So, I have to admit: I did not catch the inauguration.  But, I did read Obama’s speech online.  It is incredible.  I cried.  And for the first time this month/year, I actually did feel hopeful.

January’s been a little rough for me.  Getting back into the routine of work, especially with taking some vacation, has been difficult.  We’ve had a lot of changes within the cottage, which have put stress not only on the girls, but on us.  I have now officially been at work for 6 months…which is slightly crazy to think about.  But overall I think I am doing ok.  There are certainly some things I need to improve upon, and it still is very taxing on me at times to do what I do, but I feel as tho I am doing ok.

The economic crisis + my meager salary is making financial times hard.  Plus I had to register my car to NC this month, which was quite pricey.  Plus a clerical error at work resulting in me not recieving 1/3 of my paycheck.  Nice.  So, I’m a bit stressed, but I can do this.  I’m doing better (for the most part) about eating at home, and cutting back on my spending.  I have made the dreaded 2009 budget…greed is just so rampant in our culture and consumerism is such a strong part of it, that it is psychologically stressful.  I am not hurting for any of my basic needs by any means; it’s the excess that is the problem.  It is made easier by knowing that everyone is having to “tighten purse strings”…really I don’t have it so bad.  It’s just depressing at times.

As for 5k training, I’m doing ok…that Friday run is just so hard to get in with working on Fridays.  And I did kind of not do what I was supposed to do today.  I’ve been feeling very sleepy and rundown lately…possibly the weather?  The economy?  The wars?  Work? Not sure.  But it ends tomorrow.  Gotta pick up the pace.

In other news, Kristen visited me this past weekend!  It was quite delightful.  Not good for the aforementioned wallet or waistline, but a fun visit.  However, I am old.  And tired.  And lame.  Sigh.  No more party girl.  But, it’s for the best.  And life is quite comfortable and fun as it is, so there you have it.

So, that’s enough of my selfish ramblings.  Hope to give less anxious and stress-ridden post soon.  I also hope my whining doesn’t overshadow my extreme joy at seeing Obama inaugurated today.  I love more and more of who he is and what he does as I learn about him.  I have high hopes for where America can go with his leadership and inspiration.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Paid rent.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Ummm I make goals a lot.  I think I probably met about half of them.  I need to make more for the Spring…

3. Did anyone close to you give birth or get pregnant?
Hmmm…not that I can remember?

4. Did anyone close to you get married?
My older sister did!!!!  It was an utterly incredible experience all around!!

5. Did anyone close to you die?
Oh dear no not that I can think of thank goodness.

6. Travel?
Yes!!!  I went to South Africa, which was an irreplaceable experience…and I also went to Charleston, SC again, which was a lot of fun

7. Did you move anywhere?
I moved into my first apartment in Winston-Salem

8. What was the best month?
Oh goodness I don’t know actually…hmmm…perhaps…April?

9. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Cash money

10. What date(s) from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Hmmm…let’s see…
a.  March 28th, 2008 – incredible birthday party; night I walked it out…
b.  April 3rd, 2008 – day Michael Whatley and I began dating
c.  May 18th, 2008 – day many decisions were made
d.  May 19th, 2008 – day I graduated from college at Wake Forest!
e.  May 2oth, 2008 – day I left for South Africa
f.  July 11th, 2008 – day I moved into my first apartment!
g.  July 14th, 2008 – day I started training for my first real-world job!
h.  September 27th, 2008 – my big sister’s wedding!!!!
That’s about it I guess…but quite a lot!

11. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Surviving my fist job and becoming “independent”…ish.

12. What was your biggest failure?
Ummm budgeting.

13. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really actually, other than some colds.  Michael practically died a few times tho.

14. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmm…my YWCA membership.

15. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Michael’s, for supporting me in absolutely anything and everything.  My family’s, for the same reason.

16. Whose behavior made you appalled and/or depressed?
I can’t really think actually.  Oh.  Sarah Palin’s.

17. Where did most of your money go?
Food food and more food.  + books.

18. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Traveling to South Africa.

19. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Probably “Wine Red” or any Hush Sound song really.

20. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Infinitely happier
ii. thinner or fatter? About the same, but hopefully on the road to thinner!
iii. richer or poorer? Technically richer actually as I am closer to self-sufficient than before.

21. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Working out

22. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spending money

23. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve/Day?
Oyster Roast with the Wyche Family in Whiteville!

24. What was an unexpected surprise?
Still dating Michael Whatley 9 months later

25. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Yes.

26. What was the best concert you’ve been to this year?
Aw no concerts   I have no life.

27. What was your favorite TV program?
Oh heavens…I guess in the strictly 2008 sense…it’d have to be The Biggest Loser, since everything else I was into even in 2007.

28. Do you dislike anyone now that you didn’t dislike this time last year?
Oh, sure.

29. What was the best book you read?
Fear of Flying – Erica Jong (impossible question tho!!!)

30. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Oh my…The Hush Sound, Ingrid Michaelson, Crooked Still

31. What did you want and get?
To begin to live (somewhat) independently

32. What did you want and not get?
A puppy.

33. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hm…probably, as obvious as it may seem, The Dark Knight.  Altho, I personally really enjoyed Across the Universe, tho I’m not sure when it came out.

34. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 22 and had a hugely awesome party in my dorm room with a completely wonderful variety of friends.  I got extremely drunk and embarrassed myself.  There was much cuddling, much “walking it out”, many heart-to-hearts and professions of love, and some cute flirting.  Also blacking out.

35. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Feeling more control over myself.

36. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
I tried to wear more practical, simple, yet still flattering clothes (and gave up t-shirts as a day-to-day wear)

37. What kept you sane?
My family, friends, and MW.  Also podcasts.

38. What political issue stirred you the most?
Oh, I suppose the whole Obama/McCain election, wouldn’t you say?

39. Who did you miss?
Oh, too many to list. I miss everyone when I’m not around them.