2009 rang in ever so silently this year. I was in Alabama where things are done a little differently. In Hawai'i we celebrate New Year's, Chinese style! Chinese tradition calls for firecrackers to chase all the evil spirits away and allow good luck in. Our family takes it way beyond just a few firecrackers. Actually, most of Hawai'i celebrates that way. It's a tradition that I was missing while on vacation in Alabama. At the same time, it was kind of nice to NOT be smoked out from all the fireworks.

My in-laws were in bed by 9pm on New Years Eve. Husband was on the laptop and I was settling in to dig into a new book. We started fireworks of our own when we got into a HUGE fight that lasted the duration of New Years Eve and on into New Years morning. What a crappy way to start 2009! On the other hand, we ironed out many "unsaid" things so that he and I are BOTH on the same page. In the coming year, the previously "unsaid" things should be a non-issue. With that perspective, I suppose it's a great way to start the new year.

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I am very grateful for all the wonderful things in my life. I have health and strength! I have an absolutely AMAZING husband. I have a great family. I have a great extended family. I am clothed, fed, and have a roof over my head. I am gainfully employed, a retirement account that is steadily growing even in these economic times, money in some CD's, money in savings, and immaculate credit. My life is truly blessed and I am in such a great position to be of service to the universe.

I am available to all the goodness in God's universe. He wants me to have all of my hearts desire and I shall have it all, as he see's fit! The universe is not bound by time. Time is man-made! Everyone follows a different calendar system. Here in America, it happens to be the Roman calendar that is manipulated by daylights savings time or adding on a couple of minutes here and there or leap year. Who knows why? Who cares? The ancient Maya had their own calendar that is said to end in 2012. The Jewish have their own calendar. The Chinese have their own calendar. Each one are based on different cycles observed in the universe. Mostly LUNAR! In any case, here on earth, we bind ourselves to a set standard of time. I bring it up only to say that all things happen in life PRECISELY at the moment it is SUPPOSED to happen. All of my desires will arrive EXACTLY on-time! No sooner, no later!

I continue to be a work in progress. I suppose that will ETERNALLY be the case. This year already seems so busy and yet, I'm so excited with all the things I will be doing this year. In April, you will find me in Tulsa, Oklahoma for an annual software conference. May, husband and I are off to Maui for a youth conference. June is looking to be quite busy. Husband and I have targeted the end of June to be out of our current apartment and off to Mililani. Husband will also earn his under-grad degree this June. I'm in the planning stages of a grad party for him. It'll be fun! July, God-willing, I will be 60 pounds lighter and appearing as a Matron of Honor in my cousins wedding in Georgia. August will find me back in school, full-time. October, I'll be hitting California, Utah, New Jersey, and Philly... traveling with the choir I sing with. I think all these events should keep me quite busy and I'm so very excited. I am so wide open for all the possibilities!

My plate is quite full for 2009. So many exciting changes are happening. This is truly a year of transition for me and mine. What will you be up to?