January 1st, 2009 by john 
in Categories: 
I want to wish everyone a joyous and prosperous New Year! What a year it’s been, right? Personally, I have had a tough one. My Grandfather passed away in July. I broke my arm in October. And my Dad died suddenly and unexpectedly in December. I’d be lying to you if I said I had a great year. But I always try to find the silver lining. Both my Grandfather and my Dad were suffering long and debilitating illnesses. They are in a better place and the suffering is over. My family has spent a tremendous amount of time together as a result, which has been very nice. As far as my broken arm, I was able to relax this fall, something that I am not able to do very often. I have to admit it has been great. BTW, my arm healed up nicely, no surgery and I am about to start physical therapy.
I was doing some site maintenance yesterday, database cleanup, plugin updates, etc., and started reading some of my archive posts. I discovered that I had written 107 posts and received 1063 comments in ‘08. I also realized that my one year Blogiversary is January 15th. Time flies when you’re having fun! After several hours I picked some of my favorite posts from the past year. Many of them were written before I had much of an audience, so I thought I would share a few. I then decided to visit some of my favorite blogs and pick some posts to share as well. Here goes:
Smoke Free! Four Thousand-eighteen Days and Counting!
401k Debit Card: Swipe Yourself to the Poorhouse
A family That Eats Together, Stays Together!
5 Tips To Cut Your Grocery Bill Today!
No thanks, I’ll Just Have Water
Bag It, That’s Right, I Said Bag It!
5 Reasons To Start Walking Today!
How We Saved $25,480.00 And So Can You!
Make 17% on Your Money, Starting Today!
Here are my favorite 2008 guest posts:
Falling Down and How To Get Back Up
Here are a few of my favorite 2008 posts from some of my blogging friends. Enjoy!
How To Survive an Election Year Financial Meltdown
Bad Girl Gone Good Gone Bad Again! My Diet Soda Relapse
In Search of Personal Accountability
From Mortgage Meltdown to Financial Tsunami
So there you have it. I hope you enjoy checking out these posts from 2008. I want to thank all of you who have visited, dropped, commented, advertised and supported EzGreatLife over the past year. It is greatly appreciated! Looking forward to 2009 and visiting all of the great blogs I discovered this year!
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My name is John.
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Just dropping by to wish you a Happy New Year!
A good year usually follows a bad one, so stay optimistic!
Health and much prosperity to you in 2009!
Fitness Diva
The Fitness Divas last blog post..Party Time!!
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Hi John That is very sad news that you suffered alot in last few month but we must not loose out hopes as you said you always try to find the silver lining . Keep the spirit up and everything will be ok .
I hope now your arm must be fine . Even i broke my arm in September 2008 while doing some bike stunts and still suffering from it . All the best for your new year and god bless you .
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Hi John,
Wishing you more relaxation in your life, it really does the body good. Glad you are about to start physical therapy on your arm. Have a very Happy New Year with Many Blessings in 2009! Health and happiness always.
Robins last blog post..Metabolism Booster
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John reply on January 8th, 2009 9:20 pm:
Thank you Robin.
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Excellent post, John. I, too, had a rough year but, like yourself, try to focus on the good stuff more than than bad. Thanks for the link on my financial meltdown post, much appreciated. And here’s to a great 2009!
peace,
mike
livelife365
Mike Fosters last blog post..A New Year Brings New…What?
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John reply on January 8th, 2009 9:22 pm:
Thanks Mike. Yes it sounds like we had a very similar year. Looking forward to a great 2009!
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Happy New Year to you too. Hope you have a great start for 09 and meet your goals soon.
Work At Homes last blog post..Happy New Year with Page Rank Update 12/31/2008
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It seems as if it 2008 has been a long hard year for many people. The New Year is always a great time of renewed hope. I remain fearful about the economy, yet I also believe that by focusing on the important things around us in our daily life, we can have a great year.
For me, one of the good things of this year has been finding your blog, Mike Foster’s blog, and many other wonderful blogs I’ve found over the past year.
Happy New Year everyone
Aldon Hyness last blog post..Happy New Year!?
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I hope you have a wonderful New Year, also! I hope this one improves over last year
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Wow…big losses for you personally…I am so sorry about your Dad. Prayers for you and your family for a blessed and healthy 2009…may the joy of the Lord be your strength and may He comfort you in your time of need!
all the best,
Amy
amy lilleys last blog post..2009
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I hope this year will be a good one for you and your family.
)
Babettes last blog post..PhotoHunt #4 – Hope
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Ahhhh 2008 over! I know what you mean. God bless you and I hope you have a great 2009.
Mrs. Mecombers last blog post..FFQF: The Hilarious John Adams
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now i’ve got some of your ‘classics’ to look forward to reading. can’t wait. and how cool are you including one of my posts? very, very nice. thank you. 2009 is gonna be a great year, i can feel it…
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John reply on January 8th, 2009 9:09 pm:
Thanks ssgreylord! Hope you enjoy my ‘classics’! Your welcome for the link love. AND I hope your right about 2009!
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p.s. your “no thanks, i’ll just have water” post has stuck with me til this day. it always makes me pause when the waiter asks what i’d like to drink…
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John reply on January 8th, 2009 9:10 pm:
That’s terrific!
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I am sorry it has been such a rough year but you seem to have weathered it as well as can be expected. I have enjoyed more than you know reading your posts, your advice and friendship. I hope you have a wonderful 2009 and I am going to go back through these! Best wishes! Heidi
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Hi thanks for the visit and the nice words..Sorry to know about the hard times you’ve had of 2008. Wish 2009 will be the best for you and your family.
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It’s been rough all over. 2009 will be a great year. Just have to keep your head up. Happy New Year.
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I’m so sorry you had to deal with so much in 2008, but glad you have a positive outlook for 2009. Happy New Year!
Davida
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Happy New Year to you! I know 2009 will be better for us all.
Marias last blog post..Inspirational Sunday: The Benefits of Being an Animal’s Foster Parent
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yeah, 2008 its hard year, especially in latest 3 month, but i still a new hope and optimistic for this 2009 year, hope you great year too
internet businesss last blog post..Adsense Secrets – Why Should There Be Any Secrets
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May 2009 be a wonderful year for you.
zipporahss last blog post..Put a little extra money in your pocket – start a small business
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“p.s. your “no thanks, i’ll just have water” post has stuck with me til this day. it always makes me pause when the waiter asks what i’d like to drink… ” –ssgreylord
Same here. Once you overcome the initial resistance, this is a really easy and beneficial habit to keep.
Thanks for the love John. I’m glad I found your blog in ‘08. Here’s to a prosperous ‘09!
Blakes last blog post..2008: My Financial Progress
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John reply on January 8th, 2009 9:14 pm:
Thanks Blake! I’m glad I found you blog as well. I hope we all have a prosperous 2009!
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Happy New Year! more power to you!
mushroom-eaters last blog post..Bubble Shooter
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Happy New Year ! Keep up the great work with this blog, and have nothing but success in your career efforts.
Thank you for sharing top posts from past year!
Kelly Pros last blog post..Owning a Business in the U.S.
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John reply on January 8th, 2009 9:04 pm:
Thank you Kelly Pro! I wish you all the best in 2009!
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I recently came across your blog. I wish I would have found it sooner! You have lots of great information here. Sounds like you had a rough 2008 but an awesome blogging year! I wish you all the best in 2009.
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John reply on January 8th, 2009 9:03 pm:
Welcome Cascia and thank you! I wish you had found it sooner too!
Thanks for stopping by and see you soon!
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