It will be great in 2008

I have heard that phrase said over and over again about the upcoming year. Isn't it funny how there are so many rhymes that people come up with for what they anticipate the new year will hold. Although, 2007 was pretty challenging at times, I feel like there were a lot of things that I have to sit back and be really thankful for. I will give it David Letterman style but I can't do the reverse so you will have to read #1 first.

1. Taking one step closer to chasing after a dream. This year, I hung up the the softball coaches hat and began a new journey in working in ministry. For so many years, it was just a dream that I was afraid to chase, and this year, I got to begin running after it. Where it will take me, I am not sure.
   
2. Family reunion! Pretty pathetic that my #2 on my top ten is the fact the my immediate family actually spent time together. It had been over three years since my oldest brother had been home. It was the first time that my sister-in-laws met one another and for the first time my nieces and nephews were introduced to one another without the computer web cam in between them.
3. Living with a sister. I sold my first place and decided to move into another one. In the process, was able to begin living with an incredible friend and sister. We have had quite the adventure and have loved being able to host a plethora of events at the new pad.
4. Community! There have been some pretty amazing friendships that have developed and grown over the past year. People moving in town, and me being able to move down the street from others, I feel like I have been blessed with so many laughs and great times
   
5. A trip to Haiti- although being sick made it miserable at times, there is something about experiences like that that change you.
   
6. The birth of Julia Ann Benjamin
   
7. My first broken bone- 28 years of sports and never a broken bone until a game of co-rec softball.
8. A crazy thing called a green koosh ball that I carried for 7 days straight
9. My first real Christmas tree, and drinking the first glass of wine I actually enjoyed
10. Seeing friends become parents

Although 2007 went by in a blur, I am excited to see what 2008 will have in store. We all make New Year goals and resolutions and I think for me, I am hoping to live a little more on the edge. I have sat back and admired as others have taken big risks in life, even leaps of faith. I tend to be the more practical type of person. I like to play it safe, over analyze almost everything, and make sure in my head things make sense before I do something too crazy. I won't get too out of control, but maybe 2008 is a year to begin risking a little more. What does that mean.........I really haven't got a clue and it kinda scares me to find out.......