Well, well, well. It's 2008. I hope everyone had a good time last night whether it was staying at home or going out with the crowds.
Me? Um, well. I fell asleep early. I had planned to at least watch the ball drop on television, but missed it all. I had to work yesterday and had been up since before 5 AM. I thought I was merely taking a nap around 9 PM, setting my alarm to get me up at 10 PM. Uh-oh. I awoke at about 4:30 in the morning. That's just the way it goes sometimes.
Thinking back over the past year I've certainly had some successes, lots of so-so stuff, one major personal blow.
In the success arena:
- This blog has to be at the top of the list. A community has developed here and it opened the doors to a paying writing gig -- something I've wanted for years although my original intention was more along the lines of the Great American Novel. I thank everyone who's been reading regularly and even more of a nod to those who have made it a community.
- Of course, the paying writing gig for TV Squad is a huge success for me in 2007. No, I can't live on the pay I receive, but it sure helps out a lot and getting paid to write is a very personally fulfilling kind of thing. It's something I dreamed of when I received my first typewriter as a Christmas gift at the age of nine.
- My 401K at my day job did very well this year. I can actually see some sort of life after retirement (which, alas, is several years away) between that, my company retirement benefits, and Social Security. It no longer looks like I'll have to go live in a van down by the river.
- I bought a new computer which I will be able to claim on my taxes due to the writing income.
- I bought seasons 1-4 of The Wire and will watch them over and over again. Storytelling done right in the TV medium. Unfortunately, I can't claim the DVDs on my taxes.
- September marked 30 years since I started with my day job employer (which will remain nameless in this blog). I left them for about five years in the 80s, so I don't have 30 straight years with them. It feels like I have 50, though. 1977. I was surely a child.
- I got addicted to Trader Joe's Espresso Coffee Soda only to see it discontinued. I guess I didn't need the calories, but I definitely love that stuff.
- Despite the reputation of the NJ town in which I live, people say hello on the sidewalk, I see diversity everywhere I go, and I have made friends in town as well as new train friends I enjoy this past year.
- The absolute worst thing is the loss of my cat Teaser. I miss him every day. I found out that my brother (the one who left a comment here) lost his cat of about the same age three weeks prior to the death of Teaser.
- My left knee is crumbling more all the time. I fear I'll have to have the knee replacement before long. I'm not all that worried about the operation itself, nor the recovery. I just don't want to be in a hospital or rehab place for more than a few days.
- I fear my day job is successfully sucking just a bit more of my soul out of me day by day.
- I want to keep this blog going at the levels previous to this past month. December was a rather boring TV month, plus I was busy at work, and dealing with the loss of my cat companion of fifteen years.
- I want to continue writing for TV Squad. My contract renews in July (at least it should). I already know I'll be covering BB9 live feeds and the upcoming Survivor season for them.
- I have to get my knee fixed. (Waaah.)
- Knee fixed, more photo stomping. Yay!
- I want to take up real painting. I've been having urges to paint (art stuff, not walls or houses) for a few months now. I used to draw and sketch a lot when I was younger but I never got into painting. I plan to buy an easel, some paints, and some brushes (and other stuff I might need), and see what comes of it. I have to decide between oils, acrylics, or watercolors. But I will do it. Also, it's something I could do in knee replacement recovery time.
(Graphic by rockin' Zoetawny)
15 comments:
First of all, a grateful nod to Zoetawny for her wonderful holiday graphics. The warm Christmas fireplace and now the look of a party for New Years! Very creative! Thanks, Zoetawny.
For Jackie, I've had a few of "those" naps myself this past year.
Congrats on the successes in your life this past year and the new friends you've made.
Only time will somewhat help with the loss of your friend, Teaser, but all those happy memories of the zany, delightful, soothing and comforting moments in time with him will always be in your heart to help you.
Best wishes for your seemingly inevitable, impending knee surgery.
Very much looking forward to more of your photos. I love them all, but particularly the ones of Roofus (and, hopefully, his new friend). Also hope that we may someday see (on your other blog, maybe) future photos of some of your paintings. You may have another career looming. Who knows?
If not your art, then perhaps even more writing opportunities will open up to you.
Counting your blessings is a good thing to do and you've done it well here.
I'm very happy to hear that you will be continuing this blog. It's a sometimes delightful, sometimes sad, sometimes comforting and familiar, sometimes insightful and a roll-your eyes kind of place to stop by almost everyday. Like many others here, I just want you to know, I appreciate your providing this place for all of us. I believe I've made a few "friends" here myself, so here's to us; Jackie's Cyber-Friends, Long may we have this blogging space!
Kind of corny, I know. I never was too hot with a toast, but you get the gist.
I know I'm supposed to talk about my year here, but maybe later.
Thanks so much, Jackie.
((((Jackie))))
Now why do I feel all warm and fuzzy after reading your post?
We all have had our shares of "ups and downs" this past year and it always feels good to share them with good friends. My Dad always says, "Any day you can put both feet on the floor in the morning is a good day."
