Ooh . . . it has been about six weeks since I’ve written on here. One thing I have come to realize more and more about myself is that I am not a “good” journal keeper. It’s not something that I really care about excelling at, so I am not too worried. 
So, a new year . . . not unlike any other day in that it is full of new hope and promise, but special because it is the first one for this calendar. I am also not a resolution maker – so far in my first 34 years of life I’ve done well with just deciding to change something and changing it, whatever time of year it might be. It’s worked so far, I will probably keep going with that plan (I am certainly a “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” kinda gal). There are however, two things that I would like to improve upon and today is as good a day as any to share them. The first is that I would like to swear less . . . I drop the “F” bomb on a regular basis. I say it in front on my mom, which is not cool. It’s also just not a nice word and is never used in a nice context. The other thing I have been trying to improve upon is much more complex. I am trying to approach everyone that I encounter with loving-kindness. This is hard!! I don’t like some people, they’re slower and not quite as smart as me, or they are mean and rude, or some other reason. I am coming to realize that in a lot of ways these people are just not as lucky as I am. They didn’t grow up with an amazing, kind, loving mom. Although we did not have much financially, I have met few people in my life that grew up in and still have as great a family as I do. I see my immediate and extended family regularly. They are some of the greatest people I have ever known. I also realize that I have had much more love and support in general than many people have in their entire lives. These two things are so easy to take for granted and have made for such a full and happy life. I feel incredibly fortunate.
So, one of the big things that was a part of my life in 2008 was getting out of a toxic relationship. It wasn’t just one person, it was a toxic couple and they have been mentally and emotionally draining. I was confronted with their hurtful, selfish behavior once again yesterday when a dear friend asked me not to attend his end of year party because they were going to be there. I was hurt and disappointed but inevitably happy to comply. I did end up attending a great barenaked ladies concert, so it was all good! I hope to have nothing to do with them in the coming year and that I can continue to heal from the damage done by keeping them in my life for so long. I doubt this will be completely attainable as we have many mutual friends, but I will certainly do my best to live life without them in any part of it.
On to good and happy things . . . the year is already looking as if it is going to be incredibly exciting!!! I can hardly wait!! My career is taking of like a Lear jet – the first half of the year will find me in Dallas, maybe San Francisco (both places are homes to some of my very best friends)! and a trip or two to Kenya. Yay!! I am also looking forward to expanding my running training and racing a few longer races this year. I am aiming for a 10K in a few months and a half-marathon in October.
I look forward to the new year, and each day, with optimism and excitement, I hope you do too.
