2009-A Year in Review

Seems the month of January got away from me! We're already 23 days into 2010, and I'm just now sitting down to write this entry. Its not that I haven't had the time, I just too often find that I have a difficult time articulating myself-shocking, I know-and writing gets put on the back burner.

2009 was challenging, to say the least. I had to learn to live completely by myself, in a strange and new place. I've never had to live alone before, to only be responsible for answering to myself. The beginning of the year found me running loose in the city, not quite sure WHAT to do w/my newly found independence. To say that I was a little reckless would probably be putting it mildly. I was entirely UN-Jackie-like. A little carelessness was part of what I needed, though, to start putting away the past and looking toward a new future. Don't worry, Mom, drugs never entered into the picture; I'm just a little too afraid of dying (and losing my job) to cross that line.

I also had to say goodbye to my best friend and companion for the last 11 years, Miss Dallas. She was my cornerstone for my entire adult life, and although I've had to say goodbye to pets before, nothing was as hard as losing Dallas. She fought a brave and courageous battle against cancer and chronic kidney failure, but in the end, the disease was simply too much for her to bear. I miss her every single day. Levi and I have both had to make the transition to being without Dallas, something that's proven very difficult for the two of us. Rest in peace, Sweet Pea.

Work has been just that-work. It's taken some time to get used to the different personalities and temperaments in my new office. I left a nice, new, big, close-to-a window cubical in a 21 story high-rise office building where most people came dressed in suits and ties everyday, to work in a 5 story, pretty shoddy building, in a cubical that has relatively poor light and is nowhere near a window. I can't tell if its day or night outside-it's like working in a strip club w/out the nakedness or the alcohol. I'm fortunate, though, to have made a few close friends in the new office-they're truly great people who have definitely made my transition easier.

Toward the end of 2009, I began volunteering at Children's Hospital here in the city. Some days are more active than others-I occasionally just answer phones and do paperwork-but every bit of help is needed and appreciated by the staff and the patients. While I knew it would be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, I can honestly say I love working at the hospital. It has definitely given me a new found appreciation for the nursing staff and every parent who has had to deal with a sick/injured child.

For 2010, my goals are simple. First, I've got to move out of this apartment. I adore the location, and I love the quaint charm and character of the building, but I'm ready for some modern day convenience. A bathtub and a dishwasher would be nice. Off-street parking would be good too. Summer temps will settle into New Orleans sooner than I care to imagine, and the thought of having another $300 electric bill for ONE month, in a 450 sq ft apartment, makes my stomach turn.

Second, its time to step up my philanthropic work. In a town surrounded by corrupt politicians, New Orleans is a city that has so much need. I've found a battered woman's shelter through the Catholic Charities that needs volunteers to prepare and serve meals that I hope to be able to sign up with very soon. I'd also like to organize a team of folks to work at a Habitat for Humanity home one Saturday. Unfortunately, though, I'm finding that many of the people in my office are not exactly inclined to want to give much of their time to help others. Don't get me wrong, there are a FEW folks, but the second I mentioned that I'd need a commitment for ONE WHOLE Saturday, I got a whole lot of push back from the majority. I guess one of my side goals needs to be to learn how to persuade and influence people!

Third, I want to start expanding my horizons by trying new things. That's why, starting next Tuesday, I will begin a weekly painting class. I bought my brushes this past Friday along w/some acrylic paint. My mother is a wonderful artist and designer, and honestly, I have no idea if any of that ability passed on down to me, but I'm certainly willing to take a stab and find out! If painting doesn't work out, maybe pottery will. If that doesn't take, I don't know....maybe try my hand at paper mache?

Fourth, and finally, I need to get back to taking care of me-eating right, exercising and yoga, vitamins, etc. etc. etc. I haven't been sleeping well lately, and I think it's my body and mind's way of telling me that after a year, they're ready to get re-centered. I still don't know how I feel about dating-I've yet to meet a single man here who's peaked my interest (except maybe one up at the hunting camp that I met over New Year's....but that's a story for later!). We'll see. Everything happens when it's supposed to.

So for now, that's my recap of 2009 and my goals for 2010. I'm excited about what this year holds in store and am looking forward to Mardi Gras, crawfish boils, crabbing, and festivals, to name a few. Out with the old, and in with the new!