You've become a very special part of my life, including your sorrows and successes. I come here reading your words to learn, laugh and sometimes to cry.
We, your loyal fans, will be here for both the good and bad in '08.
Hopefully, the good will outweigh the bad and we'll get by, "with a little help from our friends".
joy n...
Love reading your comments as usual.
Have a prosperous and happy 2008 all!
Jackie and Cyber Friends,
Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, and enjoyed their new year celebration, whether rowdy, crazy or quiet!
I had a quiet (by choice) evening, and then drove a few blocks just before midnight to sit in my car and watch the fireworks from the Las Vegas Strip! Last year I did the same, but was extemely melancholy following the loss of my Dad. This year I must say the extravaganza brought a smile, so that is progress!
One of my greatest successes this year was starting a new job that I really enjoy! It may kill me as I am working 24 / 7, but still having fun and feeling rewarded by the fact that I know I am making a difference in this company, and that is a good thing!
I also turned 50 this year, and did not flip out, freak out, or have much of a reaction at all. Maybe due to the job being so all-consuming, but, I must say, I handled it gracefully! IMHO
And I have continued to find this blog a place of comfort, as it has been for years. My commenting goes in and out, but I read daily, and enjoy it immensely. Thank you, Jackie! I found you when you were recuperating from the last go round with your knees, and will be here to support you again.
My greatest heartache for 2007 was the loss of my two fur kids, AJ and Jazz. They had been with me through thick and thin, moved with me from state to state, and loved me unconditionally for 12 years. My Jazzman went to kitty heaven in March, and AJ followed April 12. I believe AJ may have died from a broken heart. I certainly felt the same.
I am focused to find better balance between work and play in 2008... I would like to plan an exotic vacation to a place I have never been... I need (must) get back to my exercise and health regimen, as I have completely fallen off track... And I may get another cat or two. I am considering it daily, so this may be the time!
Please keep the shots of Roofus coming, as I have adopted him from afar, and I hope all your hopes and dreams are realized in the coming year!
Happy New Year, Jackie and all.
It has been an interesting 2007, and am looking forward to the new year.
I, too, turned 50 last year. No fanfare, just greatful to have reached that milestone in good health and spirits.
I hope dla and you too Jackie, think about adopting a feline or two, again. I lost my feline companion after 15 years, and was heartbroken. A quiet house without fur and the pitter patter of furry feet wasn't for me. I adopted my boy, Max, and then opened my house to a stray who lived under my shed. The fur is flying again, and I am much happier. Especially on cold days like today when my little furry heaters help to keep me warm - and my blood pressure down! I have to run the vacumn cleaner more often. :)
Looking forward to the start of BB9 and my reading the comments of cyber friends.
jl
Oh Jackie, Zoetawny, joy, dla, the hope of 2008 is all renewed inside of me as I read your post Jackie, and comments of the loyal gang on your blog. People who sniff-sniff or pooh-pooh cyber relationships make me want to gag...this is a real relationship we all have going here...I feel totally loyal and involved in your life Jackie, and have felt the love and support of people (sadly) I made never meet face to face, but who have shared the laughter of BB, the grime of survivor and the fast pace of TAR with me....
thanks to all of you..you certainly top my list of goodies for the year.
My sadness was losing Mom in such a shocking quick way...the blessing was having her here in the house with me for 4 1/2 years.
And the new life that is stretching ahead of me with this new found freedom...I am taking baby steps...but Im getting there. Its hard to turn off that "Mom needs" alarm clock inside my brain.
The loss of a pet is something only those of us who have loved and lost a pet can relate to, and that is something they dont make seminars or cards to help along.
I subscribed to a daily email on grief, and its helped me in ways people havent been able to...with Mom and with other areas of loss in my life.
So I lift my glass to you all ladies and say "God Bless our New year...and may we have even more riches thru space here...with Jackies writing and the comaraderie of the (TV) Show Must go on....."
Such a comfort and warm fuzzy feeling to log in here and see all of the familiar names and catch up on what's going on in each ones lives.There are days when I feel lower than a snake's belly and I can come in here and almost always get a chuckle or two from somebody.I,too,agree with Terry,these are real friendships,and for my part,much valued.So for that,I thank all of you and say I am so looking forward to 2008 with all of you.
I had some good things happen and some not so good this past year. My only resolution is to try and make it a better year than last. Sometimes fate takes over and it doesn't always go that way,but sure gonna try. I have my Dad back in my life after 35 years and am so enjoying him. I feel so bad for all of you who lost dear ones this past year.That includes all those furry babies that mean so much. My computer buddy,Sadie, is sitting here on the computer beside me as I write,meowing at me every once in a while for a head scratch.I know how all of you miss your companions,but I also urge you to adopt some new ones,they will worm their way into your hearts in no time. What is better than a fuzzy,warm little kitten?
Well,I turned 6-0 last year and I could not be happier. If you all remember,I am a liver transplantee and so that means 11 years and counting of new life for me. I bless every birthday I have and try to celebrate each day.God Bless you all and thanks for all you bring to my life!
