yes, I remember
how the tears skimmed the skin
how the laughter rang
how the days brought memories
how the nights brought dreams
no, I won’t forget
how each moment feels
how the sun shines bright
how the wind dances
how the rain falls
2011, how did you treat me?
Life’s ends… We opened the new year with the death of the father of a family friend. In October, my father-in-law passed away after a few weeks in the hospital. And then in November, my former brother-in-law died a few weeks after an auto accident. Such sad times and the last death hit me the hardest for some reason. Even though it had been years since I had seen him, we had kept a bit in touch through Facebook and the thought that I wouldn’t hear from him again just continues to bring tears. These passings have shown me how precious life is and how short it can be…
New life… My goddaughter was born in April. She makes me smile whenever I see her and I cherish every moment spent with her. I hope I’m a good influence on her.
I’m still fanchick boycrazy… I don’t think that will ever end. It gives me such giddy energy and I enjoy it. I especially like when I “discover” someone new. Oh the wonders!
40… Is age really just a number? I don’t feel forty. But how does forty feel? Whatever it is, I don’t mind saying I’m 40 though it seems a little weird too. I try not to compare myself to other people but I know that I’m at the age where “young” people are old enough to be my kid. Goodness!
Familial love and obligations… My sister and her family came out in June and it was WONDERFUL to see them all! Sometimes when I think about it too much, I am sad that I’m not there to watch my niece grow. She makes me smile whenever I talk to her and I’m ever grateful for the wonders of technology. I am also glad that I have such wonderful cousins and that we’re friends and we do our best to see each other regularly throughout the year… Familial obligations figured prominently this year and we endured much in the name of duty. I could say so much more but I’ll leave that for another time. Suffice to say that my patience had much practice…
On the sporty front I hardly got to watch any of the Rugby World Cup and only finally got to watch my All Blacks at the end when they won the whole thing! GO ALL BLACKS!!! Bummer Daniel Carter didn’t get to play but it was still so great to see the All Blacks win… The A’s mostly sucked this season but the St. Louis Cardinals rallied in August to get themselves into the postseason and then to the World Series. And oh, THEY WON the series! GO CARDS!!!… The 49ers have had a great season so far. We’ll see how far they go…
I should have read more but I did start a new series, A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE. It’s taken me a long time to read the series but the books are rather long. And it’s nice to take some time to read. I also read the Hunger Games trilogy. Good reading all the way…
It seems that whenever we go to the movies, it’s a Ryan Gosling movie. He had a few this year and I enjoyed them all. Crazy, Stupid, Love was funny and he was great in it. Ides of March was also good. Oh, and I did like him in Drive.
Socially, I’m still posting at Facebook and Twitter. In the middle of the year, Google+ came out and I’m also posting there. I like having my hands in different things online and I do follow the popular techies because they’re often first when it comes to the next big thing. Personally, I really enjoy Google+ and I like how public or private you can make it. It really encourages engagement and longer posts. All good things!
On the hardware tech front, we had an iPad for a bit of time and what a groovy tablet it was! I also have a netbook and probably should have just saved the money for a tablet. Oh well. I’ve still had a good time with it so I shouldn’t complain. I only rocked two phones this year (miracle!) – the Epic 4G and the Nexus S 4G. The Epic 4G got on my nerves towards my last days with it and I’ve been mostly satisfied with the Nexus S 4G. I still can’t help the slight twinge of envy when looking at the husband’s iPhone but I think it’s just because it’s newer and can use the Instagram app.
I have few regrets from this past year and hope that I remember to live each day with laughter, gratitude, and love. I hope to keep taking pictures and writing poems daily. I strive to be more gracious and forgiving.
Tonight we have a wedding to end our last hours of 2011. Exciting, eh?