Wow. The posts today are so touching and moving. I agree whole heartedly about BK and this site.
One of my big high points this year was getting to meet some of the wondeful people who post here, both in New York and Portland. Meeting Jane, Keith, JMK, Betsy, and George in Portland let me know that my intuition was right and that the people here are truly good and creative people. It also sealed my decision to go to New York in October. That trip was fantastic and because of this site, we were all instant family. Let's see if I can name everyone, Danise, Ginny, Jane, Ben, Larry, Jose, Michael, Deb and the Vixter, Woody and Der Brucer, Fred and Skip, Jason, Tom and Antonia, William Orr...if I missed anyone, I'm sorry. It really meant a lot to me to meet you all in person. I am very much looking forward to any 2006 HHW gatherings I can attend.
Another highlight was renewing my friendship with Rupert. It had been 28 years since we last saw each other and over 10 since we had any correspondence. He was a friend to me back then and has become an even better friend now. He was also the person who told me about Bruce and that led me to this site and all of you, so thanks Rupe.
On the lowlight side, my brother's house fire that led to a lot of tension and problems until they were able to rebuild. It was the toughest for them, but the waves went through the family, so it's nice that's over.
Lowlight - last Dec-Jan when Callie was believed to be on her last leg by the vets treating her.
Highlight - she fully recovered and now with her brother has gotten so spoiled that if I leave for any length of time, they decorate the living room with socks. ok, so now I leave them where they can find them, but it really is too funny to come home and see the socks...I just went to breakfast this morning and came home to 10 socks strewn throughout the livingroom.
Highlight - Realizing that I am happy living in Sioux City and finding my dream home....getting it and moving in etc will have to be on next years list.
Lowlight - having to tell my neighbor I'm moving. It took me 2 1/2 weeks to get up the nerve to tell her and I'm only moving a mile away!
I really didn't have too many low lights - there are people who died and problems that came up at home and at work, but without these things happening, I don't think I'd appreciate the happy times and the good people who are still very much alive and in my life.
For me, 2005 was a lot about finding more balance in my life, putting music and creativity back into my life, getting back in touch with old friends, and making new friends. Overall, 2005 was good for me and I'm hoping for an even better 2006.