The prevalence of so much death in such a short period of time, in addition to 3 people I care deeply about having been diagnosed with cancer this year, has made me keenly aware of my own mortality. More than that - it has made me aware of the mortality of those I love. If I were to die tonight, I would be content that I have lived a pretty good life. Sure I haven't accomplished everything I'd like to, but realistically, there will always be something I missed out on, so why dwell on it? Plus, if I die, I won't have to worry about it any more; I'll be dead. The people I love, though, are unfathomably precious, and the time that I have to spend with them is limited. I'd like to think that I have decades left with all of them, but the truth is that anything could happen at any time. Every moment I spend with someone I love should be cherished.
2011 certainly didn't start out as a year defined by death. Many wonderful things happened. Some not-so-wonderful things also happened. Mostly, a lot of seemingly meaningless and trivial things happened.
This past year, I turned 30. For some, this milestone is tantamount to a death sentence. Not for me. I love birthdays. It's the one day a year when I get to be totally, completely narcissistic. I get to have a party, invite all my friends, and spend time with the people I love while they're focused on me, and I get to do it guilt free. Milestone birthdays are even better, if you can believe it. It's not just a party, it's a huge party! In an actual venue! With fancy cake! And the DJs from the Emerald City Soul Club! I got my hair done and spent an absurd amount of money on a sexy outfit because you only turn 30 once, and by gum, I did it with style (and a lot of help from my wonderful bff).
I got into a car accident (not my fault) that totaled my car and gave me some pretty serious neck issues. The plus side of this was that I was able to use some of the money that I got from the accident to pay for my cat to get a health problem taken care of. Now he is carefree and playful again. Also, I got a new car that I love and that gets much better gas mileage.
I went to Oregon 3 times and learned that I absolutely adore that state. I got to go to herb farms and Rootstalk, which were mind-blowing, wonderful, life-changing experiences. I need to hurry up and finish with school so I can get out of the city and closer to nature.
I got to spend approximately 24 hours with The One Who Got Away. It was a bit like a dream, and it was something that I will always remember fondly. Ultimately, though, the timing was wrong, and I let him get away again. This time with no regrets.
I started dating a guy. He turned out to be an asshole. (Here's a tip for the dudes, don't call the woman you're dating a whore. Just don't.) I dumped him and started dating a really awesome guy about whom I am crazy.
I became a primary intern at my school's clinic. This means that I get to treat patients under the supervision of a licensed acupuncturist. On some shifts, that has meant that I get almost complete autonomy, on others, it means I get almost none. In either case, I get to stick needles in people, which is just cool.
I got to be the maid of honor in my best friend's wedding. I went back "home" for the first time since I was 19. I got to spend time with my best friend's family, who are like my second family. I got to meet her husband (who is perfect for her), and all the friends she's been telling me about for years.
I officiated the wedding of two of my closest friends. Somehow they decided that I would make a good WWE announcer (Yep, the theme of their wedding was WWE. The theme of the other wedding I mentioned was Borat. I love my friends), and I had a blast. I don't know if they know how much of an honor it was that they chose me.
I also brushed my teeth a whole bunch, played with my cats, went to a lot of classes, skipped a lot of classes, learned new things, memorized a lot, took many showers, ate a bunch of food (almost all of it was gluten free and dairy free), got drunk a few times, laughed, cried, and hugged the people I love as often as I could. Plus, I got to celebrate with friends as they had babies, got engaged, and had all sorts of wonderful events in their lives. I also supported friends as they went through difficult times, just as they have been supporting me.
After looking back at my year as a whole, it wasn't really that crappy. Yes, the end of it has been shitty, but overall I have celebrated more than I have mourned. Maybe that's all that's needed to define a good year. So here's to you, 2011. It's been one hell of a roller coaster ride. I can't say that I'm sorry to see you go, but I think that after all is said and done, I can appreciate you.
And here's to 2012. May we not all perish in an apocalypse.
