The end of another calendar year inevitably brings about reflection.
They say if you can look back at a year and laugh, cry, feel a range of emotions and know that you learned something, then it was not a wasted year.
I laughed:
so many times I can't keep track. I laughed until I was in tears and afraid I'd wet myself while being silly with Mare. I laughed almost to the point of hysterics when the freak windstorm blew up while I was walking with Vassy. "Where ARE we?!". And I laugh just about every day with Brad because we have the same ridiculous sense of humour.
I cried:
so many times I can't keep track. I cried happy tears when Brad proposed. I cried happy tears (with a few lonely tears mixed in) when Mare told me she was engaged. I cried sad and worried tears when my grandpa passed away. I cried frustrated tears when I was so overtired and stressed I couldn't see straight. I cried when I left Smithers both times last year because I never know when I'll see my family again. Yes, I definitely cried.
I was angry:
occasionally. I was definitely furious when I backed into the stupid car that was parked illegally directly in the way of my parking space. I'm still angry about that. I've been angry, but it doesn't last. I've learned from the situations and moved on.
I've been amused:
daily. By everyone, and just about everything. I'm amused by my close friends. I'm deeply amused by Leighton (who is the greatest 3 year old I've ever met) and Alex (who is always busy and doing something, but I guess that's what 1 year olds are all about), and Ollie (who really should get a category of his own).
I learned:
a great deal. I learned how to ride a motorcycle (in theory) and a scooter (in practice). I learned how to hula hoop, and do it well. I learned that the best way to deal with someone who is making your life miserable is to change the way you react to them. I learned that I will never fit in completely and that I'm much happier if I don't. I learned that my beliefs are not in sync with most of the people I surround myself with, but that doesn't have to matter, and some things are better left unsaid and untouched anyway. I learned that there are things to compromise on, and there are things to dig your fingernails into and hold on to tightly. And I learned that even the worst experiences and worst choices of your life happened for a reason, even if that reason is so that you won't be judgemental of a friend who is in the same place and doesn't know what to do.
So, here's to the end of another year and the things that await in 2009.
It's take two for "Jessica and Vassy see the New Kids on the Block!" In June Vassy and I were thrilled to score tickets to the show in Calgary on November 19th. The countdown began, but major upheavals and awful circumstances prevented us from going. I was disappointed, but not totally devastated as I thought I would be. I must have know deep down that another opportunity would present itself. And it has! The New Men- er, Kids - on the Block have announced an extended tour and will be performing in Saskatoon on April 11th! Not only is this much closer and more convenient for both me and Vash, but it's a Saturday, which means I don't have to use up any of my already-spoken-for holiday days! The presale began at 10 this morning and I'm thrilled to say that I grabbed our tickets before many other people simply by signing up for a radio station VIP club. Does it matter that I don't live in the city where they broadcast? Nope! Does it matter that I'm not actually able to get their signal and listen to them? Nope! Because they sent me a password for the presale, and now I have those 
FLOOR tickets secured! Oh how manipulative I am! So, is it too soon to start another countdown? 72 sleeps! Woohoo! Look out, Donnie, Joey, Jordan, Jonathan, and Danny! Vassy and Jess are coming your way!
