You know, looking back on 2008 in pictures really puts a more positive spin on things. I am an optimist by nature, but this year had me down...a lot. I won't lie. There was my cousin Catherine's illness and death which descended out of nowhere and came as a shock. There was my father's work drama, which culminated in his sudden retirement. There was the sudden realization that one of my grad school classes wouldn't count, and having to take on an insane course load, never really knowing if I'd make it. My grandma fell flat on her face, then had a series of health issues that scared the crap out of us. People we knew died. I was tired, sleepless, anxious, hating my job....but.....
...then there was everything else. While the above things were big and overpowering and always managed to overshadow something, there were the other things that were joyous and happy, life events to be celebrated, and even small seemingly insignificant moments of beauty and tiny self-satisfying accomplishments. There were births and marriages and engagements and graduations and knitted shawls, pancakes, and birds. The big and the little, all put together to make a pretty damn good year. I'm so glad I stopped to reflect, because really? It was pretty fantastic.
...then there was everything else. While the above things were big and overpowering and always managed to overshadow something, there were the other things that were joyous and happy, life events to be celebrated, and even small seemingly insignificant moments of beauty and tiny self-satisfying accomplishments. There were births and marriages and engagements and graduations and knitted shawls, pancakes, and birds. The big and the little, all put together to make a pretty damn good year. I'm so glad I stopped to reflect, because really? It was pretty fantastic.
What I did in 2008 (in no particular order):
voted for change
was skurry
rooted for the predator (who lost this one)
found a one-eyed squirrel
learned what it's like to cook in fine ceramic bakeware
rooted for my team (and heckled the enemy)
was overwhelmed by history (George Washington stood here!)
felt the love
fell down
found happiness out in nature
found beauty in the small simple things
experienced complete and utter peace all alone
fell in love with birds again and again and again
celebrated change
was reminded why I love this place
got a new perspective
celebrated more marriage
chugged
drove a boat
cooked some happy
acted stupid
kicked ass and took names
was inspired
wanted to quit (but didn't! I didn't!)
had a bruise - a big one
did I mention loving birds?
watched the snow
knit
went to an opera recital and felt proud of my friend
rang in the new year in typical sisterly fashion
held someone brand new
explored new places
made something mini to share
witnessed a wedding
found someone who agreed on my views of graduate degree education
celebrated second chances
hung out with my Smith gallies
made something for myself
got glasses
cross stitched advice I need to learn to take
felt loved
felt like a patriot
got engaged
danced
baked fancy
fed the birds
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