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Goodbye 2009!

At this time of year I am always both happy to see a new year coming and kind of sad to see the old one go.images-1

Things I will not be sorry to leave behind in 2009-

Oldest son’s knee surgery.  It freaked me out!

Youngest son’s senioritis.  Do NOT get me started.

Pain in the butt book I am writing right now.  Every once in a while, there’s one of THOSE books.  After 45+ books, I know it’ll all work out . . . but while I’m writing the thing–OY!

Great things that happened to me in 2009-

My sons are still happy, healthy and on the road to success.  Although every time the phone rings and I don’t know the owner of the caller ID I think, “What in hell did they do now?”

n1599450045_9818Oldest son’s knee surgery was a success and he is back playing college basketball this week.

Youngest son applied to 5 colleges and was accepted to every single one.  What a guy!4539_1150062483957_1599450567_30901918_4428072_s

IV’s business is still doing well.  Not great, not better, but not bad.  And lately that’s good.

I still have a contract with a publisher I love, and I am working with an editor I adore, writing books I like to read.  I’m blessed.

I am a Goddess!  Hear me roar!  Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you to the original goddesses for inviting me to join them and for all the fun I’ve had being a part of this site in the past year.

imagesTell me–what great things happened in your 2009 and what things will you be glad to leave behind when the calendar turns to 2010?

46 Comments »

46 Responses to “Goodbye 2009!”

  1. B on 28 Dec 2009 at 3:05 am #

    2009 was a year of new experiences for me. After 2.5 years, I quit Law School to study Languages, and, man, that changed my life big time. I was quiet and invisible in Law School — I literally didn’t speak at school most days. Then, now, I’ve made SO much friends at my new school. I talk all the time, to everyone. It’s been amazing getting to know these people.

    Another new great things were BOOKS. I’ve read SO MANY new authors this year whom I immediately fell in love with (ahem, Sabrina Jeffries/Karen Hawkins) and got TOTALLY obsessed with their books (*cough cough* Karen Rose), among others. Of course, Twitter so I can bug these authors asking questions like “When is Kristen’s birthday?” or “What did Mia have for breakfast the first day of Count to Ten?” (I love you, too, Karen R.)

    Then, CASTLE. Which speaks for itself. I NEEDED a show like Castle this year, and wow. I’m hooked and stupidly in love with him.

    And a friend. An author. Who I’ve met through Twitter which became one of my closest and greatest friends!!! :)

  2. B on 28 Dec 2009 at 3:10 am #

    I’m glad to leave behind the family madness of this last year. This will probably sound like a messes up answer, but… in 2009, things were complicated in my father’s family. My aunt had been very ill — she was constantly trying to kill herself, or her son, or my grandma. She acted up (like, she would try to jump of a moving car and things like that), she fought. Everyone was worried and stressed 24/7.

    Her committing suicide wasn’t a good way to ended, but part of me is glad the madness is over (and I know I speak for my father and my grandmother, too. They’ve said it). It’s raw, it’s hurting, but I hope that with time, my family finds the strength to heal and get back together.

    Yes, I’m glad to leave THAT behind and start a new year differently! :)

  3. evlqn on 28 Dec 2009 at 3:32 am #

    B don’t feel guilty or bad about the way you feel about your aunt. She is what we in the health industry call”a crazy-maker” because she made everyone around her crazy. Some people HAVE to live in the center of chaos to survive. and it hurts the ones around them. I’m glad you found something to make your soul happy, you need that. Are you sleeping any better?

    2009 has been a year for us. I went back to school, thankfully it is online. My health is improving slowly but I’ll take what I can get. I had a “heart incident” a couple of months ago, scared the crap outa all of us.

    I got my new bathroom,it is so beautiful it is almost a religious experience. We only have the kitchen to do and all of our floors will be finished. The g-sons have been so great about helping. We still want to enclose our 10×30 ft. deck so we have another room. Right now it is only covered.

