December 31, 2008

Milestones From 2008 and Beyond

Milestone-an often-used term to indicate an event that ends one phase or begins another:
"Within the framework of project management, a milestone is the end of a stage that marks the completion of a work package or phase, typically marked by a high level event such as completion, endorsement or signing of a deliverable, document or a high level review meeting."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milestone_(project_management)

To say it simply, I want to begin my new blog and end my "old year" with some thoughts and revelations to share, with some new perspectives on the journey into the new year.

I am most thankful to God, who's spirit has always been there to tap me on the shoulder and show His presence when I really wanted to just throw up my hands and throw in the towel. I have done a lot of soul-searching and heart-mending in 2008. Without Him I would not be able to sit here and share what I feel inclined to share. I have a strong sense of optimism now for 2009, in the midst of the chaos and turmoil that the radio, newspapers and TV hurl at us daily. When I feel the urge to sulk and go all negative, which I have done a time or two, I read the word or even better, I listen
to the Bible via free downloading to my mp3 player.
If you have a hard time understanding what is going on in the world, all you have to do is read and/or listen. The truth is there. You can really have hope, joy, comfort, and peace. The evil forces of the world just want you to believe that it is impossible. But I pray that you will read, study and fellowship with other believers who will help on your journey. This pretty much covers my number one priority-God.
"Jesus is the answer for the world today"

My number two priority is family, and right now it is just my teen-age daughter and myself, a very small family, but BIG on challenges. She is definitely a teen-ager with attitude. She doesn't understand just how important she is to me. And when it is just two of us, we clash. When we are with other people, things are copacetic for the most part. Single parenting has given me many of those moments that for a time seem like they will never end, but are mingled occasionally with moments that I want to just snatch up and paste on the pages of my memory book with a vengeance. And I know that in just a couple of short years, these tears of frustration will turn into tears of joy mixed with sadness as she goes off to college, leaving the nest empty and me to my own devices. I have launched three other beautiful offspring out into the world and now am looking for and cherishing all the beautiful and memorable moments with my youngest.

#3 Priority is Work
I love the company I work for. Both of them. The first being a job that has allowed me to accomplish one somewhat insignificant goal that I have had on the back burner for quite a few years, and that is to learn ten-key. I always was amazed at people who could get their fingers to go that fast on numbers. I have a regular alpha typing speed that is average, of 45 wpm, and was so intimidated by the numeric part of key-boarding. But data entry has allowed me to get the practice and experience to now key up to 9,000 kph on a good day. This task is required to index and verify data that is acquired within projects being scanned for data capturing and storage.
I also have a part-time retail position that serves two purposes: I have fun helping customers, and I need to make up for a serious wage deficit.
I know I should have to work only one job, with having an Associate Degree in computer programming, but mostly for the sake of my highest priorities, time has not allowed me to persue that route on my career path. But that hopefully will change in the new year. I have been tossing around the idea of going back to school, and even have applied for financial aid, but have to go to school full-time for financial assistance to help and that is the glitch I am dealing with concerning that.

When I manage to squeeze out an extra few hours in the week, I love to sew. I started a hobby a few years ago making purses and bags and now have a much-neglected Etsy Shop, which I am now working on to add more merchandise. That is if those few extra hours might present themselves. My specialty and favorite bag to sew is fabric drawstring backpacks, which are ever-popular and available in many different fabrics. Most of them I make by special request, for friends and co-workers. Via my shop on etsy, I sell world-wide and accept payments through pay-pal for convenience.

I also have a crib quilt and accessories in the works, for the new grand baby that is on the way. I will be welcoming beautiful grandbaby #4 in April. I know that will be one of many blessings to look forward to in 2009. I am so excited this new years eve to see what all the new year has in store. I pray you have the same hope and excitement as your new year unfolds as well!





To you and yours!

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