As a friend recently said... 2008 was a hell of a year. I could not agree more. I rang 2008 in with Daniel, April and Daryl. It was a quiet night filled with snacks galore. I remember being sad because the night was not as special as I was hoping it would be.

The winter dragged yet flew by. These were months of frustration and difficulty. In fact my saving point was all the skiing I was able to do when Daniel and I made our treks up to Vermont. I was an emotional wreck, walking on eggshells regarding Daniel. Work sucked royally. I got along with my new boss as a person... but having him as a boss... not so much.

The spring I really do not remember too much. There was April & Daryl's wedding, going to Newport.. and I don't think much else. There was that emotional day where Daniel broke up with me then in less then 12 hours asked me to marry him and was talking about rings. The next thing I knew I was apartment hunting and terrified to start anew. I was an emotional wreck and could barely talk without bursting into tears.

My friends were so important to me at that time and really helped me out. I don't know where or how I would be if it were not for their support. Time went on, I began the healing process, started therapy, got a kitten and a new job.

The summer consisted of me pulling the kitten of the walls and looking for every excuse to have friends over. I rekindled an important relationship and bonded with him as he started going through a difficult time in his life... followed by a motorcycle ride. I was picking up the pieces of my life and moving along again. I spent my time hiking, biking and went to a Sox game.

In autumn Daniel and I made our peace. We had tried dating again in July... then we spent time together in early October. I no longer have a big hole in my heart from him. If anything I am sad that he has not found what he wants out of life.

Therapy progressed and I began re-gaining my sense of identity. I got nails put back on. Brenda & Aaron got married. The kitten went from a lovable squishy kitten to a royal punk, but of course I still like him. James and I started spending more time together and I bean feeling more and more confident about myself. I discovered that an ex may be facing up to 55 years in jail (more on that story at a later time.)

I lost a loved family member, but I take comfort in the fact that she is at peace.

2008 was rung out on a high note. I already have a few fun things planned for 2009. I anticipate this being a good year.

So here is a toast to you, your friends and loved ones. May 2009 be the best year you experience, thus far.

Every year I have dreaded New Years Eve. I put way too much focus on this one night. Some people cherish Valentines day, anniversaries, or whatever other special day. For me, NYE is that is the most special day. There is something romantic about closing out one year and beginning a new one with the one who is most important to you.

My evening started early. I went to my friend Demetri's wine shop to have a glass (supposedly.) After stopping three men dead in their tracks and three glasses of wine later it was time to move along to my next adventure.

My friend's Steve and Ellen had a party at their place. It was busy and there were a lot of people and food. I had some great conversations (one with a really cute guy!) and before I knew it, it was 9pm! Time to head on out!

I then went to (don't laugh!) James' local American Legion. He went there for a few beers and to hang out with a couple of friends. I was a bit over dressed for the location (considering the woman in pink sweatpants who INSISTED I dance with her! lol), but it was fun. We had a drink, chatted a bit and went back to his place.

It was a quiet night. We curled up on the couch and started to watch a movie, but tuned it off to watch the ball drop. We drank (lots of) champagne and enjoyed eachothers company. I also got a great New Years kiss.

At one point I started sending 'Happy New Years' messages via text, but half way through I was distracted and screw it! lol SO about 1/3 of my freinds got messages (all alpahbetically! lol) and this morning I saw that I had 12 messages waiting in return!

I'll spare you the sappy details, but it really was a wonderful night. Quite possibly the best New Years I've ever had :)

I got a lot done already today *and* there is a freaking blizzard going on out there!

I was not able to sleep due to Sir. Bitingtoes. Mady myself some cocoa (out of creamer for coffee) and got ready to do my schtuff.

I bought a tub of Christmas decorations down to my storage area and headed out. I went to my Aunt's apartment to grab a bunch of stuff for Goodwill and as much else I could fit into my Jeep. I'm taking her dresser, an older bedside table and a small shelf set. I took what would fit and I will go back for more (hopefully the rest) tomorrow.

Then I was off to Goodwill, the liquor store (three bottles of champagne!) got gas, had my emissions tested and headed back home.

I'm almost done packing the rest of my Christmas decorations. Afterwards I will rearrange my bedroom furniture so that I will have a home for the dresser... by that time it just might be time to start getting ready for tonight.

I sure hope my dress fits! I remember what weight I was when I wore this dress (10+ years ago) and I know what weight I am now. Theoretically it SHOULD fit. Let's just see how that goes.

If I don't have time to post again before tonight - Happy New Year to you all! Stay safe!

Awww, what a pretty tree!

Yes, what a pretty tree!

oh, wait... it looks kinda odd on the bottom. How strange.

Let's get a closer look at that....

mmmyea. Kittens gone wild, scene 28.

Buon Natale!

Feliz Navidad!

Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia!

OK. I'll stop that now. I am just a bit festive today. I look like a crazy lady, a green tee with a Christmas Tree on it... green bell earrings.... Santa hat.... red and green striped socks under my doc Mary Jane's'.

I told you! Crazy lady!

Anyway... got some time off coming up and some fun plans to go with them.

Today: Hoping to get out of work nice and early. Heading home to finish making my jalapeno peppers and wrap two remaining gifts. After that I will head to my aunt Cindy's house (Julie's Mom) to spend the afternoon / evening with the extended family.

Tomorrow: Christmas morning is always presents with Mom & Dad! I'll be making a fritata for them. I decided to go with a spinach infused chicken sausage as the meat. I'll be spending the entire day there - through dinner. I'll make sure to bring some more laundry over to save some more quarters!

Friday: Lunch with Sarah, the evening is still TBD.

Saturday: Heading into NY with Brenda and Cathy. Right now our plans consist of Rockefeller Center, hot toddies, lunch and an Edward fix.

Sunday: TBD / but I promised Mom I'd take her to Jo Ann's and Target for some post-Christmas sales.

Monday - Tuesday: work again. blah.

Wednesday: off for the rest of the year! I'm going to a party being hosted by Steve and Ellen. It would be nice to bring a certain someone with me - but he might be spending the night with his Mom - so it is up in the air.

The next couple of days are in the air. I will be driving down to DC to visit Jess and Olivier - but i am not sure if I am leaving on Thursday (the 1st) or Friday (the 2nd) and if I am returning on Sunday (the 4th) or Monday (the 5th) - That also depends a bit on James. He may be traveling down with me, so that he can see one of his brother's before he move to India (his bother, not him!)

Then back to work either Monday the 5th or Tuesday the 6th. Probably Monday I am guessing. But just dunno.

How about you? Whats going on in your life for the next few weeks?