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Winding down ‘08
Posted on December 9th, 2008 18 comments
This has been a tough year. We have already moved once this year, for reasons too numerous to mention - well, actually, I can name one of them: a raccoon found its way into the walls via a hole in the roof and its, um, waste came down through the ceiling on to the alcove which housed my few but precious and highly sentimental treasures. (And that’s just the tip of the iceberg but I don’t think anyone needs a better reason to move than that!) I was also recently diagnosed with a chronic disease. And as you know, my partner has been working so much that I haven’t really been able to connect with him for a long time and our relationship has been strained because of it. We’ve barely had time to even talk about my diagnosis.
One of the best aids to my disease is, thankfully, exercise, stretching, and other types of self-care. And have I been taking care of myself? Not really. But I look forward to integrating health into my lifestyle and I hope that by working from home I will give myself an opportunity to take frequent breaks, exercise daily, and have a varied lifestyle that brings flexibility and diversity. We move to a smaller town (Guelph, Ontario) on January 2nd. I do believe that all our hard work of finding other employment (we’ve been on interviews all over the map - San Francisco, Austin, Montreal) and finding a new place to live will be worth it in the end.
Here’s to all the simple pleasures that help a person get through a rough year. For me it’s been my kitten, my blog - and my blogging friends - and all those little moments that make you smile or bring you comfort. Oh yeah, and new episodes of Till Debt Do Us Part!
It’s been a rough year for everyone… please let me know how you find peace, comfort or strength in simple ways!
18 responses to “Winding down ‘08”
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It definately has been a tough year! So glad you are able to see all the positive in your life!
I had my hours cut back recently from full time to just three days a week just as my husband prepares to be laid off from his seasonal job…:( It is going to be a hard winter for us but we just have to take is as it comes! We have a small emergengy fund started and we just started to make a dent in our consumer debt so it is a little frustrating that this comes now just as we are getting on track!
Everyday I find joy spending time with my beautiful 19 month old daughter and my husband! I also enjoy a business program I am taking and I am happy to be getting started on writing a business plan! I think with this set in place 2009 is going to bring great things!!!
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Saver Queen December 10th, 2008 at 01:24
Oh man… what terrible timing. I’m so sorry to hear that, Cara. It sounds like things will be tough for you this winter but I’m also glad to hear you have so much in your life that makes you happy, like your beautiful baby daughter.
So cool to hear that you are taking a business program! The future is bright. -
an ostrich named sam December 10th, 2008 at 05:25
Saver Queen, this year had been a blessing for me. I’ve tweaked my work schedule to suit me ( to the best of my ability), I’m getting better at managing my money ( thanks to all those Gailism). 2007 was my worst year ever!( I almost lost my DD after routine surgery thank god for the surgical staff, she ended up being diagnosed with PTSD a long 6 months later and myself suffering from depression and sleep disorder)(Thankfully the depression is gone along with the sleep disorder and DD has been seeing a therapist for over a year and making enormous strides) I remember new years day saying it has has be better in 2008 and it has been! I had the pleasure of meeting miracle babies ( 3 so far to women who were deemed infertile). 2009 will see the end of my student loans, my home being remortgaged and some reno’s done… My DD will begin her last year or high school and have her trip to Europe… I know that there will be more…
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I’m still waiting to find peace SQ.
This has been a super hard year. My chronic illness has flared, my sister is ill, and there is a whole ton more that is, well just darned depressing.
For me my little “moments” are first thing in the morning (like now) when the kids are still asleep and my hubby has gone to work. It’s me time and even just surfing the net without the kids bugging for 20 minutes is nice.
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it has been a tough year — we are all here for you to listen to you & will continue to be here for you on your journey.
I hope 2009 brings a new turn of events.
Be Strong.
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Michelle December 10th, 2008 at 08:14
This year has, as the last few years of my life, been fantastic compared to years before. If all I’ve got to complain about is debt, then I’m doing okay. I’ve got a good job so far that affords me the ability to pay debt down quickly and to live comfortably. I’ve been on the other side of the coin, even welfare for a couple of months many moons ago, so I don’t take for granted what I have now, although I do live in almost daily constant fear of losing my job and everything I’ve worked hard these last 8 years for.
