Today is the last day of 2008, and if I look back to one year ago I never thought I would be sitting in California today looking back on a year that was both good and bad. On New Years Eve 2007 I was in Paris with Jennifer and Damien which ended up being a really interesting trip.
Once I was back to work in Ireland, thats when I began the difficult task of running my own branch of the business from Limerick. I only lasted 3 months working from my home office in Limerick, but in hindsight the planning wasn't done properly and enough money wasn't put into it. If I were going into that task today a year older and more experienced I think I could do a lot more with it.
By the end of March I was making plans to go on a farewell trip to england for two weeks and then come back to the States to start fresh. The 3 days spent in London remain the single greatest 3 days of my young life so far. The timing was right, the people were perfect, and the city magnificent. There is absolutely nothing about that trip that I would change.
When I came back to America I stayed with my mom for only 3 weeks before it was time to head out to California for the sun, fun, and a job of course. I was warned about what the atmosphere at my new job would be like from Joe Dooling, but nothing could have prepared me for the next six months. Since June I have worked for the same company here in California, I don't like to mention the name of it, just in case something were to be linked to me. Right from the beginning I knew it was going to be difficult, but I set in my mind all I had to do was make it six months and then I can apply for positions in other departments. The manager that I got stuck with, seems to be one of the toughest in the company. She has been a manager for just under a year, but her turnover ratio has to be absolutely astronomical. The rate I have seen people coming and going is rediculous, and for no other reason really than that she is a difficult woman to work for.
A week ago today was my official 6th month with the company, which means that I did achieve my goal, and things seem to be falling into plan. I may have a new position with the company secured by Friday which would help 2009 start off as a potential good year.
Things I have planned for 2009 so far include two trips that are already paid for. In mid January I am going to central Florida to see my parents and my brother and sister, all for the first time since back in May. Then in mid- March I'll be jet setting to England for 2 weeks of business, but also some fun. There are a few other places I want to get to in 09 including, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, and a trip up to Toronto again, its been a long time since I have been there.
I am feeling under the weather right now, but its time to celebrate the New Year California style. Happy New Years to all of you, and I wish you happiness in 2009!  ¶ 10:26 PM