jaunthie | Goodbye 2006, hello 2007

Happy New Year to all. 2006 is over and done, which is just fine with me.

It was a tough year in many ways. Looking back I can't say I feel like I accomplished much of importance during 2006, either; lots of time spent at work (which means very little in the grand scheme of things), some time spent with family and friends (which is very important) but not as much as I would have liked, some stories written (but not as many as I've had thoughts for, and not as much as I really needed to), and, of course, the Worst Birthday of My Life So Far (and I've had multiple doozy bad birthdays).

2006 wasn't all bad, of course. There were bright spots (first experiences snowshoeing; building, planting, and growing insanely successful herb beds; solid photo shows; the group book) and reasons for hope (midterm elections, multiple signs that the majority of Americans might finally be waking up and smelling the corruption, the global warming, and a general sense of responsibility).

And then there were the bad spots (garden vandalized, BBW's stroke, Grandma H's dying) and the uncomfortable spots (having my wisdom teeth out,

fisherbear throwing his back out), which 2006 seemed to have in greater profusion than has been usual in my admittedly fortunate life to date.

But looking back, I can't say that I feel I made much progress in 2006, in terms of the really important things in life (whatever they might be). Here's to a happier, healthier, more fruitful, prosperous, and successful 2007 for all of us, in all the senses of those words that mean the most to us. May we all look back on 2007 with satisfaction at a year well lived.