Hello all! I haven't commented in a while, but I have been lurking!
Congrats on all the good stuff everybody! My big thing in the last year? We finally got moved into our house on the farm. We just made it in on Christmas Eve so we'll be starting our new life with the new year.
I really miss everybody, but I haven't had internet at home in a few months so I read from work. It's slow today so I decided to pop in to say howdy!
Happy new year everyone!
Reading all the post,especially Jackie's helped me to realize that 2007 was not a bad year for me.
The good parts were there were no hurricanes in my area this year. The Read Sox won the world series.
I didn't lose anybody I loved. I finally was able to finish settling my Dad's estate.
The bad parts were my elderly mother with Alzheimer's was a victim of Identify theft. While I am still working on that it is mostly taken care of.
I was diagnosed with herniated disc in my neck but after several months of PT I have that under control.
The so-so part is that we had my husband's cousin stay with us for 2weeks. She has some psychological problems in my opinion (my husbad agrees with me on that!) it was a trying time for me.
I hope 2008 brings peace,health, happiness, prosperity to each of you.
Hi to all. Not much notable happened good or bad (which is good)in my family in 2007. My husband and I visited our daughter and grandchildren in IN and our son in NY in June 2007. I was sorry to miss the first Jackie's blog peep meet in NY in July, but it could not be helped. 2008 will find me turning 65 and all the medical insurance folks have been sending me snail mail for months now trying to sell me a Medicare supplement policy. I'm looking forward to the Amazing Race finale and to a new BB starting soon. Peace and Love(I'm a child of the 50's and 60's and can say that with meaning)!!
What can I say???? You all have said it so well!!
Jackie--thanks for providing so much entertainment for me with your site this year. Checking in each day is a hi-light for a sometimes bad day. If knee replacement is inevitable maybe it could co-incide with BB?? If you have to be down at least you could still blog.
Orkmommy-- SO GOOD TO SEE YOUR NAME!!! I figured you were lurking, just too busy to post. My guess is we will be hearing more from you when BB starts.
My condolences to all of you who have experienced a loss this year(including the four-legged kind). It is never easy but hopefully the grief will be lessened in 2008.
I agree about relationships on this site. I feel I have made many new friends with common interests and good "listening ears". Becoming a "regular" commenter on this site is one of the best things about 2007 for me.
I'm with you dla--it's time to get back into a healthier lifestyle. I have put "me" on the back burner for too long. It's time to move up on my priority list. I have been lucky so far that my health hasn't suffered but having just turned 55 has time working against me.
2008 is going to be a traveling year of me. I'm going on a Mexican cruise in Feb. and taking the grandkids to Disneyland in June.
Tomorrow my life goes back to normal....the grandkids go back to school, my husband back to work, and by the end of today all the Christmas decos. will be put away...YEAH!!!
The anon. post @ 2:21p.m. is me....I don't know what happened!!!
Nana in the NW
It's so great to stop in daily to see what's up, even tho I may not post everyday. I, too, feel like I have made a good friend out of each of you and send warm fuzzies to all for this New Year.
I've had my ups and downs this year, losing my best friend who lived with us for the last 40 years. Also losing two of my beloved dogs within two months of each other...Moses and Jetta, both 18 years old. Buddy (my third dog) has started going into the bedroom and getting on the bed when I leave the house and won't come out until I come home. It was sort of sad in the beginning cause I know he was missing my friend, as well as the other two dogs he was used to having around. Now, however, I think he has made it a game.
Jackie, I remember you were out with your knee during one of the first BB's. I'm pulling for you that you won't have to have the surgery and that you have a miracle healing.
I'm looking forward to sharing with everyone for another year. Thanks for the opportunity to do so Jackie.
Wow, a real lunch in the middle of the day reading the nicest posts on the net! There really is a first time for everything.
Jackie, I know I sound like a broken record but once again I have to say thank you. Thank you for your watching, and reporting and just thinking and sharing in general!
Before I opened this site I was reading the saddest story about the NJ corrections officer who committed suicide, and found myself reading the first page of reader comments. Once again I am reminded of the class-act this blog-family is - so much venom out there but real warmth and respect reigns on this site.
Thank you Jackie for setting the tone and thanks to the rest of you for following her lead.
2007 was pretty non-eventful for me as years go, and that in itself is a wonderful thing, but I'm always happy to start a New Year regardless.
I usually don't make resolutions but this year I decided I need to make a true effort to not allow my job to kill me - it's already got me looking my age.
Jackie, the best part of grief is there are no rules - whatever works for you is the way to go. Buy those painting supplies and perhaps a beautiful tribute to Teaser will flow from the bristles.
Happy New Year all - be good to yourselves.
Anne (can't wait for Big Brother!!!)
P.S. Jackie, left the job (that's trying to kill me) to work in the quiet confines of my living room and felt compelled to offer you a challenge in the form of a teeny-tiny donation....hoping it's enough to cover the cost of your first paint brush!!
Anne
Thank you, Anne! I'll definitely put it to good use!
Post a Comment