Happy New Year!

It was weird being in 2009 yesterday when back home was still 2008. I spent my New Years Eve at work and managed to leave work by 11:45 when I headed down to the pub with my coworkers to ring in the new year. We had a lot of fun and I left around 12:30 because yesterday, New Years Day, I had to work 12 hours. It was a long day for sure, but when you are making double time, you can't really complain too much.

2008 was a great year. We had two weddings in the family and although they are a lot of work, both days were awesome and we had a lot of fun. My parents traveled to South America and in the spring, I had the house to myself for 2 months which I also enjoyed a lot! I made new friends and many memories were made in the summer.

The highlight of course has been traveling around Australia with Kim and now living and working here. It had begun to feel like home and I am really enjoying it here. It is hard not to love it when I walk to work and all I see is the beach and the crystal clear blue ocean. I am truly blessed.

Overall, I have learned and grown in ways I didn't think were possible. A quote I saw the other day kind of sums it up.

"Women are like tea bags. It is only when they are in hot water that you know how strong they really are."

I didn't realize how strong of a person I have become until being here on my own. Not so much that I was on hot water, but I have faced many challenges like finding a job and a home. It has been a great learning experience for me and I value it.

All the best to you in 2009!