The Year in Review - 2008 Edition

In all honesty, looking back on 2008 it wasn't half bad. 2007 was a beast with all it's ups and downs so that would make 2008 a bit of a breather. I found a steady full time job that I actually like. The job actually fell into my lap -- and I've been there for over 10 months now. No funny business or crazy rules this time. It's cool and laid back. It's close to home. I feel like I was put there for a reason.

My part time job took off this year. I started out working one night at the bar and ended up parlaying that into being a regular bartender 4 nights a week. The money was FABULOUS. Who would have ever thought that I would make almost double the money working part time than I do at my full time job? That job was another one that fell into my lap. You couldn't have planned the chain of events that led to that job if you tried.

I was sad when it came to an end with the bar closing but I met a lot of interesting people while working there. I formed relationships with the regular customers and we all grew to love each other like family. That place became a second home to me. I miss working there. That job allowed me to finally live comfortably - probably above comfortably for the first time in my working adult life. I wanted for nothing, It felt good knowing that I was able to totally support myself and should I ever need to get back out there and make some quick money, I'm definitely capable of doing it. I love bartending. It taught me to hustle and stay on the grind and I'm proud of myself for hanging in there. It wasn't an easy job. I worked hard for every tip I earned. Who would have ever thought Ms. Priss would be such a hard worker? Not even me hun.

Working at the bar also brought someone wonderful into my life. I know I've alluded to this before but I wonder if I was put there to meet him. Who would have ever thought that 2008 would have brought true love into my life? I wasn't looking or even thinking about dating. I met him the first night I worked, which was technically in 2007 but I brushed him off for a while. To be honest, I wasn't in the right frame of mind when we met. I wasn't ready to accept him and everything he had to offer into my life at that time. I was trying to get my life together. That was my main focus at the time.

He tried again once I had settled down and got my life back on track and we've been pretty much inseparable ever since. Don't get me wrong we've had our ups and our downs but things have mostly been on the up side. I've never been in a relationship with somebody that seems so effortless. When we're together it's like we're in sync. We get along so great. And that says a lot knowing how difficult I am. Even in all this time we've never had any MAJOR problems or arguments. I had to get on him about that crawling under a rock thing everytime he has to deal with a problem but that was pretty much it.

I will be honest and say that he definitely isn't the package I was expecting but it doesn't matter at this point. I'm happy overall. This time has definitely flown by. This is the longest I've ever continously dated one person in my dating life. I'm proud of myself for reaching that milestone and certainly without drama.

On another front, I always thought that B and I would end up together once his ex got out of the picture. Boy was I wrong. I always thought we were a perfect match but maybe not. Maybe it's not time? Who knows what the future holds? But I'm finally past dwelling on it. He certainly wasn't helping either. We did grow a lot closer during that time period and I'm greatful for that. He is still one of the best friends I've ever had. And probably always will be. He's one of the few friends that I go all the way back to childhood with. I know he's there for me if I need him and vice versa. Gotta love him. I still can't believe I poured my heart out to him behind this new chick only for it to turn out that I had my panties in a bunch for nothing. You live and you learn. I'm sure that has made our friendship stronger too.

I've grown closer to my family this year. I don't get as nauseous when it comes to family gatherings. I do wish we associated more with some of our extended family though. Holidays can get boring when it's just the 4 (or 5) of us. I'm thankful to have them in my life.

Looking back at 2008, I honestly feel like I accomplished something this year. That's a 100% more than I could say for 2007. I'm not where I want to be goal wise just yet but I have made some progress. I'm just going to continue to take things one day at a time. I definitely don't feel as lost anymore. I still don't know what my purpose is but I get the feeling I'm headed in the right direction.

I pray that 2009 will be a properous year for all of us and I look forward to the changes it brings. I brought in the New Year working (and getting money) so let's hope that sets the tone for the 09.