grocery store check outs and life

i went to the store this morning to pick up a few items. i was finishing my transaction and the machine asked me, like they do, if the amount was ok. what i really want to say is, 'no', the amount is not ok, i would rather be spending less, thank you.

but on another note 2007 is quickly winding down. this year has really flown by... as i get older the years seem to go faster and faster. i have a feeling i will blink twice and be 40.

this year has been a life changing year for me. a lot has happened. i have been pulled and stretched and grown a lot. this year started with a tragedy and is ending quite well.

i have experienced a few losses this year. with on the very first day being the tragic loss of my cousin, katie. then proceed a few weeks later by my half sister's grandmother. and then just a few months later the house fire which claimed a lot of our possessions.

i have been through 5 jobs this year. five. wow. all of which, i believe, lead me to the wonderful job i have now. i experienced the hardest job i have ever had and now the best i have ever had. the nursing home taught me about strength and compassion. it was a choice everyday to continue on and not give up. i worked hard to get my certification. i did stuff i never thought i would and worked harder than i ever have. i saw glimpse of youth in the old faces and i saw death. it was not only physically demanding but extremely emotionally demanding as well. part of my heart still lingers with those wonderful ladies and men. they touched my life and i can only hope i touched their lives in the same way.

now, i have this amazing job. the child i assist brings me so much joy. i knew God would provide for me and he definitely did. i am very thankful to be working where i am.

my important friendships have seen some changes. actually starting at the very start of the year, with the first ever argument with a close friend- to today with the friendship struggling to stay alive. change is make or break i am realizing. moving to nashville has been fun, but has put a strain on a friendship dear to me. though that may not be as strong, i have grown closer to my sister-in-law and have made a few close acquaintances at work.

i believe this year has been a huge growing year for me emotionally. i have strived to be more confident, positive, and, well, more me. i think somewhere along the way from my senior of high school until now, i have lost me. i am rediscovering myself. because i once was more confident, positive and happy. and i want that back in my life.

i am looking forward to this next year. i am hoping to continue to grow. i am looking forward to seeing what i will be doing after michael leaves st. georges. i am looking forward to seeing my photography talents expand. i am looking forward to growing closer to God. i am looking forward to new friendships or renewing old ones. i am looking forward to life.

so, happy new year's friends. may it be wonderful for you.