I don’t know why you say goodbye, I say hello

I could write about all the things that sucked in 2008, but why dwell when on the cusp of a new year?  Instead I'm just going to be thankful for the things that were awesome, and jump wholeheartedly into a new year full of new opportunities.

Things in 2008 that I remember being awesome:

Spring - Highlights definitely revolved around conferences.  Northern Voice in February, where I faced my fear of public speaking for the first time since university, DrupalCon in Boston where I got inspired and met lots of great people, and helping organize Drupal Camp Vancouver which happened in May and was a big success.  All three were lots of fun.

Summer - Lounging at English Bay, going for bike rides on the beach and at Stanley Park, barbeques, the farmer's market, walking around going to art galleries, going to the cabin, and generally kicking around enjoying what was a pretty nice summer weather-wise.  Major highlights were also the brief but enjoyable trip down to Portland with Scott, where we met up with some other friends, and attending my old next-door neighbour's wedding party in Saskatoon, where I got to hang out with a bunch of the kids I grew up with for the first time in years.

Fall - Starting my new job is definitely up there... hmm... not too many fall memories... Halloween at Boris' was really fun.

Winter -  The snow, though not always convenient, was a nice change in pace.  Lots of reading good books, crafting. Friends.  Turned 28.

Overall, I have to say I'm closing out this year appreciating friends, my job, and making slow but steady progress working on my personal health and well-being.  Update: forgot to say, was also very pleased about the progressive wins in the US and Vancouver mayoral elections!

Intentions for 2009:

Mainly, my intentions surround continuing to improve my health and well-being, and also figuring out how to accept my limitations and be unappologetic about them (that might sound easy, but it's proving to be very challenging).  Personal relationships (family and friends) is also high on the list of priorities...interestingly enough, everyone's favorite horoscope site seems to think that will be an area of focus this coming year:

From Free Will Astrology:

Studies suggest that the average person who reaches old age has been upset with some family member or another for a total of 30 years. Is that a standard you'd like to match, Scorpio? If not, you will have an excellent chance to reduce any inclination you might have to hold grudges in 2009. The coming months will bring you ripe opportunities to dissolve tensions between you and your kin. You will also be more skilled than usual at navigating your way with grace and diplomacy through complications involving the home and domestic issues.

I also intend to keep becoming an awesomer (yes, awesomer) project manager and Drupaller and keep making sure I can say (at least on most days!) that I love my job.  From the looks of my horoscope, perhaps with any luck I'll be able to sort out my housing situation (ie. move) as well.

Onward and upward.