    We are having more positive encounters with the g-sons parents, I’ve only wanted to put the dad under the car a couple of times, baby steps.

    Next year we really want to go to Orlando to see D-world and Universal’s HP exhibit.

    Lori, I’m delighted you still have a contract. Aren’t you glad you & IV let the boys live??

  4. Trini on 28 Dec 2009 at 3:47 am #

    Wow, it’s no easy to answer… 2008 was a very hard year, 2009 was better but not too much better. My two grandmoms are very old (91 and 95 years old) and they are worst every day, I know it’s “life law” but it’s hard to see how their bodies and their minds are wearing themselves out…
    In 2008 my father was tranplanted (a kidney), three months later he suffered a very hard complications and he had an operation again, the best in 2009 was that he is very well now, alive, he is in good health and strong again… so we are very very happy for that reason.
    In 2008 and 2009 there were a few troubles more… in 2008 I almost lost my smile but in spite of all, the problems couldn’t fall me down and that has done me more strong. So I’m very happy to leave behind this bad things. But I’m a very positive, lucky and hopeful person so I’m sure 2010 will be a great year!!!!!

  5. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 7:41 am #

    Books are always the best of every year’s memories for me, B. And I’m sure it’ll be the same next year.
    I hope your family has a much better 2010.

    Evlqn-I got a new bathroom several years back and I know exactly what you mean. I still won’t let anyone take a shower in there. I want my white and gold tiles to remain pristine. LOL!

    What a great story about your dad, Trini. I’m so glad he’s better.

  6. Pesky on 28 Dec 2009 at 8:03 am #

    Good Things:

    1. I got to know all of you.
    2. Started dating a really fabulous guy.
    3. Learned a new skill set that has blossomed in interesting and new ways on the job front

    Things I’d Like To Happen Next Year:

    1. New fabulous job.
    2. Better health
    3, Finally reaching my weight goal. I’ve been inching towards it for years, just want to finally get there.

  7. Claudia Dain on 28 Dec 2009 at 8:11 am #

    Bad Things: my computer’s ‘we fix it for free’ three year warranty runs out in 3 days!

    Good Things: my computer had to have its left side guts replaced last week, FREE!

    Bad Things: Number Two Son moved back home to save money.

    Good Things: I enjoy Number Two Son’s company.

    Bad Things: Writing one of “those” books.

    Good Things: Having the goddesses (LORI!) around to talk me down off the cliff.

  8. Freshechelle on 28 Dec 2009 at 8:11 am #

    2009 was a year of change and I expect to feel the effects through 2010 and beyond. I’ll talk more about it all when the dust settles.

    Last night, I dreamt about sharing something with the Goddess community. Guess you all are officially part of my life.

  9. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 8:15 am #

    Pesky! Congrats on the fabulous guy and the new skill. That sounds like a banner year. I’m sure all you wish in the New Year will come to pass.

    Claudia–ALL my computers hit the end of their “we fix it for free” warranty this year. Eeek!
    And I’ll talk you off that cliff any day, honey. If I didn’t you wouldn’t be there to talk me off of mine.

    Sounds like a lovely dream, Fresh. We’ll wait to hear your news when you’re ready to share.

  10. Lisa H on 28 Dec 2009 at 9:09 am #

    2009 really had its ups and downs for our family. The “stimulus program” just about killed us and I had to go back to work, which meant leaving my four-year-old and my writing plans. But on a positive note, I lost 25 lbs., reconnected with two old friends, one from high school, and everyone is healthy.

    Looking forward to 2010, my first book comes out in February! WOOT! and I am shopping around my second book. My baby will be in Kindergarden in the fall which means I will have time to write again, and my oldest will be getting her drivers license and can help out a bit with all the running around.

