Good Riddance 2008

The day that not even a pair of brand new, Michael Kors, snakeskin sandals could cheer me up I knew I was in trouble. I think it was in August and can't even remember why, specifically, the day was so bad. Stinging criticism from my boss (excuse me, my mentor, as he likes to be called), long hours, boring assignment...doesn't matter what it was any more. New shoes are always bittersweet - that unique combination of beautiful new shiny-ness and blisters - but they usually can cheer me up. Not so this year, I suppose. So, instead of laying sleepless in my bed tonight and dwelling on why, exactly, this year has been so bad I thought it more appropriate to think over the things that I actually enjoyed this year, including some notable "firsts." Here goes, in no particular order:

Watching fireworks from my front porch! We totally lucked into that one.

My new dog Jack!

Pumpkins on my front porch.

Jamaica! This trip included two notable firsts, both of which shall remain nameless. Use your imagination.

My new favorite wine: malbec!

Old friends who stick by me and continue to send me very sweet cards and emails, despite numerous unreturned phone calls. Who even promise to run with me through the streets screaming at how unfair life can be if I ask them to.

New friends who make me laugh.

My new favorite ice cream: Marble Slab Creamery!

Horseback riding lessons - a first!

Let's face it, laughter through tears can be some of the best laughter of all, so, despite the fact that 2008 will go down in history as one of the worst ever, I wanted to share a few happy memories. Even if they are just the little ones. The dog and horseback riding lessons are both firsts for me, but they certainly won't be the last of either. So far they have been good experiences, despite Jack peeing a ring around the pool table (that's right - a dribble around the entire table). Which leads to another first for me: a new steam-cleaner! I'll have to add that to my 2009 list of "firsts." Stay tuned...