I've seen 2009, people...and she looks DIVINE

The Christensen Family has a tradition of a Mexican Fiesta on NYE.

And well, we had said Mexican Fiesta (which btw, is going to someday be the thing that "my guy" says upon first experiencing it, "Shut up! I get YOU AND killer mexican cuisine? How DID I get so lucky?") tonight.

SO, because we had the fiesta tonight (since I'll be flying home tomorrow night...sober pilots, thank you very much...I've flown New Years morning before...not so smart...) I say that makes right now 2009 for me.

Yes, I've started 2009 and I can't even tell you how good she looks (and yes, I said "she"...for some reason this year of all years is a girl. I don't know why. Just trust me on that one).

I was reflecting tonight on what a great year '08 was.
It really was.
I went to Orcas.
I sold my house.
I finished my masters.
I healed my heart.
It was a really great and important and significant year....not without it's rough stuff FOR SURE...but great.

And 2009?

I know it's going to be full of it's challenges
and its hyperventilating moments...
and times when I want to quit my job (happened tonight, ironically enough)...
wondering how a nice girl like me ended up in a life like this...

BUT, for the most part...
It is going to be the best year yet.

I stumbled across this gem on Sunday...Phillipians 1.
And my catch phrase for '09?

"According to my earnest expectation and my hope..." (vrs. 20)

MY EARNEST EXPECTATION
MY HOPE

Don't you love the sound of that?
I love Paul.
I love his poetic words.
I love his enthusiasm for life.
I love his courage.
And I'm ready to have the same.

I have no grand goals that can be spoken.
I'm not listing things I will and won't do.
I'm just going to live the life God has planned for me.

I know it's only minutes into my "new year" (it's the new year SOMEWHERE, right?), but I am already filled with this amazing hope...the hope because of my earnest expectation.
It's just around this corner...I feel it.

Welcome to 2009.
I can't wait for you to get here too.

Happy New Year!