Makes having to work so much better…

Fresh starts thanks to the calendar they happen every year —just set your watch to January, our reward for surviving the holiday season is a new year. Bringing on the great tradition of new years resolutions, put your past behind you and start over. It’s hard to resist the chance of a new beginning, a chance to put the problems of last year to bed. -Meredith, Grey’s Anatomy

It’s that time of year again: New Year’s Resolutions! I have a few that I really hope to stick to this year.

Since I don’t know of a magical diet pill that works (and because they’re pretty darn unhealthy) I have resolved to get my butt in gear the old fashioned way-hard work and cutting down on my portions. I refuse to fully diet because I just can’t do it, but I can cut back on sweets and portions. Diets I feel just make it feel like you’re missing out you know? (more…)

Max: Awww, this is the worst party ever.
Marge: Remember that New Year’s Eve party at Lenny’s? He didn’t even have a clock. -The Simpsons

New Year’s Eve this year was interesting. We started the night off by going to Match’s aunt’s house to celebrate with his parents, aunt and uncle and a few family friends. The food was delicious and the evening had a nice classy vibe. Everyone said their congratulations to us and it was so nice to receive such a warm welcome. My only complaint was that we dropped the ring off at the jeweler to be resized and he said it would take TWO WEEKS to get it back. I told the jeweler he should give out loaner rings to us newly engaged ladies because otherwise it’s just plain cruel. He laughed but I wasn’t joking.

(more…)

Red: Pork chops? I thought we agreed to stick to a budget! Pork chops aren’t cheap!Kitty: Well, you know, on the way to the market, I tried to run over a cat. But they are just so darn speedy! -That 70s Show

I always knew weddings could be expensive, but I was ignorant to just how much they could cost. I just assumed I could budget and I could still have a nice wedding. But living in Sonoma County I’ve been struggling to find any venue within our small budget. I considered having the wedding in Oregon, but it would be too hard to plan a wedding a state away.

I found this site that talks about  30 Ways to Save Money and I got the idea that I should come up with a few ways to save money for our wedding. I came up with 10, and maybe you all can give me some more money saving tips. It’s not like I need some fancy over the top affair, but I just don’t want it to be obviously low budget. Here’s my list so far: (more…)

Who gets to determine when the old ends and the new begins? It’s not on the calendar, it’s not a birthday, it’s not a new year, it’s an event —big or small, something that changes us, ideally it gives us hope, a new way of living and looking at the world, letting go of old habits, old memories. What’s important is that we never stop believing we can have a new beginning, but it’s also important to remember amid all the crap are a few things really worth holding on to. -Meredith, Grey’s Anatomy

Wow, 2009 is over.  I can’t believe what a wild year this has been. I was accepted into graduate school (but passed on it for now, still I got in, yay!), Match and I moved (twice!), Match quit his job, got another horrible job, quit that and now has a new job which we both think may just be fabulous. I lost a few friends, and gained more, I gained pounds (grr), cut ties with toxic family members, gave up my parrot to a loving family (heartbreaking, but our household is finally peaceful),  and then I GOT ENGAGED?!

This has been an amazing year full of blessings and love, some tears but more tears of joy, and I’m so glad I’ve been able to share it with you all.  Here’s hoping that 2010 has more fun to share with you all. Hey, it may even include a wedding if I can get the dates all figured out! So thank you, thank you all for being such a big part of my life. Happy New Year!!