2008...are you glad it is over?

The past few weeks, months I have been thinking a lot of how much my life has changed in 2008. I can't decide if these changes have been for the good or bad.

Many months ago I found myself in a situation with a person who emotionally was taking advantage of me. She always seemed to manipulate situations to make herself look good and me look like the bad guy. Unfortunately, this person was my sister in law, so I had to figure out a way to work this out and build a strong relationship with her. We sat down for hours talking about why we both felt the way we did and why our relationship always seemed to go sour. I am happy to say we resolved our issues and were both very honest about how we felt and why we felt the way we did. We both decided from that point on we would no longer let the other rule over our emotions.

I was always very hesitant to approach her, she intimidated me and I always felt she was superior to me in so many different ways. Like being a Mom, a wife, a daughter in law, a sister...everything! When we sat down, I really learned she wasn't any different from me except for the fact that she didn't let others bully her around. She didn't take crap from people, nor did she allow people who didn't respect her to be in her life. Now, I have always respected her and it made sense...don't let people take advantage of you! I could do that, I could stand up for myself and speak my mind. From that moment on, I decided I would NOT allow people to push me around any longer. If they didn't respect and love me for who I am...then I don't need them in my life!


Of course in the months since this encounter I have lost a babysitter, pissed off my mother in law and saw the true side to a close friend. On the other hand I learned that people I have only known for a few years can be true friends, family will ALWAYS love you and someone I thought I lost, had been there the whole time.

I find my circle of friends much smaller, however, I am much happier. My husband keeps telling me I am "pissing everyone off" and " I will have no friends by the end of the year". I find it funny that the man I love is more concerned about the quantity of people in my life, rather than the quality.

I guess I am glad the year is coming to an end, however, I do not regret the path I have chosen. I look forward to the new year and the many new adventures I may have.



Have a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!