Dec 30 2008
What Did You Learn In 2008?
As we end another year and begin the next, I am looking forward to all the good that 2009 has in store. I know everything won’t be perfect, but I hope to learn something and grow from everything. I also hope to shed any negativity from 2008 and start 2009 renewed. Isn’t that really the beauty of beginning a new year… a new day… a new you?
Since it is common to reflect on the previous year before fully welcoming the next, I’d like to review 2008 and what I learned:
1. IN LIFE:
My daughter celebrated her first birthday this year on October 23rd . Well, really she just looked at all of us like we were crazy while WE celebrated her birthday. What did I learn? Life is a blessing and everyday should be a celebration.
She had cake for the first time and enjoyed it… a lot.
2. IN DEATH:
Several unforgettable celebrities died in 2008, like: Bernie Mac, Charlton Heston, Ertha Kitt, Heath Ledger, Isaac Hayes, Odetta Holmes, Paul Benedict, Paul Newman, Roy Scheider, Sean Levert, Sydney Pollack, and Tim Russert. The timing of most of these deaths was very unexpected.
In addition to celebrity deaths, I experienced a more personal brush with death when my grandmother passed away on October 9th. I learned from this… well, I was reminded that life is short. Make an effort to spend quality time with your family.
This was the last picture taken of my grandmother.
3. IN ENTERTAINMENT:
“The Dark Knight” grossed $996,900,728 worldwide. I learned that I’m not the only one who enjoyed this movie. I also learned that it’s ok to kick your feet up, relax, and just be entertained sometimes. In fact, it’s necessary.
4. IN SPORTS:
During the 2008 Olympic Games, Michael Phelps , a champion swimmer, won the most gold medals (8) at a single Olympics ever. I learned that with determination and training, one can do anything.
5. IN ECONOMICS:
Our country is facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. I personally know of three professional people who have been laid off due to the slowing economy. Banks have been loaning less and less money, the automobile industry was close to collapse, and both of these cornerstones of our economy were bailed-out by the government. Home values slumped, credit card interest rates and property taxes increased, and foreclosure and unemployment rates continued to rise. Gas prices soared and then plummeted, leaving people distrustful about all this crude oil business.
What I learned from this economic mess is: 1. Material things are definitely not as important as safety, health, and wellness. 2. Save money and plan for the future. 3. Budget wisely and purchase only what you can afford. 4. Things come in cycles. This, too, shall pass.
6. IN POLITICS:
Barack Obama became the first black, first non-continental US-born (although, in the state of Hawaii), and most attractive man to be elected President of the United States. 
From this I learned that America truly is a land of opportunity. You can succeed no matter where you come from.
I could go on… but, I have to put my daughter to bed. She’s not really adjusted to our move yet. She’s waking in the middle of the night, having only a short nap during the day, and screaming every time between.
What did you learn in 2008? If I get a lot of feedback from this post, I may continue it tomorrow with Part II. If you’re uninterested, I’ll move on to something else.
I wish you and yours the best new year possible! Stay safe and be well!
Happy New Year!!!