On a high note, and of particular interest to you SQ, my Dad’s been getting Remicade treatments for his AS (diagnosed around 20, is almost 70) and he’s had more mobility and a pain-free existence than he’s ever had…something to check into in case you find progression gets worse by the way. It can be an expensive treatment, along with 2 other similar treatments that I don’t remember of the top, but definitely something to investigate when you have time. I hope that 2009 proves to be a good year for you all around SQ.
Best wishes.
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Brenda December 10th, 2008 at 09:03
For all of you who are feeling the pinch, and are having a tough year, I’m sending you all virtual hugs. SQ, you have a terrific spirit, and I know that you and your partner will make it through - just take it one day at a time - a really big hug to you! I try to think of it like this - that the problems are thrown at you because you can(need) handle them, and will become a better person for having done so. Thankfully, this year hasn’t been too bad for us, but I still find myself incredibly blessed to have two awesome daughters, and a great husband who has a pretty secure job. I am very lucky to be able to stay at home and volunteer with the girl’s school. I have gone through tough times in previous years, so I make sure to look back and contemplate on how I’ve become a better person because of it.
Thanks, SQ for another great blog. Your blog is one of my small comforts for the day! -
Brenda, I like the idea that a problem comes along because you need to handle it…it is life teaching a lesson so you can grow and learn from that! That is truly finding a positive light when negative things are thrown your way!
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Thank you to everyone for sharing. Sam, Michelle and Brenda, I’m glad that things have been going well for you this year - Sam, so glad to hear that 2008 has brought so much positive change. To Cara and Diana, I’m so sorry it’s been a rough year for you - we are all here for you! Michelle, great news about your Dad, and thanks for letting me know. Thank you to everyone for all your kindness. I love that this blog has become such a wonderful source of support! Wishing you all a happy 2009!
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I’m sorry that 2008 has been hard for so many. Here’s to better times ahead in 2009.
And good luck on the move, Saver Queen!
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Wow…sounds like a tough year alright. I’m glad you are putting self care on your priority list in the new year. I think we all forget to do this.
Good luck with the move. Sounds like the inspiration you need.
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This year has been an incredibly mixed bag. Got the man, got the job, had a wonderful few months… and in the last month have had the man and I long-distance commuting between two cities thanks to work restrictions, me managing a huge house on my own, and my father-in-law diagnosed with cancer.
I guess what keeps me sane is realizing that it is all fleeting, and that therefore a) you might as well enjoy it while you’ve got it, and b) just as you can lose everything when you least expect it, the reverse is also true.
When do you leave for Guelph? We should grab a coffee or something if you’d like next time I’m in TO. I have a couple Second Cup BOGOs.
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Saver Queen December 11th, 2008 at 10:47
Kate, so sorry to hear the diagnosis of your father in law! I wish him strength.
Meeting up would be great - be sure to let me know when you’ll be in the city next. We leave on Jan.2 but I plan to be in the city pretty often.
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I’ll be in this weekend but it’s pretty booked up. I’ll also be in December 31st to January 4th. Will you be too busy packing and moving and stressing out or can I tempt you into coffee and company?
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Andrea December 11th, 2008 at 13:18
I didn’t actually find Gail’s & SQ’s blogs until after summer this 2008. So my finances were to my own ignorance up until then. Now I can figure out where the pieces of the puzzle go for 2009 and really get on track in the New Year.
Thanks for all you write about SQ. and the gorgeous pics. you take. You inspire me and are a constant source of motivation. Good luck on your move. That’s a great way to a fresh start in the New Year. Blessings to you : ) -
Kate - hmm it might be pushing it as it’ll probably be a crazy few days packing and moving! (We’re planning on moving on Jan. 2nd). But stay in touch - I might be able to squeeze it. If not then, another time!
Andrea - thank you sooo much for your comment. When I started the blog, one of my main goals was to help anyone who was trying to pay off their debt, save their money or live on less. To hear that my site is actually a source of motivation to you makes me feel so happy! Thank you! And good luck with all your goals for 2009!
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This year has been a Crazy yr for me as well but, the thing that keep me going have been blogging, my doggy , and collecting me little tea pots. I focus on the positive that life have to offer and I’ve learned alot about my personality .I love my simple life and my BIG dreams…..I hope 09 is full of alot more….
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