Year in Review

As I get ready for what can be called nothing other than my "sausage party," I must take a moment to look back at 2004. I've always meant to journal about the year in review in past years, but I never got around to doing it. But, thanks to the blog, I've got a reason and a space to do such. A lot has happened this year. I don't trust myself to remember things if I look at it on a month by month basis, so I'll make a list. I'll shoot for 100 and see where I end up. Last time I had my students journal about 50 goals (which I later shortened to 30), they found the task nearly impossible to do. How is that? I have a million things I want to do. But, let me get back to reflecting on what's already been done. All the things I still want to do will have to wait for another time.

1. Bought a house--prolly the most important thing I did this year.
2. Taught two fine semesters of composition. It's only getting easier.
3. Took a Donna class. Will never do again. Stressed the hell out of me.
4. Decided on a thesis topic. Hopefully my list of accomplishments for 2005 will include finishing said thesis paper.
5. Decided to get married on a cruise. Then not. Then on a cruise again. I've finally settled for not. And this will not change. So if you know any got spots in town that do not involve church, hook me up.
6. Dry walled--a new experience for me. Like everything else, I rock.
7. Went to Boston. Oops, that was December of last year. Oh well, I just want to pretend that I actually went somewhere this year.
8. Had my top removed at a strip club by a stripper.
9. Had a stripper tell me she'd think about me while pleasuring herself.
10. Applied at a prestegious publishing company in town. Got through the second round of interviews before getting denied.
11. Started a blog. It's been real.
12. Made some very interesting friends.
13. Realized how crazy my current friends are.
14. got a tattoo. in latin.
15. Started writing again. Considering it as a viable career option. Though I still don't like other people to read my stuff. Might hinder the whole career thing.
16. Met a NFL football player (center for Titans, son of old neighbor). I can proudly say "I met that guy" when they talk about how the center false started.
17. Wait, I did go on a trip. To Illinois. To look at grad schools with a friend.
18. Had my 3rd grandparent in 3 years pass away.
19. Really finally let myself grieve about that. I have some repression issues.
20. Made a phallically shaped birthday cake for smith.
21. Decided this list would be closer to 30.
22. Bought a treadmill which I fully intend to use.
23. Was in my brother's wedding.
24. Saw the boy's brother get married.
25. Read some passages at said boy's brother's wedding. In front of people. Well, I'm impressed.
26. Yelled at guy for hitting on the bachelorette at sister-in-law's bachelorette party
27. Went to Grand Marais (spelling??) saw the north shore for the first time in years
28. Cleaned out grandparents' house. Found out interesting stuff about relatives.

Well, the list ended up being short and I can guess why. Looking back at the last year I can sum it up in this (in order):
new house, grandpa's death, weddings, school (teaching and taking). Now wasn't that much simpler? But really, I've done a lot this year. I've noticed changes in myself and am pleased with everything that's happened. Even the hard stuff. It's made me a better person. Really.

Now that I've gotten this over with, I'm thoroughly ready to enjoy the night with the boy's homemade soup and lots and lots of alcohol. Maybe I won't notice that I'm surrounded by boys. But the smell might tip me off.