    Congratulations to all you goddesses on your many successes. Your books definitely were a bright spot for me during some of these difficult changes. :)

  11. SheridanLA on 28 Dec 2009 at 9:42 am #

    2009 – good
    I took a fabulous trip
    finished a triathlon
    had a lot of fun with friends

    2009 – not so good
    irked that another year has passed and I am still not really working toward some personal goals

    2010 – plans
    to work toward previously mentioned goal
    take steps for some career and life changes

  12. Paula on 28 Dec 2009 at 10:05 am #

    2009 has really been not a fab year for us. My DH was put on notice in January and managed to keep his job but it meant demotion and a pay cut which was really hard. In September my friend was diagnosed with terminal secondary breast cancer.

    In my opinion 2010 can only get better and I hope that some money good news comes our way and that will help give us a lift back up. I know that there is a big possibility that my friend will not be around next Christmas and that is the only black cloud hanging over us next year.

  13. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 10:09 am #

    LisaH–Sounds like things are on the upswing for you. Congrats on the book. It’ll be out SO soon!!

    Sheridan–finishing a triathlon sounds like you accomplished a huge goal to me. I’m impressed.

    Very sorry to hear about your friend, Paula, and DHs job. 2009 has been tough in a lot of ways for so many. 2010 has GOT to improve!

  14. Madeline Hunter on 28 Dec 2009 at 10:32 am #

    I will be glad to leave behind:
    —the stress at the day job, but I fear it will follow me into 2010
    —the remnants of the flu I caught in October. Enough, already!
    —the breaking down of good work habits. I got this timer, see, and I have a plan. . .
    —my sister’s health problems. I pray this has been the end of it.

    Great things from 2009
    —oldest son’s new job, new house, new independence
    —Lots of reading, and a few books I now treasure
    —Some writing that I am really proud of
    —My addition to The Goddess Blogs!
    —A vacation just with DH, with lots of one on one time together
    —Staying connected to family, even those far away
    —Hearing from readers who really liked my books. Those emails often come right when I need them most

  15. JudyPatooty on 28 Dec 2009 at 10:39 am #

    2009 started off badly with the death of my mother in January. But it got better and better as the months went on.

    I think the highlight of the year for me was our First Cousins Reunion we had in Maine in July. My sister and I got to renew our acquaintance with thirteen first cousins we hadn’t seen in over 30 years! And eat a lot of lobster.

    And now, going into the new year, I’m about to finish redecorating my living/dining rooms with new hardwood floors, all new furniture and the baby grand piano I inherited. I’m also planning a trip to London for 2010! :)

  16. Sabrina Jeffries on 28 Dec 2009 at 10:47 am #

    Bad thing:
    Hubby got laid off.

    Good thing:
    I love having Hubby home.

    Bad thing:
    My Cobra health insurance runs out next month.

    Good thing:
    I THINK we have insurance, though it’s costing us a fortune.

    Other good things:
    Got asked to emcee RWA’s Rita ceremony!!
    Started a new series I’m loving writing.
    Signed a new contract with my publisher
    Lost nearly 60 pounds, to go with the 60 I lost in 2008. Still have 40 to go, however.
    Got in better shape–I’m walking 2.5 miles a day now!
    Had a fabulous time with the goddesses. Y’all rock!

    Honestly, I can’t complain about anything this year. I really had a very good year.

  17. Sabrina Jeffries on 28 Dec 2009 at 10:48 am #

    Ooh, I forgot to mention that I visited London with hubby for the first time since I was a child. We had so much fun!

  18. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 10:51 am #

    Bummer about the flu, Madeline. I hope the last remnants disappear soon. IV and I are supposed to take a vacation just the two of us in 2010. I can’t wait!

    A cousin’s reunion sounds like a great time, JudyP. And isn’t Maine the best!! I loved it and want to go back soon.

    Sabrina–You’ve lost 120 pounds? You ROCK! Congrats.

