Goodbye 2008…

December 31, 2008 /

Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

OK, this year has been the worst of my life.  My mom’s illness was incredibly stressful, and had me feeling like I was running in circles, scared as hell.  Then she died, and the stress was gone, followed by a sadness and emptiness that I wasn’t prepared for, and can’t entirely shake.

Add to that Ted losing his job, which has been stressful and worrisome and scary, because you never know how long it will take to find another job.  Also, Ted’s aunt passed away in January, his brother was in an accident which required surgery in February, his other aunt needed surgery, my SIL’s father passed away in November after a long illness…on and on and on.  There are other worries and sadnesses that are not mine to tell, but which have made this year feel like one that I would not want to repeat.

And yet, it’s had its good times as well.  Ted guest hosted Forum, which was a dream come true for him.  We spent a week in Hawaii, which was a much-needed break.  Dorothy got married, which was wonderful and a very happy time.  Chrissy had her baby, and although her arrival was much earlier than hoped for, and she’s in NICU for awhile still, she’s thriving and fighting, and will be home with Chrissy and her husband soon. We’re still healthy and happy, and looking forward to 2009. Oh, yeah, Obama was elected! That’s pretty damn awesome, and I’m THRILLED to be getting rid of Bush and his evil cronies. Sadly, I’m mad at Obama already about that Warren guy. At least Clinton had the decency to wait until he was in office to break my heart. Sigh.

So, while 2008 has been a year I don’t want to repeat, it hasn’t been all bad. Still, I’m looking forward to the symbolic changing of the calendar.

40th Birthday Cake
(This is my cake from my 40th birthday party, 3 years ago, if you’re counting…)

In the meantime, today is my birthday!  We’re going to start the day in San Francisco, at the brand new California Academy of Sciences.  I have many good memories at the old Academy, from my childhood up until they tore it down a few years ago.  I’m looking forward to seeing the new, improved, amazing version, living roof and all.  That will be a lot of fun.  Then this evening, we’re having a few friends over for a birthday dinner/party, which again, fun.  I wanted to look all cute with a new haircut in time for my birthday, but the soonest I could get an appointment was Friday, so Dot and Cherry, pretend my hair is a lot cuter than it is tonight, OK? 

Happy Birthday to me, and Happy New Year to all of my bloggy friends.

21 Comments

  • ML

    December 31, 2008 at 7:21 am

    Happy Birthday to you!! I hope you have a really fun day and enjoy dinner tonight.

    I agree, 2008 sucked a giant rat’s furry *$$ and I’m glad to have it over and done with!

    Happy New year!

  • joan

    December 31, 2008 at 7:32 am

    Happy Birthday! Today is my anniversary. I think we may have discussed this last year.
    Yeah 2008 has been mixed for us with Mom’s cancer diagnosis. With all she’s going through, it’s hard to say 2009 will be a great year. Also for 2008 our investments and college funds have tanked.
    On the bright side, our children are healthy and happy. We have jobs, our house, and a lot to be thankful you.

    Again, Happy Birthday and may 2009 be a much better year for you and your family.

  • lilalia

    December 31, 2008 at 8:26 am

    Oh, how I hope that your and your family have a wonderful 2009! Happy Birthday! Happy End of 2008! I want to thank you for your wonderful blogging. It’s been really interesting to read all about your trails and tribulations, as well as the sunshine moments during the last year. All the best.

  • Cherry

    December 31, 2008 at 9:12 am

    Ohh! Well if your hair isn’t going to be all super cute…

    I’m very much looking forward to tonight as well. Mostly because I know you have had a really crappy year and selfishly, I’m excited to get to celebrate Julie Day with you this year.

    Do you have your new calendar all ready to flip?

    Have fun at the Academy! I’m super jealous as I haven’t been to the new and improved museum yet! See you tonight.

  • Autumn's Mom

    December 31, 2008 at 9:37 am

    Happy Birthday J!!! Have a wonderful time today and we can’t wait to see you tonight. You are your hair are always cute missy. I’m happy to have gotten married this year, but everything else we’ve gone thru I’d just like to forget. I have already turned my calendars and have put 2008 behind me!

    Cheers

  • Donna

    December 31, 2008 at 11:21 am

    Happy B-day! Ummm…everyone should stop counting after 40!!! hee hee – wishful thinking. Happy New Year as well. This year had it’s moments. The good was pretty darn good, but the bad…well it totally sucked. We’re all looking forward to a wonderful New Year. Have a wonderful day!!!

  • Linda Atkins

    December 31, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    Oh, thank goodness you’re mad at O. about Warren, too–it always makes me feel a little lonely if people aren’t one bit mad about it (“Are you SURE you’re not mad? Even just a little?”). I actually removed the “YES WE DID” button from my backpack, because I felt a little heartsick every time my eye fell on it. Anyway, yes, it was a lousy year, losing your mother, and I hope 2009 brings a big pile of goodies to you and Ted and Maya and all your loved ones. (I didn’t know Ted guest hosted Forum! That’s a big deal, and very cool.) Happy birthday to you! I love the California Academy of Sciences and can’t wait to visit the new incarnation of it. I look forward to your report.

  • Starshine

    December 31, 2008 at 6:53 pm

    Happy Birthday, J! Somehow it escaped me that you are a new year’s eve baby!!!

    I hope that 2009 is a much better year for you. You have hung in there like a champ, and I hope this new year will be a season of joy.

    I’m so thankful for your friendship.

    Happy Birthday and Happy New Year, my friend!!!

    xoxo

  • Karen MEG

    January 1, 2009 at 9:08 am

    You’re a New Year’s eve baby!!! Happy belated 37th (I started counting backwards at 40. SOunds like an awesome way to celebrate too.

    I’m sorry that 2008 was such a tough year for you…unfortunately for us, ours ended on a low note with some rotten news about my Dad. But I’m really trying to stay hopeful going forward.

    I wish you all the best for 2009, Julie, and a wonderful year for Maya and Ted as well.

  • patois

    January 1, 2009 at 9:08 pm

    Happy birthday. And, no, I’m not counting. (Especially since I’m older.) I’m so sorry for your losses, and I’m so glad you can see your gains. Thanks, too, for a great idea for what to do tomorrow with the kids: the new Academy of Sciences. Here’s hoping it’s not too darn crowded. I loved the old one. Loved the interim one, even. Can’t wait to see the new one.