Christmas is over, and this coming week is the time to reflect on what has transpired, so let’s now relate significant events, personal and general, that made the year interesting or aggravating or humorous.
This was the year that. . .
–I was unemployed for the first time in my life, tried something new and found I was good at it, and landed another job where I’m happy.
–The Christian Right waged war on the left by creating a divisive issue where there was none (The War On ChristmasTM)
–A whole lot of famous people took dirt naps (thought I’d get that one out of the way)
I visited Paris (for the 3rd time) and Amsterdam (1st time).
Little Bear, my cat, got outside for the first time, and managed to survive 18 days, in spite of the fact that he’s 17 and very geriatric. He had lost about half his body weight.
I had my patio enclosed, and I can have plants out there year-round.
I heard my brother humming along with the radio (no one’s ever heard him do that).
I sold my toy store and took some time off to be with the with the kids (11 and 16), instead of working 60+ hours every week. Life is just too darn short. I miss the people and the work very much, but no regrets.
Both my MIL and dad had significant health problems - both now have diabetes and heart trouble. They’re both ok, though - yay!
We got a bouncy, crazy new puppy. What was I thinking?!
Las Vegas, baby! I finally conquered my fear of flying this year, relaxed and wasn’t so scared. Major milestone.
Unfortunately, a few health problems have popped up. Hopefully they will resolve soon.
I stopped taking Paxil after being on it for 5 years. It was a challenge, but I’m so happy to have that behind me!
It’s been a year where I had challenges put to me – and I’ve taken them on.
Started my own business which is now sustaining me. Scary stuff but damn cool.
I’ve found a longlost friend from three decades ago. I intend to contact others on '06.
I’ve had to move away from some parts of my life, and that’s been sad and hard to do, but there’s been a lot of positive stuff in its place.
I’ve been photographed in newspapers, interviewed, heeded in high places and had stuff of mine published. Best of all – I think I’ve inspired people that Things Can Happen If You Try. I know that I’ve been able to give confidence to good, good friends of mine.
And I’ve been able, since late November, to come back to the SDMB.
The Year of the Rooster has been a ball. I’m looking forward to seeing what the Year of the Dog brings.
I got a new job that pays me more for doing less work than my last (No slacker I. I carried the whole department most days. Now I just do my own job. I also have a much better schedule.
My dog revealed herself to be a super hero by chasing rather aggressive dogs away from my daughter and from her puppy friend. Didn’t growl or anything. She just didn’t let them get close.
I cooked for people other than my immediate family. They loved it.
2005 was the first year since 2001 where I didn’t move house. That was nice. (And the previous year before 2001 where I didn’t move was 1995! Yuck. I hate moving.)
I didn’t start a new job in 2005, for the first time in my adult life. (This is what happens when you move every year, you change jobs a lot.)
2005 was the year I decided to give up on being a good sibling to my psycho younger sister. 21 years of crazy bullshit from her is enough. From now on, it’s up to her to initiate any relationship between us, I can’t do it anymore.
In 2005, I was accepted into the Peace Corps. I was supposed to go to Central Asia, but medical issues got in the way. I should be off some time in 2006, though!
Lose it 5 months later through no fault of my own (project over; no more).
Massive oak tree falls on house almost killing daughter#1. $200,000 in damage. Have to move out.
Daughter #2 is born. Goes into seizures during my birthday party. Doctors are puzzled. She is finally diagnosed with one of the rarest genetic diseases known. Less than 50 cases reported ever worldwide. My wife and I spend every second in the hospital with her until she goes into death throes that last 16 hours and she dies in our arms.
Got a new job. Will help the finances that were damaged through all of this.
Just got a letter in the mail telling me that a minor wreck I was in 18 months ago might have major consequences. No one was hurt except supposedly the women in the car two cars down a chain reaction. She claims she has “soft tissue damage” (i.e. whiplash). The case is being pursued well above the $50,000 andinsurance company lawyers are making me get my own because they think that the award could run into the hundreds of thousands.
Living in a hotel with my wife and daughter for a few months while they fix the house.
My little brother’s best friend got killed by a drunk driver right before Christmas.
My whole family is ready to give the finger to 2005 and embrace 2006 as fast as we can.
I decided to make better use of my free time and volunteered to be Director of Charity Events for a club I belong to. We raised over $8,000 for four great charities, and have several plans in the works for next year.
A mare I am part owner of gave birth do a wonderful thoroughbred filly. I was there to see her first attempts to stand, take a few steps and nurse. I have been able to spend lots of time with her and watch her grow. She is just amazing.
I celebrated 5 years of maintaining a very large weight loss.
On a couple of different occasions, I was hit on by some celebrities. Being happily married, it really doesn’t mean anything in the grand sceme of things, but it does give me something I can smile about when I am old and grey.
I was asked to be on the board of directors of a start-up horse rescue/retraining/retirement non-profit farm. We already have a few successs stories.
The relationship that was going to last the rest of my life ended. As a consequence, I moved to a new apartment and started living completely alone for the first time in my life.
A friend of mine died saving his girlfriend’s life.
I got my degree.
My parents moved out of the house I grew up in, after living there since I was two.
I started working out and eating right, and lost around 16 kg.
My oldest daughter and grandkids moved back from California.
I found out I have a son-in-law. ( to The Sausage Creature) Then I found out he got accepted to Loyola Law .
My husband started Remicade treatments for his Ankylosing Spondelitis, then he got a compression fracture at L2. When that was over, he flunked a stress test, had angioplasty and four stents were put in. He’s better now .
I quit two jobs, found another one that paid better and had better bennies. I had gall bladder surgery.
We adopted a cat.
And I just found out today that my good friend and hairstylist has moved back to town!
to The Sausage Creature) Then I found out he got accepted to Loyola Law