  19. Karen Hawkins on 28 Dec 2009 at 11:07 am #

    Bad things:
    - Death of my f-i-l. We miss him every day.
    - Had to deal with a copyeditor who ‘hearts’ dogs and added one TO THE LOVE SCENE. Needless to say, I stetted my heart out. Or rather, I stetted HER heart out. (FYI- ‘Stet’ is how an author deletes changes made by a copyeditor.)
    - Father had knee surgery, but he did well, so I’m putting this in both the Bad list and the Good list.

    Good things:
    - Father had knee surgery, but he did well!
    - Met Hot Cop’s darling grandmother and spent a few weeks with her. She’s a sweetie!
    - Got married to Hot Cop. We’re very, very, very happy.
    - New contract with publisher for 2 contemporaries and 2 historicals.
    - Having fun writing the new historical series!
    - Hot Cop and I took my m-i-l to London for a cheer-up trip. That was super nice.
    - Daughter finished her two year degree and is headed for her four year one. She’s very happy with her major, her job, and her boyfriend – all at the SAME TIME.
    - Son started college and is maturing, becoming more thoughtful and organized.
    - Got a lovely diamond bracelet from Hot Cop for xmas!
    - And got to hang out with some of the bestest peeps here at TGB!

  20. Karen Hawkins on 28 Dec 2009 at 11:08 am #

    Btw, CONGRATS to Sabrina! That’s fabu, dahlink!

  21. Amy Scott on 28 Dec 2009 at 11:19 am #

    Good thing– Had a very healthy and sweet baby girl, who is growing and changing everyday.

    Bad thing– Had a bad c-section, and still haven’t healed, come on already, it’s been 6 months!

    Bad thing– FIL had a heart attack

    Good thing– FIL had a pacemaker put in, and is now doing better

    Good thing– MIL passed her 5 year cancer check up

    Bad thing– One of my best friends moved to Ireland, good for her, bad for me

    Things I look forward to in 2010

    A trip to florida with the family
    My baby girl learning to walk and talk
    My oldest daughter graduating from kindergarten, and being in school full time, woohoo!

  22. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 12:04 pm #

    You have had a very full year, K-Ha! (I am in the middle of STET-ing my heart out right now and feel your pain.)

    Sorry to hear you aren’t feeling back to normal yet after the C-section, AmyS. Did the dr. say how long it might take? I know when I had surgery once for a lump in my breast (just a cyst-yee, ha!) it took nearly a year before I could lift my arm above my head. Dealing with a brand new baby can’t be helping you get your strength back either.

  23. Deb on 28 Dec 2009 at 12:10 pm #

    2009 had a lot of ups and downs.

    My husband had a heart attack on Dec. 29, 2008, so he recuperated the first 8 weeks of 2009. He was not his usual self, so tip-toeing around him the first 4 months of 2009 wasn’t much fun. He is doing well now and is on 5 meds a day. The pharmacy loves having our business, I’m sure.

    My mother has been ill since summer and still is not finding many medical answers. She has been diagnosed with Lymes’ Disease and it has caused heart problems as well as stiff joints and bones. My dad also has declining health.

    On the upside: I have a great family, a lovely 9-year-old daughter, great friends, and fairly good health.

    One highlight was being able to go out for a week with my husband on his job as an over-the-road driver. We only saw the Midwest; last year we went to eastern U.S.

    Another great thing is that my DH switched jobs and is now home once a week as well as every weekend instead of being gone for 2 and 3 weeks at a time.

    I teach 5th grade and have a super sweet bunch of kids this year. They make teaching a joy.

    There were many little things in life that made 2009 great, too.

  24. Amy Scott on 28 Dec 2009 at 12:40 pm #

    I am glad to hear it was just a cyst on your breast, Lori, but boy that must have been scary at the time! Thank goodness it all worked out for you.

    I still have a spot on my incision that hasn’t healed. It isn’t really sore, just a little uncomfortable, somewhat icky, and very frustrating. My doctor keeps taking the ‘wait and see’ approch, but it isn’t working. I see him in a week, and I believe he will refer me to a plastic surgeon. Here’s to it finally healing in 2010!

