2009 Review - The Year Of Healing

I consider 2009 the year of healing for me due to in the previous year, I had to let go of people and or things when I wasn't prepared in doing so.

Losing my grandmother early in 2008, I've had to learn to move forward without her.  I was depressed for a good half of the year.  I still from time to time pick up the phone to call my grandmother. I miss physically talking and spending time with her. However, now I feel joy when I look at her pictures. Although, I no longer cry when I look at her pictures, I do still become sadden, but quickly soothe myself by knowing she is no longer in pain.

My relationship with my sons father is better as well. We are cordial and actually discuss things regarding our child.  He spends more time with our son, which makes my son happy, thus, I'm happy.

Due to my health not being as great as I thought,  my blood pressure has been registering high.  My doctor has ordered, I lose 20 lbs and guarantees my blood pressure will decrease.  I don't like taking medicine,nor am I good at it.  I must do this, so I will no longer have to take this little pill!  My sons father suggested, I start running with him [he runs practically every day].  I never thought that was something I could do.  We trained by running from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Mermorial [ran up/down the steps] and back.  At first, it was ugly, I thought he was trying to kill me! I thought he was pushing me too hard as I felt like I was going to faint.  I am proud to say, I did my first 5K with my girlfriend Alisa on Thanksgiving morning.  Now, I have to admit, I ran/walked [I need to work on hills].  My girlfriend did great!  I promised her I would run another 5k with her in the new year.

I learned how to deal with people, whom I considered as a close "friend" yet discovered otherwise on their part.  I learned to deal with them on my own terms...not theirs! Friendship is about give and take...not just the latter.  Associates are good to have as well.  Right?  I thought about childhood friends, friends who seemed who were loyal. I finally created a FACEBOOK page.  One of the best things, I did this year.  Connected with several grade school and long lost friends.

The United States celebrated the election of its first African American President!!!

Looking forward to the new year!

2010 Goals

Hmmm... 

I don't think, I did well in completing my 2009 goals.  So, for 2010, I'm not documenting any goals other than to take care of my son to the best of my ability and to strive to become an even better person than I already am. I also, plan to sew two (2) items.  Yes, two items.  I sewed one this year, so that's progress...LOL!

[Edited 12/30/2009- I stated, I wasn't going to list any goals for 2010, but after discussing with a friend, I do have a few to list:

1. Guide my son in being more responsible.  Taking care of the dog (i.e., walking, feeding, grooming), taking care and appreciating the items he receives (i.e., games, game systems etc.).
2. Sew five (5) items. I increased the amount due to I AM going to schedule a sew day once a month. I should be able to produce 5 items in 12 months. Right?
3. Continue to de-clutter our home.
4. Increase my Emergency Fund (EF) by the amount I set for 2010.
5. More health conscious -Lose 20 lbs by April and lower my BP.
6. Listen and observe more
7. Remain perm-free until April...longer if I can deal with the rainy season
8. Run another 5k; at least one.
9. Increase my net worth by 12%
10. Update my Will. I've been saying I'm going to do this.  Having a young child and being a single parent [with a BP that's out of wack] I have to do this.]
11. Refinance the investment home.

Let's see how I did with my 2009 Goals: (don't pay attention to the numbering...blogger is tripin') 

1. De-clutter - for every item I bring in, an item must be taken out.
•  I actually did this and will continue to do so.  I have given alot away, but still have more to go through. 

1. Track my spending - I have my spreadsheet ready.
• I did this for a good 2 to 3 months.  I applaud those who can do this on a regular basis.  I seem to forget to get a receipt or to write down the cost of items/service (i.e. gas etc.)
2. Sew- I would like to see at least 15 items. Preferably, a coat, 3 dresses, 3 pants, 2 jacket and 6 tops.
• Boo! I made one (1) item.  Thus, my reason for setting the goal to two(2) for 2010.
3. Reestablish Game Night - my son has begging for this.
• Game Night became Movie Night and we have been on track with this.  My son is into his Playstation games and I'm just not into them (I need to refer to item no. 10).  I envisioned more so board type games.
4. Organize -EVERYTHING
• Still working on this.  I want everything to have its place.  Therefore, I need to continue item no.1.
5. Blog at least once a week.
• I tried, but was not successful.  Again, I applaud you all that do.
6. Listen and observe- life seemed calmer when I use to do that.
• I started off good, but as of late been adding my 10 cent to everything.  I will attempt this in 2010.
7. Reach my financial goal in increasing my EF.
• I think, I was successful at completing this, but won't be certain until I do my end of year financial statement. My emergency fund looks good whether I reached the set amount. Go Me!
8. Make one new friend (LOL, since I've been purging some).
• I did it! LaShawn and I talk like we've known each other for years, but have never officially met.  Hold it...get this, our sons birthdays are on the same day and year and were born in the same hospital!  (We will meet in person in 2010 as we are going to get the boys together)
9. Re-connect with true friends from back in the day.
• I did this too...via the internet and FACEBOOK.  It's so nice to re-connect with them.
10. To be a better mom.
• I try...this is an ongoing process.
11. Exercise at least 2 a week (I want to be a solid sz 6, not borderline sz 7 like I am now.
• I am doing this and will step it up in 2010.  I must be 20 lbs lighter before going back to the doctor in Apr.  My blood pressure also, must be lower by then or I will be taking meds for life (I do not like taking medication at all)
12. Start dating again (ugh!  Thought, I was done after all these years...)
• I did, but it didn't work.  I really wasn't "feelin'" him, so it's ok.  I'm content with myself for now.
13. Pamper myself once a month 
• This totally did not happen.  I've got to take time out for myself...somehow...someway!   

Did you do a better job than I at reaching your goals for the year?

Egg Nog Heaven

My son LOVES Egg Nog!

I do too, but that boy of mine seems to love it more.

Sometime in September while we were grocery shopping he asked me when do they put out the egg nog.  I told him probably sometime around Thanksgiving.

One day after my mother picked him up from school and they had stopped at the grocery store, he called me at work. "Mommy, guess what?!" I replied, as i normally do, "guessing what".  It's here, it's here!"  I had no idea what in the world this child was talking about, until he said, "don't tell mama I told you.  She brought some Egg Nog and it's GOOD!"

Needless to say that night after picking him up from my mother's, he insisted that we take a trip to Giant [grocery store] to get some, which we did.  We both love Turkey Hill's Egg Nog, but surprisingly there was none.  Giant's Egg Nog is just as good.  So good, I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't made by Turkey Hill...you know how they make the same item and place different manufacturer labels on the products. 

I cannot believe I have purchased, thus far four half gallons of Egg Nog and have had only 2.5cups.  My son has been drinking it like its water.  I decided I wasn't going to buy anymore until around Christmas.  So, unbeknownst to me, my son asked his father to get him some.  His father later told me he was going to buy some Lucerne Egg Nog and my son told him, "No! Not that or Shoppers Food Warehouse, it's not good.  Turkey Hill or Giant they're the best!"  He's right.

What's your favorite Egg Nog?  BTW, have you tried Egg Nog ice cream?  Pretty good...go get you some before it's gone!