Really? Has it really been since 2004 that I last did a Mondo Beyondo? Oy. Where does the time go?

Mondo Beyondo is all about celebrating what's to come and what CAN be.

One of my favorite things Alden has ever said is:

"I don't make resolutions because a resolution to me is like an ending, and right now, I'm all about beginnings."

Smart dude, that Alden. The new year is a new start. It's all fresh with new car smell. What we should truly resolve is what the previous year was, whether it was awesome, sucked or just kinda meh.

And that's what part one is all about: Completing.

1. What do you want to acknowledge yourself for in regard to 2007?

Well, first, I celebrate losing thirty pounds. Go me.

In 2007 I really defined myself professionally for the first time. Although I've been working on websites for about eight years and as a web designer since 2006, I would never call myself a web designer because I didn't feel I earned or even deserved that title. After all, I've never been formally trained as a web designer or have a degree in design. That's always made me feel less than. But this past year, I decided that is a just bunch of coddleswap because goddamnit I AM a freakin' web designer. And a pretty good one too.

I made the choice to change my living situation. That may seem like a silly thing for a mid-to-late thirties adult to say, but think about it: Julie and I lived together for nine years. I know plenty of marriages and relationships that haven't lasted half that. We lived together for so long because we were comfortable doing so. We formed our own little family. Breaking that up was a scary thing to do, but ultimately, it was for the best for both of us.

2. What is there to grieve about 2007?

I forgive myself gaining back seven of those lost pounds. I forgive myself for watching too much television (Seriously. Did I really need to watch EVERY episode of Burn Notice?) and not reading more books. I forgive myself for hibernating all summer and neglecting people. I forgive myself for letting my heart become a tangled mess in places I knew better to let it go. I forgive myself for not sharing what's really going on with those who love me. I forgive myself for not blogging about it.

I grieve the loss of a very dear friendship.

What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?

Oh 2007, you brought with you many changes. But by the end's year, it was pretty clear where it was all heading. They say, "Everything happens for a reason," and you whispered that in my ear from beginning to end. Turns out, you weren't so bad after all. Thanks. I declare you complete!

2008 is my year of rejuvenation.