Auld Lang Syne

As I sit and think about the end of 2008 and a new beginning in 2009, I am glad for the chance to start again. 2007 was a wonderful year for me, and as I entered 2008, I just knew it was going to be a great year. I had vowed to lose the extra weight I seem to have carried all my life, and become a much healthier person. I had also vowed to travel more, and I made a list of about five places I wanted to visit.
But 2008 was a year of hardship, of heartache, and of moving on. I didn't lose the weight. I didn't travel more, and I spent most of the year trying to be happy again. I had a really bad breakup, and had to move because with a new boss, my job went sour.

So, the New Year has me thinking about the words of the famous new year's song "Auld Lang Syne". If you don't know the words, here they are:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?
And here's a hand, my trusty friend And gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne

So, should we forget the days that have gone by? Sometimes I think yes, but other times, I think no. Because if you forget where you've been, then you can't learn anything for the future.
So, as you enter the New Year, Thank God for where you've been, and the trials He's brought you through. Because we're still standing today, despite the things that have happened, or the people that seek to destroy us. And look forward to the New Year, and the new beginnings. Because the coming year, 2009, is going to be great! I just know it!

Working on Christmas

I've been in the Television business since 2002, and since 2002, I've had to work every Christmas, except for one. I didn't work last Christmas, and that was a gift in itself to be able to be with my family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

This year, I sit inside the newsroom at Channel three in Chattanooga, and I wish I could be home with my family. My mom passed around the phone this morning and I talked to all my family at her house...my mom, stepdad, grandmother, my sister and her husband, my brother and his fiance. And it was great just getting to hear their voices.

But for the first time I actually enjoy the people I'm spending Christmas with. The people I work with here are so great, and I have actually enjoyed today, even though I've had to work. The crew that's working today are the "newby's"...all of us don't have the seniority, so we have to work while others get the holiday off. It's the nature of the business, the news must go on.

But we're not the only ones...I went into Waffle House today, and those poor people were so busy! It seems everyone went to get a late breakfast at Waffle House this morning...there were so many people in there, and I found myself feeling sorry for the people working there. At least my job isn't as demanding as there's today. Holidays are usually pretty easy in the news business. So, thank you waffle house workers for making my food today.

I say all of this to say--enjoy your time with your family and friends this holiday season...and Thank God for all the time you get to spend with them. Because there are some who can't be with their families on the holidays...as for me, I'm heading to see family tonight.

The Loop Christmas Party

Check out the pictures and video from our Christmas party. The Loop is a young adult group I'm involved in for ages 20s and 30s...we had a great time.http://theloopchattanooga.blogspot.com

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

I haven't blogged in a while. Things have been so busy, Christmas has really snuck up on me this year. I'm working today and tomorrow, as I usually have to do. It's the curse of being a tv news producer. But I do get to go home for the weekend and see my family.

I called my mom today. She says everyone's coming over for the annual Christmas Eve celebration...the celebration that I have missed every year, except for last year. It's really sad...I always feel like I'm on the outside. Mom says they're having hordouvers...and exchanging gifts.

I'll work tomorrow, then head to my dad's home, which is really close--about an hour away. I will celebrate Christmas with him and my stepmom tomorrow night...
then I'll head to my mom's in Gordo on Friday morning, where I will get to spend Christmas weekend with my mom, stepdad, grandmother, and probably my brother, Timmy, and his fiance. Lisa and Jon probably won't be there, but I hope that changes.

I'm looking forward to the time at home...

I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas...
I hope Santa treats everyone good, and don't forget while you're opening presents to celebrate Jesus' birthday, too. After all, He's the reason for the season!

Look What I got!

I'm so excited! I got my first smart phone! It's a Blackjack II from Samsung. I absolutely love it, but it's taking me some time to figure out how it works! It's almost smarter than me!

Turning 30

So, tomorrow I turn the big 3-0. And it's been really sad for me. I mean, today is the last day of my 20s. I guess leaving behind decades is sad, because that's the last 10 years of your life! And you look back at all you wanted to accomplish, and it didn't happen.
But the good thing is that it kind of gives you a fresh start--a new beginning to do all the things you want to do.
I got an email from my dear friend, Noelle, today. She also turns 30 soon. Her birthday is in March, and she and I are going to Tucson together next month to celebrate. She lives in San Francisco area, so it will be great to see her.

She really put turning 30 it in perspective for me. here's an excerpt:

"Enjoy 30! If you think 30 is bad, wait till we get to 50 (; Not looking forward to 50. Don't really feel much older as I approach 30....I guess I could be upset...but I was at a conference for the past two days in the City....I had to walk to BART from the conference and was surrounded by disabled people...people talking to themselves...panhandlers....and an old homeless guy sleeping in his wheelchair in the BART station underground because it's so cold outside right now in the Bay Area. We really have so much to be thankful for.....a trip to the City keeps things in perspective."

So, as I turn 30, I really want to think about what I want my life to be like for the next 10 years. I want to enjoy life more. I want to meet more people, and make new friends. I want to hopefully find a wonderful man to marry, and have beautiful children. I want to stay put--and quit moving around so much. I want to travel more (for pleasure), and see places I've never seen. I begin that with Tucson...I went when I was a little girl, but I don't remember anything. So, I can't wait to see the southwest.

I'm not working for the rest of the week, so I will update next week.

A Week Away, Advice Needed

I am exactly a week away from the dreaded 30. I turn 30 on December 11th. I am, however, looking forward to some time off. I am off that Thursday and Friday. I was planning on going to Nashville, but because I couldn't find anyone that wanted to go with me...I decided I'm going to stick around here.

So, I'm looking for tips on how to survive turning 30. For those of you that have already hit that milestone...please send me those tips, whether they be humorous or serious, I want to know!

Happy Family News

I got the best phone call last night. My brother, Timmy, has been dating Kylie for a couple years now. Well, Kylie called me last night to tell me Timmy had proposed! So, they're getting married in October! I am so happy for them! I liked Kylie from the beginning, and I told Timmy not to let her get away! So, I am so glad that they are getting married! And Timmy even thought of a clever way to propose! I'm so proud of him!