Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Eight Points

When the Chicago Tribune publishes its year-end Best Of lists, I am compelled to read them all. Books missed, movies overlooked, news events that were off my radar. A year skimmed in 60 seconds. This is how I fill in the blanks.

Facebook can even make a timeline of your year, as long as you grant them permission to rifle through your underwear drawer. I prefer to do my own rifling, thank you, so here's my 2012 timeline:
  • Celebrating the 90th birthday of Betty, my mother-in-law, in February. She was enchanted by her great-granddaughter Natalie, 8 months, who entertained all of us from her perch at the table.
  • Zach, our candidate for the Class of 2027, turned 3. His mom had cake and ice cream for all the kids in the neighborhood but asked they hold off on the presents. "He has enough stuff. Just come for the fun." And they did.
  • A tough spring. We lost Betty. In the same week, we lost our 18-year-old dog, Bandit. We are officially erasing April 2012 from our memory banks.
  • Sorting through a lifetime accumulation of stuff in the family home has made me realize we need less stuff. It seems the less chaos around me (the basement doesn't count because I'm afraid to go down there), the clearer I am. This world needs as much clarity as it can get. I need as much clarity as I can get. Here is a fabulous essay on the topic of stuff. Read it and be transformed.
  • Stephen and Kevin's wedding in Pound Ridge. I managed two brief speeches, was a witness and did not choke up (too much), though my heart was very full. A beautiful day in a gorgeous setting, surrounded by loving family, friends, the poetry of Walt Whitman and really excellent French champagne. 
  • My hunt for a job continued, after a cat bite retired me from the veterinarian assistant business. The job market has been a little tight for print journalists. Is it too late to become an archaeologist?
  • Our Charley turned 1. She is completely fearless, a remarkable and terrifying quality in a baby. She is, of course, adorable.
  • Anna married her Greg in August. Weddings are exhausting, expensive and lots of fun. Theirs was one of 9 weddings we attended this year. Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen is our favorite dance tune. We bounce like mad.

I had in mind to write about 57 things from 2012, but 8 seems to be the most I can manage.

From the bottom of my heart, thanks for reading, for commenting, and for following. You make my day. Thanks for being part of mine.

Naperville Now participates each week in Mrs. Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. See what other bloggers are writing about here.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

Quite a year!

Irene said...

What a full life you lived this year. It will definitely be one worth remembering. I hope more like it, filled with happiness, will follow.

Kathy and Freddy said...

Great wrap up! It's been a pleasure to read your take on life, both ups and downs. You are very talented, my dear friend.

Anonymous said...

My wish for you is that someday the Chicago Tribune will have on it's year end Best Of Books list a collection of the Best of Naperville Now.

Tina´s PicStory said...

thanks for stopping by :)

My name is Riet said...

That was a busy year. Loved to read about it.
Merry christmas

Lola said...

Terrific wrap up!

And many thanks for stopping by!

Leovi said...

An interesting summary of 2012.

EG CameraGirl said...

You had a busy year, that's for sure. I hope you feel there were more ups than downs. :)

carol l mckenna said...

A rich life ~ you are blessed ~ losing people can be difficult though ~

Happy Holidays to you ~ ^_^

(A Creative Harbor ~ aka ArtMuseDog and Carol )

Anonymous said...

It certainly has been an eventful year for you. Lots of weddings!

VBR said...

What a truly inspiring post. It encompasses a family that obviously loves each other a great deal. From the oldest (so that Betty passed away and your sweet Bandit too) to the youngest newest little editions to your family. Great joy and good wishes to you and your precious family.
(PS - the clutter at my house finally won, and I just sneak over to the computer once a week to post and hop before'it' takes over again! I am going to read the article right now.)

Unknown said...

You have been so busy this year! Wow! So many weddings to attend.

Maggie said...

A bit of a roller coaster year for you, full of ups & downs.
Loved your mosaic.
Happy A-T!

Midwestern City Girl said...

Very nice "E" post. It's amazing to think of all the events that make up a year. I hope you have a wonderful, fulfilling and fortunate 2013!

DEBRA said...

Very interesting to read a synopsis of a year..Merry Christmas and Happy 2013 New Year :)

Betshy said...

Love it! Busy year at your house and wishing you all the best for 2013!

Whispering Thoughts said...

Interesting post

Judie said...

Oh, you wonderful woman! I can soooo relate to your post!

Currently, my synopsis would freak way too many people out, so I will hold off for a while.

Thanks for beng a part of my blogging world!

xoxo

Sharon said...

Well Done!

Jenny said...

What an excellent year end (actually year beginning post now!)

Let me know on the archeology thing...I might want to join you!

It's amazing looking back at years end that we've survived and even laughed through all the ups and downs!

It was fun coming along with you on your remembrances!

Thanks for linking to A-T!

It is always a joy to visit you!

(I know that's not an e word, but hey...)

Hugs and A+