It's about 11:30 p.m. and I'm listening to a song by Hillside called "I Will Never Be the Same Again" as I wait for 2009 to become a reality (watching the ball drop isn't something that I normally do to bring in the new year). 2009 will hopefully bring events and people into my life that will change me for the better just like 2008 did. Looking back I think this year went pretty well. I accomplished some educational goals for myself, "grew up" a little bit more (we're always evolving), and learned a bit about how people can love as well as hurt you and how we as Christians should respond. Life for certain of my loved ones got better and no one died this past year like in 2006 when my dad dropped dead before I ever got to say goodbye. Even though I wrote a creative non-fiction piece about it that my writing teacher loved, I may never get over the finality of that, however, I'll try not to limit the Limitless one. I think I've moved beyond caring about things that I have no control over and hopefully can leave those things in God's hands. Probably the best thing that happened this year for me personally was receiving a deep blessing of God's love for me that I hadn't experienced for a number of years. Those of you that understand the depth of group prayer within the evangelical community will understand what I am sharing. If you don't catch my drift listen to the song (you can download it through YouTube). 2009 will be great because He's in it with me.

"You go girl!"

Up until yesterday I was the only college graduate in my family including seven cousins, one sibling and six adult family members. Karen just made it two by graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from U of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. It doesn't mean our family lacks in "smarts" but if you want it, go for it. Her major was Music Therapy which ironically was mine as well even though I changed mine by my sophomore year. Most people don't know what M.T. is and I won't go into what it all involves (check the WWW if interested) except to say that you need the knowledge and ability to play a multiple amount of instruments which is usually required if not encouraged. Needless to say we are very proud of her accomplishment and wish her the best in whatever area of expertise she endeavors.

It's a dog's Christmas (I mean life)

We are starting to get excited about Christmas since we are now past Thanksgiving. I'm not much for holidays since the order of my life becomes disrupted and there are SO many dishes to wash but things are settling down, there's snow on the ground, and the Christmas letter has been written and critiqued and is ready to send out. Fortunately we are all employed so there is enough overhead to buy something nice for each of my family members and the midnight mass will be celebrated soon which is one of my favorite services of the year outside of Easter Vigil. Tons of Christmas cheer and candy canes to all!