Closing Out 2005

It's that time again -- time for looking back and reflecting on the year that was . . .

WHAT WAS GOOD:

1. My best friend took a stand and said "No more!"
2. Brandan, perhaps the sweetest baby ever, was born.
3. Maya made Nate a big brother.
4. Business picked up for Dr. J. He's making it happen.
5. I am in the best physical shape of my life.
6. Having a wonderful time in New York with Joey and Arlene.
7. Bonus checks! (And finding out about them when I'm in the shower!)
8. Fat-free Reddi-Whip. Who knew?!
9. "So Jewtastic" - thank you VH1 for the funniest hour of television!
10. No longer using credit cards to pay for ANYTHING -- yeah for us!!!
11. Rediscovering how much I love Dr. J ;o)


WHAT WAS BAD:

1. The search for new car insurance. Oi Vey.
2. Learning that Bill & Sue still owned a carousel horse.
3. Chase credit card services -- run by inept people, from top to bottom.
4. Light sensitivity - what a doozy it was to figure out the source!
5. Being stood-up by my father-in-law. Again.
6. Watching too many people get fatter than they already were.
7. Finally confessing to my husband . . . that I don't like his pancakes.
8. Feeling helpless when people who live far away are hurting.
9. Illegal aliens and the border issue remain major problems.
10. Still having to do way too much parenting of my parents.
11. Dave Chappelle's "spiritual journey" to Africa. What a disappointment.

WHAT I LEARNED:

1. Not everything is meant to last.
2. How well a smooth-bodied shiraz pairs with a digital camera.
3. Letting things fade away can be preferable to a confrontation.
4. Grown-ups purchase life insurance. Wow.
5. I am a whiz at organizing my best friend's pantry.
6. Some people are just pathetic.
7. I am blessed to have 2 co-workers that are among my closest friends.
8. In an emergency, I can sew my husband's pants. Not pretty, but can be done.
9. Stuffing things down will guarantee a clog or a mess. Or both.
10. I am really good at financial planning.
11. Dr. J and I are on track for our "Best Year Ever," hee-hee!