  25. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 12:45 pm #

    I am glad to hear that your husband is better, Deb. The trip in the truck sounds like a good time for you. And glad you got a great bunch of kids for the school year. That always helps!

    It was scary at the time, Amy. But I had little kids and they keep your mind on other things as you well know.

  26. ladydawgfan on 28 Dec 2009 at 12:51 pm #

    Good thing – Kept my job, despite the 2 rounds of week long furloughs that everyone had to take.

    Bad thing – Have to take yet another furlough this year (coming up the week after New Years)

    Good thing – Managed to avoid getting Swine Flu, even though it was rampant at work.

    Bad thing – The rest of my health was in the crapper (I’ll spare you the details).

    Good thing – My sister and I took a road trip to Philadelphia in April.

    Bad thing – It was for a trip to the Wills Eye Institute for her very rare malignant eye cancer.

    Good thing – Her eye cancer has been removed, she has been given the all clear, and is on the road to recovery.

    Good thing – My sister and I took another road trip to the coast of Maine to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. No bad points about this trip, other than the fact that it wasn’t long enough.

  27. Michelle B on 28 Dec 2009 at 12:56 pm #

    2009 was such a mixed bag of extremes, good and bad. What a roller coaster ride.
    I had a good job, but had to leave it when we moved, not too sad about it as I’m loving being at home now.
    DH retired from the Air Force, happy and sad, as we transition. I’m doing well, DH is having a harder time. He has another job, but hates it. It pays very well, but…
    We lost my 37 year old SIL to cancer, very suddenly. It was on our 25th wedding anniversary so our trip had to be cancelled.
    We bought our very first home and love it.
    My 90 year old great uncle who lived with us from the time I was 14 passed away. He was more like a grand father since we didn’t have one on that side of the family.
    We have three kids who have had ups and downs all year too.

    Usually I am very optimistic about a new year, however, this year I find myself almost dreading it. Like waiting for the other shoe to fall.

  28. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 2:12 pm #

    LadyD-avoiding the Swine–always good. Glad your sister is recovering. That sounds rough.

    Congrats on the new home and the new lifestyle, MichelleB. Lots to get used to but sounds like you’re up to the challenge. 2010 WILL be better. I’m sure.

  29. Julia London on 28 Dec 2009 at 2:50 pm #

    Leaving behind (in chronological order):

    Dog’s death
    Husband’s lay-off
    Humongo birthday, which, while fun, was kind of sobering
    Sister’s death
    The blur after sister’s death
    A really bad book that must be rewritten

    Looking forward to:

    Dallas-Philadelphia game because I HAVE TICKETS!!
    Repairing the bad book
    Finishing the book I started writing that I love
    Arrival of my new puppy, Moose, who will be here in March, bred from the same bloodlines as the dog I lost

  30. Julia London on 28 Dec 2009 at 2:50 pm #

    P.S. May I just add that in this uncertain economic time, I am very thankful to continue to be published? I feel very, very lucky.

  31. Judy F on 28 Dec 2009 at 3:38 pm #

    This is a toughie for me.

    Good: lost 25 lbs working on the next 25. Christmas kinda killed any progress.
    Bad: had to get new pants.

    Bad: Bookstore I worked at part time closed.
    Good: Discovered I could manage w/o the income.

    In 2009 my dads health has really gone down hill. Don’t seen any improvement in that for 2010.
    But am grateful he has great caregivers.

