The year in (p)review

I don't usually do these kinds of things, but I felt compelled to do a year-in-review sort of update. 2010 was a wonky, roller-coaster kind of year. Of course, they're all like that, in their own way, with highs and lows, gains and losses, but I had a lot of things to be thankful for this past year, so I wanted to make a point of recognizing the important stuff. I'll spare you the old cliched standby year-end list, however:

I'm incredibly grateful for my wonderful, loving family, in general. Nothing much can be said, because it would never be enough to adequately express my feelings. The first and most important thing I hope for in the coming year is the good health and well-being of those closest to me. I want to give a big virtual hug to my little group of supportive friends, both old and new - even the ones I haven't technically met are all very special to me. In 2010 I endeavored to begin challenging myself to actually write down the stories that I've always had buzzing around in my head, and although I didn't accomplish all of my goals over the coarse of the year, I did at least set - and meet - some of them. I must say, I got so much positive feedback and encouragement on what little I did write, it did nothing but buoy me up in those times of extreme self-doubt and malaise. I'm grateful for the affection & companionship offered  by my pets. I still miss my Skyler, and I feel like the house is missing something with no dog here. But she gave us 11 years full of devotion and love, and cannot ever be replaced, or forgotten.

Something I lose sight of a lot is the fact that I have a job that is sometimes interesting, sometimes challenging, but always has something to teach me. And beyond that, I have a boss who is at least on the surface somewhat supportive of my attempts at being ambitious and seems to want me to succeed. I know I complain a lot, and she says some...unfortunate things, from time to time, but all in all, I think that I do have an ally in my direct supervisor (she apparently gets my "umbrella" management metaphor, which is the diametrical opposite of *her* supervisor's leadership philosophy...). If I'm able to read the political landscape, and if I parlay my own skills to my advantage, the next couple of years may see some opportunities. It boils down to: if they're willing to make the investment, I'm more than willing to make the effort.

I have quite a lot to look forward to in the year to come. Rising to challenges and overcoming obstacles and surpassing even my own expectations. Personal victories. More opportunities to flex my writing muscle. A NEW SEASON OF DOCTOR WHO. Continued adventurous adventurousness with my best friend. Making irreplaceable memories with my husband and my son. Seeing my little sister turn eighteen (oh dear...). Cocktails on my lovely new poolside deck. And potential travel plans absolutely abound: Pennsylvania in January...Washington, D.C. in the spring...Lexington, Kentucky in August for work-related professional development...and maybe another Pennsylvania trip in the fall.

So, what it all boils down to is, it's been a good year. It certainly could have been worse. I witnessed that first-hand more than once. And 2011 will bring, I'm sure, its own unique problems and rewards, and its own joys and sorrows. But with hard work, and sacrifice, and no shortage of a certain type of good-fortune, the coming year will be one for the ages.