Seeya, ’04

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m finished with 2004.

Sometimes there are years where, as the clock winds down, I find myself thinking “aww, this was a really good one; I’m sorry to leave it behind.” This year had its ups and downs, but I am most certainly ready to close the door on it and move forward.

Buckle up – here’s the year in (very quick) review:

In January, I traveled to Rochester, New York, and had some issues with being a manager when I got back.

February was the month when, in anticipation of my 24th birthday, I embarked on a whirlwind of planning and working out and doing everything right for once in my life.

Of course, as most of you know, this all came to a screeching halt on March 1, 2004, the day that will forever define this year. Ginny had her accident, and in the midst of dealing, I suddenly became the kind of woman I never thought I’d be – composed, patient, and capable. And we learned what it’s like to deal with the kind of horrible tragedy that leads off the news every day for weeks.

April continued our parade of learning to cope. It’s also the month where I got in big trouble at work for the first time in my career. This changed pretty much everything about the way I approach my job, and while it’s something I don’t write about much anymore, it’s something that continues to affect me.

In May, I took a couple of weeks off of work to care for Ginny at home, and had a taste of life as a homemaker and caregiver. I learned that while I can do it, it’s probably not my long-term goal.

June saw Ginny back in the hospital for wheelchair rehab, which was followed by increased mobility on her part and the first times we were able to leave the house together as a family.

In July, I looked for apartments, considered the ramifications of declawing my cat, and traveled to New Hampshire, where I promptly got food poisoning. Damn you, lobster.

August was band, band, and more band, with some weddings and work involved and not a whole lot else.

September was a month of hurricanes and – you guessed it – more band and work.

I’ll remember October as the month where I became overwhelmed by and obsessed with politics. Which all came to a screeching halt in November.

And, well, nothing much happened in December. I don’t even feel like linking it.

Thank you, as always, for reading along with my life as it has unfolded during these past twelve months (or longer, if applicable). I’ve got some cool things up my sleeve for 2005, and I hope you’ll all stick with me for it.

Happy new year to you all.