  32. nancyg on 28 Dec 2009 at 3:39 pm #

    good things:
    a week in St. John w/Mr. G – 15th anniversary trip
    finally got those “pesky” 30’s behind me ;)
    DD #1 started college, DD #2 started high school
    DD #1 FINALLY got a REAL job (not babysitting)
    broke 100 at golf, met my handicap goal for the year, and learned how to putt!!
    Michael Schumacher announcing he’s returning to Formula 1 racing – working on Mr. G for a Amsterdam-Belgium trip this year??
    The Hangover – Mr. G & I BOTH loved it (very rare!)
    Beatles Rock Band

    bad/diappointing things:
    can’t check the 30-39 age box on surveys
    DD #3 is STILL in elementary school (5th grade)
    FINALLY figured out all the apps for my iPhone, synced it, and most have UPGRADES….ARGH!!
    Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol
    high maintenance friends (drama, drama, drama!)

    looking forward to……
    next house project – outdoor patio/kitchen & lighted horseshoe pit
    University of Texas national football championship

    whereever life takes me – I’m ready for the ride! :D

  33. nancyg on 28 Dec 2009 at 3:41 pm #

    Julia:

    C’mon up to the Big D!! I went to “Jerryworld” aka Cowboys Stadium a week ago for the University of Texas – North Carolina basketball game. The stadium is gorgeous!! I never thought I’d go, not being a Cowboy fan, but it’s a great time – they have it DOWN!!

    Bring you wallet!! Parking was $30, beers $8, hot dog & fries $12-15.

    Have a wonderful time!!

  34. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 3:52 pm #

    Is it bad that I feel better knowing Julia also has a bad book to rewrite?
    Julia–our present dog is the nephew of our former dog. We missed Dog #1 so much. It’s worked out great. :)

    Christmas always kills that progress, JudyF. But it’ll get better in the new year.

    You had quite the year, NancyG. Love your outlook!

  35. Karen Hawkins on 28 Dec 2009 at 4:10 pm #

    nancyg, I just read that there will be a Hangover II. Hot Cop and I both enjoyed it, so we were excited!

  36. nancyg on 28 Dec 2009 at 4:53 pm #

    K-Hawk:

    Hangover II – I’m in!! Hope they take the digital camera with them again, lol.
    Speaking of “Glee” – have to add that show to my “good things” list along with “The Tudors” & “Entourage”

    another good thing (I know I keep adding stuff) – the Army troop in Afghanistan that I adopted for Lent – I’ve received SO much more from them than I’ve given. Those boys out there (on the Pakistani border most of the time, no electricity or running water) – they are so patriotic & brave, they make me feel SO PROUD to know them.

    Thanks, Lori!!

    I try to “walk on the sunny side of the street” :) It took me a long time to learn I have to purge negative thoughts & PEOPLE from my life. It’s just too short to let small stuff & people bring you down. I used to be a “saver” – but I’ve found that you can’t help people who don’t want to help themselves. Maybe that’s why I’m fascinated with the shows “Intervention” & “Hoarders”??

    Reading some of the posts, I realize my family & I have had a very blessed year. I’m sending good karma & prayers out to those of you who had a rough year hoping that 2010 is a peak year instead of a valley.

  37. nancyg on 28 Dec 2009 at 4:55 pm #

    btw, Julia –

    You forgot – you helped you sister who ran the race for Lymphoma raise $$ for a cure. I know many of the goddesses here, including me, contributed to her cause & success!! and I wouldn’t have donated to the charity if it wasn’t FOR YOU!! WTG, girl :D

  38. Louisa Cornell on 28 Dec 2009 at 7:25 pm #

    2009 Good Things

    Signed with an agent!

    Was a finalist in the Golden Heart!

    Got to to to RWA in DC with my buddies Tammy and Jeanie and had a great time!

    Got to see lots of Goddesses in DC !!

    Finished books 2 and 3

    Got my laptop – not an expensive one but it enables me to write on my breaks at work.

    Found out best friend’s brain tumors are benign and gamma knife surgery has started shrinking them!

    My Mom is in great health and still works a couple of days a week as a waitress at the local homestyle restaurant. Mom is 74 !

    Got my nephew off to college at Bama and he is doing great!

    Bad Things 2009

    Best friend’s brain tumors – but all is looking good!

    Still working at Wal-Mart and hating every minute of it. But, I’ve got a job so I can’t complain much.

    Voodoo didn’t work and mean boss is still at Wal-Mart. Must find more pins to stick in doll.

