Goodbye, Hello

I've spent the last couple of weeks in hibernation mode. As the storm lashed outside the comfort of my den, I kept busy being a wife and mother. I think it's good to take time every now and again to remember who we are.

I have reflected on 2009 as we said goodbye. Pardon my squooshyness, but I have quite a bit about 2009 that was good.

I celebrated my 5-year anniversary at my job. Sure, it doesn't sound all that impressive, but I work for a builder/developer that has seen a 80% cut in staff over the past 2 years. Not only do I still have a job, but I got a raise and new bonus structure going into 2010. I have busted my ass and put up with a lot of crap over the past 5 years of employment; it's nice when the "big guys" notice and appreciate.

My husband managed another year with our family business. 2009 was ugly, but it wasn't as ugly as 2008. It actually became official; our business (also in the building industry) survived the crash. Towards the end of 2009, business actually picked up and jobs are on the schedule already for the first full month of 2010. We did it; by the grace of God and our own personal sacrifice, the company stayed afloat in the storm.

My husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary in 2009. In some ways, it feels like we've been together forever and in other ways, it seems like we just fell in love yesterday. As I reflect on the last 10 years of marriage, it really does blow my mind. All the struggle and crap we've endured proved to only grow us stronger and closer together. We spent most of the last 2 weeks of 2009 focused on each other and our daughter. I am blessed beyond words.

I am glad that I spent the last couple of weeks of 2009 in hibernation to reflect upon that which is of vital importance. I feel rested, refreshed and rejuvenated as we say officially say hello to 2010 tomorrow as we all head back to work and school.

I have a good feeling about 2010. I believe that all that "change" people yammered about in 2008 will finally come to pass in 2010. Real "change"; good "change". I believe that I am not the only person who came to see what is of vital importance. I believe that more people than I can imagine are ready to take 2010 by the horns. I believe that more people than I can imagine are ready for action; ready to take back control over their lives and the lives of their children.

Enough with the lies. Enough with corruption. Enough with legalized theft of our money and our freedoms.

Enough.

This is America. We are Americans. The home of the brave and the land of the free. We believe in hard work. We believe in justice. We believe that which does not break us only serves to make us stronger.

We're Americans. This is our country. In 2010, we're taking it back.

Goodbye, Hello