The Year in Review

I started 2006 with a resolution to be more fiscally responsible. I think I can congratulate myself on this one – sort of hard to say – it’s not like I have a bunch of money sitting in the bank to prove it, but I FEEL like I am more fiscally responsible and in a better place financially in general. And living in Michigan these days, that’s saying something! I was more comfortable (less stressed) in my finances, able to contribute more generously to charities and other good causes, bought a new car and don’t seem to lack for comfort in general. I will give myself some credit here by saying that I think I am a person who finds pleasure in the simple things that don’t come with a big price tag – gardening, reading, socializing with good friends, camping, hiking, etc.

Most significantly, this year I met “the man of my dreams” – not exactly true – I never dreamt of anyone this good. It reminds me of a line from a movie, where someone asks “what do you do when your life exceeds your dreams?” and the other person says (rather bitterly) “keep it to yourself.” Strangest thing – just when I was riding high on my wave of independence I crashed into love. I guess it’s true – just when you least expect it . . .

In the past year I have become very involved with my church (Unitarian Universalist) and have made great progress toward connecting with my Pagan beliefs. I feel as though I have grown significantly this year in a spiritual sense. This is an ongoing and life-long quest, but one that is definitely worth pursuing.

No significant changes in my job. It’s a good job and I should be very happy to have it. And I AM very happy to have it (that's what I meant to say!). It is not feeling as exciting and/or rewarding to me as it did at one time, hard to say if that is a change in me or a change in the job. But I am not complaining, and again, living in Michigan, I am very thankful and appreciative of having a job, much less one that adequately supports me and that I (for the most part) enjoy doing.

All in all, it was a very good year. Honestly, I have no complaints. My life is very good. I appreciate the good health, good fortune and good friends that I have. Sometimes I think I must be dreaming. I have actually considered that maybe I had a nervous breakdown years ago when things weren’t so good, and right now I am really laying in a hospital bed, a complete vegetable, and I am just imagining all this good stuff happening to me. If that is the case, PLEASE don’t wake me up!

Here’s to 2006, may the good times keep right on rollin’!