Reflections of 2008

Merry Christmas! Once again, I am predictably shocked by the passage of time. How is it possible that it is 2 weeks until Boxing Day? How is it possible that I have a 19 year old son? How is it possible that I am 40 years old? How is it possible that in 30 something days we will be boarding a plane headed to Africa?

This has a been an incredible year! Huge growth and big changes. I had my usual New Year's kick off with resolutions and plans to take on the world. Somehow it seemed like a good idea to plan a wedding, a marathon and a conference -- all to take place within 30 days of each other. So, needless to say, the spring was intensely busy and fulfilling.

Our wedding was... well, exactly what we hoped for; simple, warm and shared with friends. On the first sunny day of the year, we gathered with many of our dear friends and family at Alan & Janette's rural property in Merville for an outside ceremony and reception. The day went too quickly and it seemed that we blinked and it was over (a good sign and common sensation for me). For our honeymoon, we spent a week in northern California (Monteray, Carmel, Big Sur, breathtakingly beautiful) -- 5 days of which were in silence at a retreat with our teacher, Adyashanti.

The following weekend after we got home -- to our separate homes that is, Terry in Courtenay and I in Port Moody -- I was joined by my friend and shero Kim, her husband Jack and daughters Prya and Elsah for the Vancouver Marathon. We were quite a crew at the start line with very little training under our collective belt. But we were determined to cross the finish line, dammit! I don't know whether it was the company, the perfect weather, my relaxed attitude or the extra strength Advil I took at 10km, but the marathon was...

EFFORTLESS!

Every step was EFFORTLESS. This has always been my dream. To cross the finish line of a marathon smiling. Ugh, it was so dreamy. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE AND EVERY STEP. My moms and Cody were there to cheer me on. The day was filled with grace.

The next weekend was the first Women with Wings Event. I had been dreaming of hosting an event of this kind ever since I became a coach. I gathered my favourite speakers and healers in the areas of Health (Lucy Smith), Wealth (Maureen Fritz-Roberts), Relationships (Tamara Adilman), Freedom (Andy Bryce) and Power (Anita Roberts) to spend a day in support of Women's Empowerment here and globally -- proceeds going to support a micro-lending program for Ethiopian women. After learning a lot (like you need A LOT of help to pull off an event of this kind and it's a really bad idea to have the parking lot be really far away and the room really confusing to find) and making a lot of mistakes, with the help of amazing speakers and the tireless efforts of my team (mom and Terry), we really offered great value to the women that were there. This just may have been the start of something very special (I've just renewed the domain name for the 2009 event).

Next, in June, I spent two weeks in Maui and Honolulu with my Dad and Lee, snorkeling, running, being tossed around by big surf and basically being spoiled. We three definitely have a nice groove together. It was such a treat after Lee's health scare at the end of last year. We were grateful every minute.

The next big do was the move to Courtenay. Yup, finally, after 7 years of a long distance relationship, Terry and I, husband and wife, are actually sharing an address. We made the move effective August 1st and we've been settling in, squeezing the contents of my three bedroom townhouse and my life into our cozy little cabin. There have been lots of trips back to Vancouver... to see the boys. This was a most difficult decision for me. And with Cody's encouragement, I've been able to feel good about the decision. Cody is happy living at his dad's with Jono and his step brothers and sister and I have thrown myself on the boys every couple of weeks with visits.

September came and with it my 40th birthday. Terry made the day special with a garden dinner complete with fresh squeezed orange juice, flowers and love. A perfect, quiet way to welcome 40.

So, the year was full of gifts and losses. Terry and I each lost our final grandparent this year -- Terry's Grandpa Bert and my Grandma (Babe). Jono is technically grown-up at 19; working full time with lots of friends. Cody is doing well in school, playing the guitar faithfully and active in football. The stock market has provided endless hours of entertainment and scheming for Terry as has the real estate market. Terry's running finally took it's toll with an overtraining injury that had him trading speed for muscles as he was forced off the road and into the gym. He hopes to be back to speed training in the spring. Life is humming along doing what it does.

I can honestly say I am grateful for it all. Even when I'm feeling like I've taken on too much. Even when I'm feeling lost and worried I don't have much on the go. I am coming to love what is.

Now, all focus is on Africa. We've got our tickets, passports, visas and yucky vaccinations. We're good to go. The journey begins January 14th. I hope you'll join us through the blog.

Terry and I are so grateful for all the love and support of friends and family in our lives. Thanks again to everyone who has contributed to this trip (to Africa and our big Trip of life).

love love love and Merry Christmas,

Tanya (for tnt)