Looking Back on 2008

I've seen this in some blogs this morning and thought that the best way to move ahead is to look back and reflect. In 2008:

January: Commemorated Papa's (my grandfather) 30th anniversary since he passed away with Mom and Meema at a mass dedicated to him followed by breakfast; had last lunch with a friend who is no longer my friend.

February: Rocked out (for my love's sake) at an Iron Maiden concert; found out the power of words and gossip and what they can do to a friendship; sent my husband off to Spring Training in Arizona; traveled (the day of the worst storm in the east of the season) to Philadelphia with Mom and Meema to surprise my cousin who was turning 40; endured horrendous customer service, cried and used my then 86 year old Meema as proof why they needed to get us on a flight; had a great whirlwind weekend filled with family and cheesesteaks (yum).

March: Celebrated D's birthday by attending Junior Seau's Legends Party; Reunited with friends for our annual Greek party; celebrated Easter dinner family style at Ruth's; went to our sushi class at Great News and decided that for all the trouble, it is better to just go out and eat it rather than make it, but still had lots of fun.

April: Went to the EC for D's uncles funeral and found out during the viewing that Baby E was getting ready to make his debut into the world; Baby E was born; went to our first Padres game of the season with such high hopes.

May: Celebrated Mother's Day with the family; interviewed for a job and did not get it (they already knew who they wanted to hire); did a girls night and watched Sex and the City.

June: Attended our niece's baby shower; our nephew's high school graduation; 40th birthday party of a friend; sold my Jetta.

July: Went to Arizona for Convention; came home, unpacked, repacked and left the next day for our belated honeymoon trip to Seattle and Vancouver; had the most amazing time; celebrated the July family birthdays; said goodbye to a friend who moved away (still miss you).

August: Endured massive amounts of stress finding the perfect navy and khaki outfit; met Baby E for the first time and fell in love with him; took multi generation matchy matchy family photos; helped plan and execute Meema's birthday party/Baby E welcome party.

September: Had another interview for a job that they already knew who they wanted; kept busy with the day to day; attended a wedding on a cruise ship before it sailed; got pooped on by a seagull before boarding; and met our grandniece all in the same day.

October: Attended D's 20th high school reunion; Had another round of interviews (made the decision difficult, but didn't get this one either); reconnected with a former boss at brunch and realized all the BS is just that.

November: Made a difficult decision that will only make my future easier; went to a Girls only brunch; celebrated our first anniversary with D and realized once again how lucky I am to be married to such an amazing man; enjoyed our first Thanksgiving as a married couple.

December: Had a scary letter from the Blood Bank throw me into full blown migrraine state only to be reassured that all was good; had our 9th annual Ornament Exchange; attended D's holiday party; celebrated my birthday; switched it up for Christmas Eve and got the flu to end the year.

My 2008 was all that it should have been filled with highs, lows, laughter, tears and everything in between. Even though it was trying at times, I wouldn't change it for anything. Here's to a great 2009!