Things to Look Forward to in 2009

I usually make New Year's Resolutions. But, as with most of us, they don't typically last too long. So this year, instead of resolutions, I thought I'd make a list of the things I'm looking forward to in 2009--some challenges, some experiences, some (hopefully) personal growth. In no particular order:

1. Itzhak Perlman Concert
On February 28, Itzhak Perlman is performing with the Oregon Symphony at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland--and I'm going to be there, thanks to my amazing birthday gift from my family! I am SO excited! Itzhak inspired me to learn the violin way back when I was a wee lass of 6. He made an appearance on Sesame Street and after I saw that, I had a very decisive answer to Mom's question of whether I wanted to learn the piano. "No, Mommy. I want to play the violin." We on the West Coast don't typically attract a lot of big-name talent, so this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can hardly wait!

2. Spending time with Julie
My dear friend and college roommate Julie just moved to Portland from Boise, which means we'll finally get to see each other more than once or twice a year. Looking forward to lots of girls' weekends and exploring Portland together now that she's only two hours from me.

3. MBA Classes
Despite a highly disappointing last class in my MBA program, I'm hopeful that the upcoming classes this year will provide thought-provoking material that I can actually put to practical use. We're starting with Christian Leadership & Ethics, so it seems promising. =) Still not sure what I'll end up doing with the degree, but perhaps this year will bring some answers or at least some insights and direction.

4. Conversion
Only two more months until our big computer system conversion at the credit union. We've been preparing for this for almost a year now, and I'll be spending almost the entire month of January delivering training to our staff on how to use the new system. It's been a huge, all-consuming project for many of us on conversion teams, and I know we'll all be glad to get back to our normal jobs. But we're also super excited about all the functionality of the new system. It should make us so much more efficient and allow us to do so much more than our current system. And not take five minutes to load one transaction. What a concept. Yippee!

5. New Books
With the way the book industry has been going lately, there has been a lot of speculation about the future of books as we know them. Christian publishers have been cutting back on their titles and looking for bigger-platform authors in their new acquisitions. But, books have a power to change lives that few other mediums have, and I think it will be many years before they disappear all together. I'm looking forward to landing many new publishing contracts for my authors and continuing to help develop encouraging, thought-provoking, spiritually-rejuvenating new books. Renee, Eileen, Theresa, Christine--keep praying that those first book offers come this year!

6. The Blogosphere
It's been fun getting back into blogging this year, and I hope to be more consistent with it in 2009. It's such a fun way to connect, and I'm loving keeping up with friends and other interesting bloggers through their blogs, too.

7. Church
I'm so glad to finally have a church home that I love, where I'm encouraged and challenged and actually know some people. I'm looking forward to getting more involved this year--doing nursery once in awhile to get my baby fix, playing with the worship team on occasion, connecting with other believers.

8. Enjoying the Moment
In my crazy-busy life, I can easily get so focused on the necessary to-dos that I miss out on the in-the-moment joys. I'm still not very good at enjoying the moment, but I'm trying to make it a bigger priority and make a more conscious effort to enjoy those off-the-topic conversations at work (even when there are things to do), the spontaneous excursions with my roommate (even if it wasn't part of my plan for the day), those moments when God demonstrates His incredible love and patience, and the general experiences that make life full and meaningful.

As we look forward to 2009, I pray that you find joy in the little things, stand in awe and wonder of our amazing God, and enjoy the daily adventure of life.