necessary to have both horses completely outfitted with their own stuff. And they be stylin'! I'm still a slob, but they look good.

If I start creating a litany of New Year's resolutions, I'll surely doom myself to failure. Let's just say, my theme, as it were, for 2009 is "SIMPLIFY." What's yours?

I thank all of you for your support and wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009. God bless us, every one.