To borrow a phrase from the Queen* (who better?), 2006 was my annus horribilis**, and I am not one whit sorry to be shut of it. But amidst the heartbreak, frustration, boredom, and back-to-back power ballads, there were a few good things. Now it is 2007, and this is going to be a better year, dammit.*** So in the spirit of accentuating the positive, here is a run-down of the things in 2006 that did not suck:
1) My friends are fantastic, as always. Although why they do not clump together for easier photographing, I cannot say. Most inconsiderate. All the pictures I found from this year of more than two people included either ex-girlfriends or bathing suits, both of which would get me in dutch. Special bonus prize: having one of my oldest friends in the infertility foxhole with me, keeping me sane. Last one out's got rotten eggs!
2) My husband is fantastic, as always. The man is smart, cute, funny, and he scrubs a mean toilet. Oh, and he is endlessly paitient. What more could I ask for? Well, I do wish I saw him awake a little more often. But that day will come. July 2008, I'm told.
3)A bumper crop of babies. We made a lot of visits to New York's maternity wards this year, and yeah, that was wrenching. But even Alex and I aren't so completely embittered by our bad luck not to realize that a bunch of adorable, healthy infants falls firmly in the "good thing" category. What I do regret is not being around much for them and their parents in the early months, although I'm grateful that everyone seems to understand. I promise I'll be a better Auntie/parent pal eventually.
4) A better apartment, in a better neighborhood. This one started off as one of the ways that 2006 sucked--on Memorial Day, we learned that we were going to have to find a new apartment, after just one year in Clinton Hill. There was much rage, and much cursing of our monied, artistic, our-life-is-perfect-so-we're-going-to-crap-on-yours landlords. Moving cost us a lot of money and a lot of stress, but in the end we're better off: more sun, more privacy, great neighbors, better train access and a more professional landlord, neener-neener-neener. Overall, Crown Heights just kicks the snot out of Clinton Hill. Represent!
But no, I haven't made the Amy Butler curtains for the front room yet.
5)I learned how to swim. After all those early mornings shivering miserably in the O Club pool, taking lessons that never stuck, I now have a passable crawl. Yay, goggles! Being able to see in the water: what a concept. It's fun, it's good exercise, and apparently this means my parents can finally stop worrying that I'm going to die in a boating accident.
6)The hands-down highlight of the year--Kittens! What can I say? I love them. They make me so happy. Even when they smell like poop. Or are actually covered in poop. And I thought I wasn't a pet person!
and of course,
7) Many hours spent knitting in good company. Copious thanks to all of you who helped to distract, amuse, and inspire me--Charlyne, Alicia, Megan, Wendy, Jody, Emily, Valerie, Abigail, Sol, Doug, Liz, Laurel, Marie, and all the Spiders. Merci!
* Saw Stephen Frear's The Queen on the plane coming back from SF this week. What a weird flick.
** Even worse than 1984, aka Most Miserable 7th Grade Experience Ever? After much consideration, I must say yes, even worse. When I was 12, I was only dimly aware that things didn't have to be so hideous. Now I'm old enough to know full well when I'm holding the shit end of the stick, and I can't say it's an improvement.
***Although maybe I shouldn't proclaim that too emphatically, after having posited 2006 as "The Year of Happiness."
