For 2009...

I got this list from Laina's blog and it really spoke to me. I think I have received it in an email before and maybe you have too but it is worth repeating. Thanks Laina!!

1) Take a 10-30 minute walk every day, and while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant. I like to sing along to my iPod when I walk even though I look crazy!


2) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.


3) Always pray, eat right and always make time to exercise.


4) Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.


5) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured.


6) Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat broccoli, almonds and walnuts.


7) Make at least three people smile each day.


8) Clear your clutter from your house, car, desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.


9) Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment called "NOW".


10) Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.


11) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a layman and dinner like a beggar.


12) Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 13) Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.


14) Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.


15) You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.


16) Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. ALL YOU HAVE IS NOW!

17) Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

18) Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china and wear fancy clothes now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. TODAY IS SPECIAL!

19) No one is in charge of your happiness except you. Don't Worry ... Be Happy! IT's A CHOICE!

20) Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

21) Forgive everyone for everything.

22) What other people think of you is none of your business.

23) Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!


24) However good or bad a situation is, it will change.


25) Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch with them.


26) Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.


27) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides, remember?


28) The best is yet to come.


29) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.


30) Do the right thing!


31) Call your family often.


32) Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements:
'God, I am so very thankful for __________.' 'Today I accomplished _________.'

33) Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.


34) Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH LIFE'S A gift. That's why now is called the PRESENT ... UNWRAP IT!

2008 was a good year for us. It's really all about how you look at things. No, my husband didn't land his dream job, or any job for that matter, but lots of good things came of that. He got to spend so much time with me and with the boys. He and Nate have really bonded since he has been home. He also has guy friends now. I mean REAL friends. Not just the guys that you have worked with for years that you spend 12 hours a day with. Guys who you golf, ski, play poker with. I love the fact that my husband has real friends now because he has always been so supportive of me and my "girlfriend" time. He has gotten in shape, I mean rock hard buff shape and can bench press a baby elephant! (I'm exaggerating but he's wicked strong now!)

Nate has made SO much progress this last year. I really need to upload a video of all of the things he is doing now. It's amazing and I owe it ALL to Cristina, his therapist. He went from being almost completely non-verbal to being able to communicate his wants and needs. He is almost potty-trained (such a battle!).

Joe and Nick did well in school and both started playing the guitar which they love!

I got to travel to spend time with very special friends a few times while Special K held down the fort at home. I went to New York City and Chicago and have memories that will forever bring a smile to my face. I had friends and family members visit me here in Idaho which means the world to me.

I got to create, and create and create which brings me SO much joy and keeps me sane. I created about 150 scrapbook layouts, dozens of cards, some canvases, pillows and other various crafts. I am so grateful for my me time that enables me to keep doing what I love. I'm also grateful for all of my online friens who inspire me more than they know!

I hope 2009 brings more of the same for me, a job for Kirk, more progress for Nate, contentment for Joe and Nick, and continued good health for all of us.

I'm hoping for good things for all of my friends and loved ones, too.

I appreciate each and every one of your comments, so thank you for taking the time to type a few words. It means a lot me!

♥♥♥
Lori