I was reflecting on my New Year’s approach over the past few years- only one in which I actually had a date since becoming a grown up. That probably explains why, for the most part, I’ve been pretty ‘meh’ about celebrating.
A few years I went by the Chinese Calendar, a couple of times I only acknowledged my birthday as the new year and one year I just picked a random date on the calendar and went with it.
This New Years like last year, I’m acknowledging it despite my lips being untouched at midnight. I’ve no plans to go out, but come midnight I’ll be smiling or cursing depending on whether or not I opt to pick up any spirits.
I’m torn about letting 2008 go. NYC and meeting Ben and Jenn was absolutely wonderful along with the birth of Isla, FINALLY kicking the smoking habit and seeing some old faces- but there were some hardships as well that I can only say have made me stronger, but I’ve no qualms letting go of those memories.
I don’t have any set plans about what I want to see manifest in the new year other than moving away from Oregon or at least Salem if leaving state proves to be too difficult (although my money issue is going to be less of a source of stress, I don’t see me rolling in the dough any time soon).
2008 has been the best year for me since… the 90’s?
I have warm thoughts about everyone who crossed my path this past year be it carrying over, reigniting or meeting for the first time. I hope the friendships remain and continue to grow.
As for romance… well I’m human, wish me the best and hope I make the right choices this time- like just being myself instead of who I think people want. It’s so easy and yet the one thing I mess up on… and the only dating single men needs to be a rule.
I’ll probably get more sappy as the hours usher me to the evening of December 31st… but for now I’m taking a break from cooking dinner and felt all warm and fuzzy with my thoughts and I wanted to share.
What do you think of as a good post-Oregon place to live?
I don’t know, I lived in so many good pre-Oregon places. And it’s not Oregon, it’s basically Salem that I hate. Most things South of Wilsonville (just slightly North of Portland… which is the Northern most city and across the river from Washington) as far as care of town/city etc. is pathetic.
That makes sense. I thought I recalled you saying elsewhere that you wanted to get out of the “northwest” in general, which is obviously a much bigger jump.
You did and I do, but I have to think realistically as well while I’m with all the uncertainty of what I want to do.