this year

i can't believe this year is already almost over. so much has happened and it's all gone by so fast i can hardly believe it.
it's been a year that has been defined by change, both on a global level and a personal level.
the economy is changing before our eyes - the housing market crisis, the global recession, an unprecedented multi-million dollar bail-out plan. the political landscape is changing all over the world, including the united states, where we've elected our first african-american president. peoples' lives are changing every day - affected by the changing economy, unpredictable weather patterns, and political unrest. but they are also being changed by more beautiful things: the birth of a child, a wedding, the election of an inspirational new leader. love. hope.
2008 has been a year of change for me, too. new job, new apartment, new car, new cat. new tv, new vacuum, new phone. i'm blessed, because while these may have caused a little bit of stress in my life, they are all changes for the better. but the best things in my life haven't changed at all - my husband, my family, my friends. the special days and the not-so-special days that are still special because of them. i'm looking forward to 2009, to see what it holds for me and the people i love. i'm sure there will be even more changes, but the one thing that i resolve not to change, the one thing i refuse to give up, is my attitude of gratitude.

happy new year to you and yours!