A Fond Farewell to 2008

I can't believe it is the end of 2008. Now, i know that a great many people are probably saying the same thing... and its not like 2008 is only over for me and not the rest of humanity... but SERIOUSLY. I can't believe it. In true Carly tradition... before I get ready for the rest of my evening... here is my ode to 2008!

2008 was a little bit sad:
-Lloyd the family dog died. Really, I was shocked he made it out of 2007... but STILL it was sad.
-I didn't go to Brazil this year. BOOOOOOOOO!!!! (2 years in a row- I miss my friends!)
-I had hard times with some of life... which is not uncommon, but I believe could have been avoided.
-I STILL didn't get to Alaska!
-My New Year's gift for Nickolas just broke coming out of the oven... sorry Nick... no stand up snowman cake this year... boo!

2008 was AMAZING!!
-I went on a GREAT trip to the Dominican Republic... GREAT!
-I canoed the Boundary Waters... which stands out as the highlight of what was a truly amazing summer!
-I drove over 3000 miles in a rental 12 passenger van... in JULY... and it was TOTALLY worth it.
-Minnesota, Arkansas, and everywhere in between... BLISS.
-Heifer Ranch changed my outlook.
-Tar Hollow was finally great again...
-Nashville. Good times.
-Hanging out in trees, coffee shops, the radio station and assorted other places with amazing friends.
-Nickolas makes me LAUGH every time I see him.
-My family drives me absolutely INSANE... but I still have a great one.
-NEW PUPPY... Nellie and Shea running crazy in the backyard makes me smile.
-I finished my grad classes... again!
-My friends at the YMCA got me back on track (even though I have temporarily lost it again, I KNOW they will help me find it again after the new year!)
-I have a job that I love and that continuously reminds me of who I am and want to be...
-so much more I can't write it all!


So, yes 2008 had its downs... but it had so many ups too. I am SO blessed.... and what an amazing thing it is to know that 2009 looms ahead with endless possibilities and choices and good and bad and wonderful and beautiful and hard and challenging all mixed up inside. Who knows what may be in 2009? I can't wait to find out!