Reflections of 2008

[pnggrad79]

As I reflect on 2008, it had its challenges and joys.

Challenges
1. My wife took a job that entailed a significant pay cut, but promised big results after the first year (2008). Disillusionment and hard work for very little pay made this a tough year for her and me.
2. My wife briefly left me.
3. A friend of mine's daughter was killed in a drunk driving accident.

Joys

1. My wife left the job she took and went back to her old job, doubling her income immediately.
2. My wife came back. I began taking Zoloft to curb my outbursts. I sleep better and don't escalate in my reactions to things.
3. My job is going very well.
4. My health is very good.
5. I went off caffeine.
6. My daughter is a senior this year and will graduate.
7. My finances are getting better.
8. My wife met wonderful people in her job, and they are good friends now.


We take so much for granted these days, so take some time to reflect on what has happened to you this past year and thank God for the good things and the negative things, and determine for yourself how to make them into positives for 2009.

[Jennifer5]

Originally Posted by pnggrad79

As I reflect on 2008, it had its challenges and joys.

Challenges
1. My wife took a job that entailed a significant pay cut, but promised big results after the first year (2008). Disillusionment and hard work for very little pay made this a tough year for her and me.
2. My wife briefly left me.
3. A friend of mine's daughter was killed in a drunk driving accident.

Joys

1. My wife left the job she took and went back to her old job, doubling her income immediately.
2. My wife came back. I began taking Zoloft to curb my outbursts. I sleep better and don't escalate in my reactions to things.
3. My job is going very well.
4. My health is very good.
5. I went off caffeine.
6. My daughter is a senior this year and will graduate.
7. My finances are getting better.
8. My wife met wonderful people in her job, and they are good friends now.


We take so much for granted these days, so take some time to reflect on what has happened to you this past year and thank God for the good things and the negative things, and determine for yourself how to make them into positives for 2009.

I love your answers!

Challenges
1. School has been way to stressful.
2. School again because it ties up my entire life and takes me away from all of the things that I care about.
3. Wanting to have a part time job but not being able to because I can't finish my schoolwork.

Joys
1. I am surrounded by a family that I love. Christmas was incredible because of them and I know that they will alway be there for me. (including beloved pets)
2. My mom's business is growing (although she need more business still).
3. A fun week in Hawaii.
4. Friends, from here mostly, that I can talk to anything about. I feel like Nathan specifcally has been there when I really need to talk.
5. Soulforce, I feel like I can always find answers and guidance here when I need it.

Goals for 2009
1. I am going to try and find a way to get my GED. (unfortunately, the rest are predicated on my ability to do this one)
2. By fall enroll in a couple classes at the community college.
3. Spend more time helping to find my mom more clients (something very dueable if I had more time)
4. Get in contact with an old friend and make some new ones.
5. a) get a part time job b) work more for my mom c) both

p.s. If any of you know about the process of getting a GED, I'd appreciate any advice. I don't think it's going to be easy, at least here in WA.

[christa08]

Challenges
1. My dad remarried my very mean step-mom. It put me in a depression.
2. I couldn't find a job for the life of me.
3. First year of marriage...it was a roller coaster.

Joys
1. My dad realized his mistake and divorced said step-mom after only 2 months of remarriage.
2. Although I felt really betrayed by my dad remarrying her, somehow, when they divorced, our father-daughter relationship grew stronger.
3. I made a new friend which was very much needed since I'm in a new town.
4. My marriage is amazing. It has its ups and downs but I'm so happy overall and thankful for my husband.
5. I discovered Soulforce which led to a complete reformation of my inner self. I have all of you to thank for it.

Goals for 2009
1. Get a good job.
2. Start college for my Sociology degree in the fall.
3. Spend more time talking to distant family members.
4. Live my life. I've spent too much time sitting watching the time pass me by.

[Jennifer5]

Did everyone make a resolution to spend more times on the forums in 2009??

It seems like there is a lot of activity here today.

[tymejumper]

Challenges


1) My father is an ass and still hasn't accepted me being married to my wife. He didn't even put her name on the Christmas card.

2) New boss, she is not a really nice person.

3) Hard economic times. Ellie is automotive and we don't know how long she will be employed or when she's off 3rd shift.

4) My step-father passed from cancer, I loved him more than my actual father.

5) Had to take my stupid ex to court to get the money he owes for his kids. It took almost a year to get the actual money as he did nothing but fight it.

Joys

1) I got married in my backyard to my soulmate!

2) I was able to be there when my mother needed me and use my medical knowledge for her. I was able to pay her back for all her support of me in her time of need.

3) My children are happy and safe, and healthy with another mother that loves them and would protect them till the end.

4) I inherited much wonderful and supportive family with my marriage.

5) I am able to support my family on my income alone if we are careful, so we will not have to worry too much if she gets laid off.

6) My brother came over to my home and talked to my wife and they had alot in common, it's a step.

2009 Resolutions

1) Work on communication with my boss. It will make the situation at work liveable and perhaps teach her compassion and kindness when dealing with us employees(she has never been a boss before).

2) Pay off our outstanding bills and credit card.

3) Go camping with our kids and teach them more love of the outdoors.

4) expand our garden and can veggies to save on food bills.(learn to can that is!)

5) Show my family how much I love them all and build a strong marriage and family unit.

[pnggrad79]

Tyme,
I have the same issue with my family. They send me Christmas cards, but conveniently leave my wife off the card. It is downright and blatant discrimination. They act like she isn't even a part of my life. So untrue.
She is who I love and want to be with for the rest of my life.
I know you feel the same way. Best of luck in the new year.