The final post, the final photo. 2008 has come and gone and it’s been one hell of a year. I don’t think I want to focus on having to do something every day for 2009 but I do know that I’d like to do a lot more video so keep an eye out for that. I plan to post from now on at mediacupcake, so keep an eye out over there.

Today’s Thankful Things: Arriving home safely after traveling hours and hours in terrible weather, and I’m also incredibly thankful for all that I have in my life that could so easily be taken for granted – a great husband, fantastic children, a good job, a roof over my head, a safe car to drive, good friends, and so much more.

as usual, the holidays have been busy, chaotic, and stressful.  we’ve been traveling since december 25 driving halfway across the country and we’re on our way back. tomorrow we’ll be back home and able to spend about 5 more days relaxing before heading back to work.  tomorrow is the last day for this blog and it’ll very likely be a ‘travel’ photo since that’s what I’ll be doing tomorrow from 5am until probably around 3pm. for now.. here’s a bunch of hotel photos to celebrate where i am this evening:

Today’s Thankful Things: Family, Going Home, Good fried catfish, real hush puppies, comfortable beds (this one is very important to me right now as I’ve spent the last several nights on a very BAD mattress), sweet tea, and self-discovery.

I know tomorrow’s the final post of this blog to wrap-up the year and it seems fitting to have the ’summary’ posted that day, but I’m stuck in a hotel now with nothing to do so I’m going to take a stab at it now instead of tomorrow when I will likely just be exhausted, happy to be home, and drinking wine.

I’ve learned a lot about myself this year. I started this blog with two friends who have since had to ‘bow out’ of participating so that left it up to me. There were quite a few times it seemed stupid to keep doing this, especially when I ended up days behind on posting, and there are just a few people that even pay attention to what’s going on here, but I wanted to do it. When I started this, I started it because I hated photos of me. I had gotten so wrapped up in virtual environments and so connected to my gorgeous virtual self, that seeing my “real” self was something I hated. I felt unattractive, dull, and blah compared to the perfection my virtual self presented. I can say now, that doing this blog has actually caused me to feel more disconnected from the idea of perfection and false beauty, and I’ve really come to cherish and appreciate the REAL. I love imperfections, that’s where the true beauty lies, and the imperfections are what’s so wonderful about all of us. I’ve found myself growing weary of the imaginary and the games that so many play and I want to do more to be creative in my life. I want to appreciate handmade things, and embrace the creativity that creates memories and woven storylines.

I hope to focus on more video, photography, writing, and art in 2009. It’s going to be a great year.

I’m feelin pretty ‘bluh’ today. Holiday stress – I don’t dig it. Not my fave.

Today’s Thankful Things: (this is a challenge when you’re feeling stressy) Um… The way my 3-year old dances around when she’s happy, really good bread, family, a nice warm scarf, and cheese.

Took this photo on the way in to work this afternoon. Today was our holiday party – lots of food, connected with lots of people and even found out that a great friend from high school now works for Outreach too. Was a good day.

Today’s Thankful Thing: Playing “Wheel of Destiny” at the Outreach Holiday Party today. I spun a 4 and got to “Act like a trout”! Big fun.

It’s been a long week and it’s already a stressful holiday. I wonder why we do this to ourselves every year.

Today’s Thankful Things: Cupcakes, ganache, and laughter.

I’m having a very ‘bluh’ day. I really do *LOVE* the holiday and I’ve found myself being extra super emotional about it this year. I’m not sure if that’s because my son is a senior in high school and this is his last Christmas before college, or if it’s because my 3-year old is so excited this year and really seems to ‘get’ what Santa is all about. I’m not sure, but I’ve been crying at the drop of a hat and feeling so incredibly thankful and blessed for all I have. This weekend, however, I’ve just been cranky, bluh, and miserable. I’m so tired of commercialism, and I’m tired of being stressed out at what SHOULD be the most peaceful, beautiful time of year.  Maybe next year I’ll handmake all my gifts.

Today’s Thankful Things: Watching my 3-year old dance around when we were having pictures taken today. She had such a great time.

Ok I didn’t really “drop”, but I sure was tired. Spent the day having breakfast with Santa and then running all over town picking up gifts, groceries and sundries. I’m beat.

Today’s Thankful Things: Getting to have breakfast with Santa since last year I wasn’t proactive enough to purchase tickets in advance, thankful my sick daughter didn’t hack and cough all over Santa, the house was clean to start the weekend, my daughter is extra snuggly today since she doesn’t feel well, and I felt cute.

Today’s Thankful Thing: Email that works.

Today’s Thankful Things: I know I say this all the time, but my 3-year old amazes and delights me every single day of my life. I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to have another child later in life. There are certainly days when it’s a challenge to have one child about to head off to college while another is still in preschool, but it’s so incredibly wonderful to be experiencing this again now. Also, I’m thankful for french toast, big snowflakes, books, and toasty warm beds.