Farewell to 2008

Well, this is it. The moment where we all count down to the end of one long stretch of 365 days. I know it’s been a harried year on the international stage with diplomacy and war. The markets from Argentina to Zimbabwe have taken a pounding. Here in the good ole’ United States of America we’ve been in a recession for pretty much the entire year. Money isn’t growing on trees like it used to and everyone is facing uncertain times.

Yes, 2008 was probably not the best year we as a nation have had. Never mind what ugly shape the world is in right now.

On a personal level 2008 has been equally as rocky. Back in April I had a minor stroke that put me in the hospital for six days. Every since that day I’ve been living my life in terms of black and white. Some days are good, some days are bad. My left side acts up every so often. My leg especially enjoys slowing me down at times. I’ve lost some confidence when it comes to speaking in social situations. That once gregarious unstoppable force that was Aaron DeLay has slowed some. I take two pills a day and haven’t found the groove and rhythm that I had hoped would be evident by this time in my life.

I changed job in June and escaped from the worst job I have ever had in my life to one that offers so much more. I left the call center world and landed in the position of Housekeeping operations manager. From being on my feet for a minute to nearly all dang day has taught me what management is all about. Mind you, I’m still learning but the people I work with have shown they are willing to help me take that learning curve with good traction.

I found myself questioning my Faith, my God and my own life through it all. I found God again and we’re still working on things in that department.

For 2008 I was single. It was a lonely time. Still is. I’m the one with the power to change that, so I’ve got own that failure. Can’t blame that on The Man or anybody else. Sometimes I think I’m ready and other times I make people wonder how I ever even had a girlfriend. I’ve got the goal to start dating again. Which I hope to learn how to do again.

I’ve kept the weight at around 220 pounds for most of the year. I’ve got the goal of taking better care of myself and feeling better about myself. Obviously it all dovetails.

In 2008 I grew to love my parents even more. We’ve had a great relationship over the past few years and I was blessed to spend time with them over Thanksgiving. It was one of the best times of my life. Being with Family and not worrying about life is priceless. My brother spent time in Ireland and came back in time for Christmas, which he spent up with the family. I worked Christmas and hoped it wouldn’t be hard to process.

It was difficult. Finishing out 2008 without being able to celebrate the Christmas Holiday is something I don’t ever want to miss again.

For 2009 I can only hope and pray that I remain stroke free. I can believe that I’ll find friendship and love over the next 365 days in abundance. I can hope, dream and believe that the best will happen.

And for now as 2008 fades from view in that quiet moment as the clock ticks passed 12:01am…I will do just that without sarcasm, cynicism or pessimism. Happy New Year everyone! Let’s make it a good one.