Farewell 2008
By now I’m sure the internet is bogged down by reflective New Year’s Eve blog entries – looking back at the year and mulling over life changing events. I feel like, after going through a bad breakup, a bad car accident and a bad 25th birthday I should have reached some kind of epiphany or feel older, wiser. I don’t really. I mean, I feel wiser when it comes to love and I definitely feel older but I still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing half the time. The only difference now is – that doesn’t scare me as much as it used to.
Now, looking back on 2008, I can trace a timeline of events that have led me to this point – facing another year, wondering what sort of heartaches and mysteries lie ahead.
This time last year, I was setting up my New Year’s Eve party at the town home I shared with my former roommate.
Shortly after New Year’s Eve, my niece, Sophia was born. She made me acutely aware that I haven’t a single maternal bone in my body. Yet.
Another baby entered the scene, bringing anxiety into my life in the form of whimpers, accidents and the swallowing of typically inedible things (seashells, condoms and rugs).
I’ll never forget Easter Weekend which would be the catalyst that would change the rest of the year for good. I think it will always be the best and worst weekend of my life. I’ll also never forget the Pistachio Mint Oreo Pie I made that Sunday and to this day, can never remember where I got the recipe. It was seriously delicious.
Astonishingly, impossibly and quite unexpectedly, I fell in love again.
And everything seemed fine, normal and mundane until I literally spun out of control on a wet, busy highway. I lost my car and for a short time, my confidence as a driver. But, looking back, the accident couldn’t have happened at a better time – I was surrounded by such an incredible support system of friends and family. Wrecking my car made me feel very lucky – for life, love, friends, family and all that. I purchased my first vehicle, a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle.
And then things progressed: my niece started eating cereal puffs all by herself, the weather cooled, my dog turned a year old, I started running, I cooked and baked a lot, I skated on ice for the first time, I hosted Thanksgiving dinner and had my first Christmas on my own. For me, it was all a big deal.
So, what could possibly be next? Anything, really. But first, me and the dog, we’re gonna go on a walk and enjoy what’s left of 2008.
Happy New Year, everyone!
Shannalee (December 31, 2008, 2:58 pm).
I was in a horrible accident in fall 2001, where my car spun out of control, with three other people in it, one of which later sued me. We all survived, PRAISE GOD, and my car, though totaled, got fixed and is fine now. I still drive it—a 2001 VW Jetta.
Shannalee’s last blog post..when it rains
irenie (December 31, 2008, 5:25 pm).
what a mostly lovely year! here’s to 2009!
MC (December 31, 2008, 6:38 pm).
Shannalee, that’s awful! Car wrecks are so jarring and have all kinds of consequences. Here’s hoping we have a safe 2009 – and here, here to Volkswagens!
irenie, I’m looking forward to it! I hope you have a Happy New Year’s Eve and find a cute boy to kiss at midnight!
Riyan (December 31, 2008, 7:25 pm).
What cute pictures.
Your dog is beautiful.
Maybe 2009 will bring the wisdom that your looking for?
And I am so glad you were okay after your car accident.
Riyan’s last blog post..Morbid.
Shortee (December 31, 2008, 7:39 pm).
It’s all good, I’m fixing to be 26 and I feel you.
Vanessa (January 2, 2009, 12:59 pm).
Yeah, it’s been a crazy year all around. I’m just glad the majority of us seem to have survived it, and hopefully for the better.
Reading your post has prodded me into finally making my own New Years post. I suppose it was coming.
ismoyo (January 3, 2009, 12:18 pm).
It’s going to be a great 2009, i can feel it. Wishing you lots of creative adventures and lots of laughter, love and health!
ismoyo’s last blog post..Crochet against the cold
Kim (January 3, 2009, 7:37 pm).
Wow Girl! What a year for you, thank the Lord you got through that!! Wishing you a happy, prosperous and fulfilling 2009!
Kim’s last blog post..Chewy Chocolate Raspberry and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Vegan Style)
Jenn~ (January 4, 2009, 8:59 pm).
Happy 2009.. I hope it brings you nothing but fun times!! ^_______^
MC (January 5, 2009, 9:39 am).
Riyan, thank you! We’ll see what’s in store for all of us in 2009!
Vanessa, I know what you mean. I’m looking forward to hearing all about the end of 2008 for you! It’s been a while!
Ismoyo, I have a good vibe too actually! We’ll see
Kim, as long as I have something to cook, 2009 should be a great year!
Jenn, thank you!