    Plumbing going bad in house faster than I can fix it. Need new house or new plumbing!

    Goals in 2010

    Get publishing contract!

    Work to write full-time so I can quit Wal-Mart

    Lose 70 pounds. Congrats on your weight loss, Sabrina!

    Attend RWA in Nashville!

    Fix up my house and yard !

  39. Tammy Yenalavitch on 28 Dec 2009 at 8:05 pm #

    2009

    Good things:

    Got on Facebook and reconnected with some old friends.
    Got to go back to California twice this year
    My daughter was surgery free this year and she turned 11

    Bad thinks:

    My Mother-in-law passed away 10 days after our last visit to California
    My husband had back surgery and then almost died from a blood clot on his lung. (He survived and is doing well now)

  40. Julia London on 28 Dec 2009 at 8:20 pm #

    Lori, wallow in my misery because it certainly loves your company. :-) . How is it that some books go so terribly awry?

    Nancy G, you are so right. I was really so proud of her for doing it and raising as much as she did and was so happy to help in any way I could.

  41. Sabrina Jeffries on 28 Dec 2009 at 9:09 pm #

    Julia, I too feel very lucky to get to be doing what I love so much, despite the bad economy.

    nancyg, I too feel blessed. And I’m sending good wishes toward all of you who’ve had a tough year this year. May 2010 be much, much better!

  42. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 9:14 pm #

    IV and I just watched The Hangover last night. I’ll be interested to see what they do with Hangover 2.

    You are very right about purging certain people, NancyG. I call them “crazymakers.”

    Sounds like you had a very “up” 2009, Louisa. Here’s to more of the same in 2010.

  43. LoriHandeland on 28 Dec 2009 at 9:16 pm #

    Glad to hear hubby is better, Tammy That sounds tough.

    Yeah, why is that, Julia? I suppose if we knew why some books become “those books” we could stop it from happening. And wouldn’t that be great?

  44. evlqn on 28 Dec 2009 at 11:30 pm #

    Good things, mom is here visiting from Mn.
    Bad things, mom is here visiting from MN. We love her to pieces and are very grateful she is still with us at 84 but she loves soaps and watches them non-stop. She watches them during the day and then turns on SoapNet at night. Country music is the only music of worth in her opinion so we rarely have ours turned on. Small things I know and we are dealing. We are trying to talk her into letting us get her a small apt. for the winter so she can stay.

    We are pretty lucky and have only lost a couple of family members this year, the hardest on mom was her sister who died the 16th of Dec. That’s mom’s b-day.

    Discovered Castle this year. Burn Notice starts again in January.

  45. Lisa G on 28 Dec 2009 at 11:54 pm #

    The best things that happened in 2009 for me are:

    1. The birth of my first granddaughter TuesDae’ Rain in August.
    2. My second daughter Tristan’s wedding in June.
    3. My third daughter MacKenzie got engaged in April.
    4. My hubby remodeled our entire house adding on a new 2 car garage, sunroom and mud/laundry room. He gutted the kitchen, dining room, living room and totally remodel them all. All done by himself with a little help from family and friends.
    5. My sister Dallas is expecting her 1st child at 35, making me an aunt again. Ziva Renee, my namesake will arrive in April.

    The worst things that happened in 2009 were:

    1: My father-in-law passed away in Feb.
    2: My husband’s work due to the economy has cut his hours and pay by 15%

    I guess the good outweighed the bad

    I hope that 2010 is profitable. I want good health for everyone in my family and for myself. And everyone remains safe, wise and happy.

  46. LoriHandeland on 29 Dec 2009 at 5:48 am #

    I was just thinking last night, Evlqn, that all the shows should be back soon after the holiday hiatus. And LOST starts too! I used to be a soap addict in college. Used to tape everything and watch later, but it would be SO much easier now with DVR and now I don’t watch.

    Sounds like a banner year to me, LisaG. May 2010 be even better.

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