I am so grateful and appreciative for everyone in my life and for my amazing friends and family.. I am always striving to be as kind and compassionate as possible but a big component to that is "thank you". I love you all and among resolutions for 2009 Thank You is at the top of the list.
The far biggest thing that happened to me in 2008 was of course getting married, which was a testament to those who love and support us as much as it was about us and our family. I became a wife, step-parent, aunt and nana as well as being a daughter, grand-daughter, niece, friend and auntie.
I started a nursery business which expanded into a website, market stand, summer class and yard service, none of which I could have done without the help, support, craftsmanship of my husband.
My life was touched countless times by the people and their families at my job who I helped through sickness, crisis, death and loss, as well as those I was able to help through recovery and homecoming and living successfully after disability and my co-workers in the trenches with me. Among those I lost were Kieth, whose expertise and enthusiasm helped launch my business; Scott, a gentle, charming and funny man of my own age whose life was ravaged by AIDS; Lyrinda, who held me and begged me not to let her die; and many, many others. I loved them all and my heart has been broken a thousand times.
I gained and lost my confidence as a dancer and performer. I hope to reclaim it once and for all. Bellydance and the amazing teachers, friends, troupe-mates and sisters I have been fortunate enough to find this way have been at the center of my battle against mental illness and self-hate, and also my battle against chronic pain. I'll get there and I thank them all so much for sticking by me.
I saw my family through crisis which became a new beginning and the positive change nobody expected. My father is a new man at the threshold of life.
I am too. I found a new home, a new role, and a new life, all of which will continue to grow and develop in 2009.

Thank You.