Welcome to 2010, good-bye 2009! (the "taking stock" thread).

[side_show]

Welcome to 2010.

Remember when that date seemed like a wacky far-off future in your mind? I sure do.

This year I hope to say hello to a new job that is long-term and will allow me better stability and future outlook.  This is not a resolution, but rather a wish.  I likely have something lined up for this, but I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch.  It's in the hands of others, who hopefully will get me where I need to go.

In 2009 I said good-bye to a draining job as well as saying good-bye to two HIV clients I knew from the draining job.  Both died at as senior citizens, which says a lot about how far HIV treatment has come.  One client's death was sad, the other client's passing brought peace to many.  I had some extremely intense life experiences from that job, and I'm still not sure if the pain was worth the gain.  I've seen some things I'd have rather not seen, but also some really great stuff too...

In 2009 I said hello to our dog (adopted in Spring), our Ford Escape Hybrid, a back injury and the subsequent physiotherapy that moved me toward building a much stronger back, and a new mattress that was delivered yesterday.  I also said hello to working two part-time jobs, neither of which I'm particularly happy with, but  you know - work is work. 

[jay-ell]

Personally, I'd just like to say:

Good riddance, 2009. You were the shittiest year ever, and I'm glad you're over. I hope that if I ever see another year so filled with tragedy and heartbreak I will be facing it as a very old woman, because I cannot handle another year like this for a good long time.

It's fitting that I'm starting 2010 at the end of a fabulous week of fun with my brother's family and my parents with good hard rain. Wash away the old, bring in the new.

[smick]

Good riddance, 2009. You were the shittiest year ever, and I'm glad you're over.

Man, everyone is saying that.  I'm saying that. 

Why was this such a sucky year for everyone?   (I count myself among those people this was an awful year for.)

[Drygioni]

Goodbye 2009. You were a top notch year.

Sincerely hoping anyone who had a bad one is rewarded with a good 2010.

[miles]

2009, so long. I don't really have any personal problems with you.

In February, you let me keep my job. In July, you got me a tiny pay bump, and in October, a promotion and a bigger, yet still modest, pay bump.

You introduced me to the wonders of Buffyverse and Prime Suspect.

Also, very late, to The Big Sleep and Sunset Boulevard. And, released this year, Drag me to Hell! Here's to hoping Crazy Heart gets to Salt Lake soon.

To the album and artist Fever Ray, a new entry into my favorite albums of all time, and the best live performance since I saw Tom Waits last year. Came up with a new Built to Spill album, decent, with a handful of kickass tracks, and a great show in September. Treated me to a great Robyn Hitchcock performance at Golden Gate Park. To a weird but rad Butthole Surfers show. And to the most ass-kicking show in years, if not my life, THE JESUS LIZARD. Also, treated me to an E and alcohol fueled enjoyment of an Animal Collective show in Vegas, which resulted in me punching someone in the face for the first time in my life. We're friends, he provoked me, and it's cool now. And to a number of new songs and albums I'll enjoy for years.

Gave me a great season for Oregon football! Hope it ends well today.

Also, lots of time with new friends and old, and many loved ones. I'm usually not so positive, so it must be my hangover cure talking.

2010, I expect more. I'm not happy with my job, so you'll need to find me a more enjoyable and higher paying one. And how about a large lump sum of cash? Maybe a relationship with a lady that doesn't crash and burn, or at least some more tail? Healthier eating and more exercise for some weight loss? Less time wasting and some education? Education.

Oh yeah, and less people killing other people, some solutions to poverty and climate change, a more stable national and global economy, and less douche bags over all. Come on 2010, don't fuck around. Get going.

I'll be kicking off the new year by enjoying, or not enjoying, the Rose Bowl today. Go Ducks. Then some dinner and drinks with friends, and a relaxing weekend. The last  couple weeks at work sucked ass.

Cheers! And a wonderful new year to all of you wonderful figments of Wombat's imagination. Except for Paul, because I know he exists. To Paul, I wish you an even more radical new year with fire breathing art cars, excellent photography, and a glut of mustache rides.

[AugustWest]

2009 was a very good year for me.  Here's hoping 2010 is just as good.

[wombat]

Cheers! And a wonderful new year to all of you wonderful figments of Wombat's imagination. Except for Paul, because I know he exists.

Yeah, I think I am pretty good at that sort of thing, but I don't think I could make up a character like Paul.

2009 could have been worse under the circumstances. It would be nice if 2010 would continue the slight upward trend.

[miles]

Yeah, I think I am pretty good at that sort of thing, but I don't think I could make up a character like Paul.

No one could, except Paul. But also he's the only TOUAMBer with whom I've enjoyed a piece of pie.

How the hell did I get scrapes and cuts on my knuckles and right arm?

[jaydub]

The rhino is looking satisfied this morning, but hopes you'll buy her dinner first next time.

[Drygioni]

The rhino is looking satisfied this morning, but hopes you'll buy her dinner first next time.

Beautifully done chap.

[pmcd9]

You can put me in the good riddance to 2009 camp.  It had some soaring highs, but way too many extremely deep valleys.

[Carlos del Vaca]

This was a fairly even-keel year.  The kids got older (and actually acquired a half-ounce of sense), the job continued to be the job--not great, but it pays the bills and provides health insurance--and the missus continues to be my best friend and partner.  I am content.  Hope everyone has a good 2010.

One of my New Years resolutions is 100% turnover of the fridge and freezers.  Every single thing in our chill chests must be consumed or thrown out by December 31.  I made a list--104 items in question.  I have a lot of Asian sauces to use up, and a trailer load of Freez Pops.

[wombat]

Sometime last year I made a resolution to write a date on every one of those little jars of Asian condiments when I open it, so I would know how old it was. Somehow this resolution fell by the wayside. I should make it again, especially after I just found a package of yeast that expired in October 2008. Time really flies in the refrigerator, somehow.

[Toaster]

2009 was the year that gave me Prozac, and for that, I regard it fondly.

[bluemoon72]

2009:  Pretty good, overall.  Made new friendships and strengthened existing ones; began a new hobby business running dream teams to help people figure out their own dreams and start to reach toward them; with greenkoolayd's help I realized I deserve much more out of my marriage and my life; and throughout November and December--announced for the very first time, right here--fell in love with a wonderful man, Steve, a person I can imagine spending the rest of my life with.  He embodies the traits I have desired for so long but pushed away, my dreams for my life made tangible.  I thank GKA (Tony) with all my heart for opening my eyes, my heart and my soul to the possibility of a better life and meaningful love. 

I hope 2010 is a year of happiness, peace, and success for all my friends here.