Dear 2009,

Welcome!  We have high hopes for you here in the bewitching little town of Salem, and in particular, in my house.  Your predecessor, 2008, well... let's just say that she left some things to be desired, and a few messes for you to clean up.  I know, no one likes walking into a job that has already been started, but such is the nature of your position.  

2008 brought us some great times, a trip to Mexico for John and I (although Montezuma certainly did get his revenge on us), a fantastic few days on the beach in Goose Rocks, Maine.  There was a very troubling airplane ride up north to be with my mother, while she had breast cancer, and a potentially life-changing trip down to Tennessee for my husband, who found what may be our future.  

But 2009, I'm ready to welcome you with open arms and get off to a fantastic start.  So far, although we've only known each other for about 16 hours at this point, I have to say I'm pretty impressed.  You came with a beautiful late morning of sleeping in, a nice (filling!) lunch of pasta, and a leisurely shopping trip for fun, frivolous things.  I can't ask much more of you at this point.  I'm going to go take a nap, 09, (can I call you 09? niner?), and when I wake up we'll spend more time getting to know each other.  

Before I go, let me fill you in on a couple of things I hope we discover together over the next 12 months or so.  I think we'll be moving some time in the next 11 months or so, to start a new adventure.  I know, another Halloween in Salem would be very  magical, and who knows, it may still happen.  We'll see.  I have my 10 year high school reunion this year, 2009, and I'm looking forward to seeing how people have been doing.  I had the rare opportunity to never move during my childhood, so these people that I graduated with and I have a very unique shared history.  I remember who they were, and they remember me as I was.  I'd like to get back to being a little more of who I was at 18.  I hope you bring good health for all the people I know, as 2008 certainly taught me that when you have your health, you have it all.  Lastly, 2009, I think this year my only project will be myself, and making who I am better.  In years past I have focused on creativity, on work, on making money (they aren't always the same thing), on weddings, on family.  But this year is for me.  I think I deserve it.  

So, welcome 2009!  And I'm off to nap. I'll see you in just a bit, and we'll get into some trouble together.