I figure I should write a list of goals/hopes/dreams for the coming year - somewhat a bucket list but I dare not call it that, too cliched. I should also reflect on my past year(s), and where that's brought me.

2008 started with a kiss at midnight, and auld lang syne - Friends, my love, and lots of confetti. It set the tone for a great year - although there were some serious downs:

January - After what seemed like the longest time in my life, ever, I reached the final term of my university career (for the moment). The light reached my end of the tunnel that was so far away at the beginning.

February - Final exams, and I was off to clinical - well on my way to becoming a REAL NURSE (as that's what RN stands for... ) Although a cold and blistery month, it was great. My second year "out" as a pagan, I attended the public Imbolc ritual (should there be a favorite, this is it as it's the first ritual I'd ever performed). I also started applying for jobs then - and got an interview!!

March - Our gaming group stopped gaming regularly sometime around then. As this has happened before it nearly broke my heart. For those who know me, gaming is something that allows an escape, and gives me some small joy when all else goes to crap. Also, my man and I reached our 1 year mark - at which he took me to a lovely bed and breakfast, where we spent most of our time in bed. Great month!

April - I was confirmed hired to the hospital, so that's awesome! Also awarded a bursary for staying in the province. If I remember correctly, this was also around the time that a friend I'd felt I knew forever shut me out completely, blocking me in every possible way. It was back then I got angry and started acting very mature about this. Lesson learned: The art we made belongs to the both of us, and I shouldn't be so angry to not share that art with the world. As such, you will see some photos resurface. (To that end, I am sorry to for having to hear me bitch about said issues).

May - My aunts cancer gets worse: she's told that the chemotherapy isn't' working so well, and she'll likely have 6 months left. But her spirit, energy, and love for life inspires me - so I find the time to drive to NB and visit her as often as possible, learning the lessons one should know before they leave this earth, but so often learn those lessons too close to the end. One lesson: Seriously live each day to the fullest - you never know how long you have, even when you're given a timeline.

June - Alan and I make our first cottage trip of the summer - great times to be had for certain! Gorgeous spot, and lots of time to laze around. I also started working full time - eeek! That was rough - student vs. real employee is a huge difference. Kick-in-the-ass huge difference. But I got through it - and learned a lot about myself and my inner strength in the process. I also learned how to selectively hear some co-workers.

July - Beautiful for a few days - gross for the rest. Such is life. Alan and I did an impulse convertible rental and loved the day! Hoping to do it again next summer, just for the heck of it! This is also when I began to see how tubby I've become... being in love tends to make you gain weight if you're not careful. Sigh. Resolution: Lose at least 80 pounds over the next year. Time to join Weight Watchers and attend meetings.

August - Nothing too exciting that I can remember, truth be told. Slow month I guess as I was settling into working.

September - Pregnancy scare. But I learned I could get through it, and that I had a man who'd stick by my side through anything life threw at us. Good to know. (Lesson learned - pay attention. Also - I got a free trip to a Cardiology conference in Toronto, Ontario through work. Great experience!! I learned so much, and am really excited about staying in my current specialty for a while longer

October - My first week's vacation came and went so quickly I barely noticed. Went to NB to see my Aunt with Mom, and that was about it. Then back to the grind. Alan's dad moves out west, changing our regular Saturday morning breakfast routine - not necessarily a bad thing, as the Spartan is a little sketchy.

November - I turn 23. Woot. And the beat goes on.

December - My crazy French-Acadian family has an early Christmas dinner for my Aunt who's sick in NB. It was awesome. Only half of us were there, but still great - 25 is a good crew - my family is big. My own Yule and Christmas were great! Alan and I exchanged presents, drank mimosas, and ate two full Christmas dinners in one day. No wonder I'm back up to the weight I was when I'd started to lose 3 months ago! Damn. No slipping this year - my health needs to come first, and at 235lbs and 5'9, while it doesn't exactly show a lot, I feel it... my lungs feel it... and it's time for a big change.
And to end the year - I've had numerous bizarre dreams that my wedding is soon... and who knows... things are perfect as they are, and while I spent midnight New Years Eve sleeping and Alan at work, the year is going to get better and better.

Thank you to every friend, fan, and supporter out there. Blessed be to all of you, and all the best in the New Year!

Lisa