Just to clear things up: I spent most of 2004 regaining the partial use of some of my limbs.

-30

My son got married to a wonderful girl and now lives in a wonderful place.

+20

My son got shot, while being a caring individual, caring for another's wounds.

-10 for gunshot +20 for coolness of son

I got a cool contract to do cool work in a cool country. +40

Kat and I had a spat. -10

I got snowed in to my house and couldn't open the doors because I was too lazy to take off the summer screen doors. -10

tommyrot sent me a cool book. +10

Bush got elected...

OK, we had a 50/50 thing going, up to that point.

I've been avoiding writing up my year, because it's had some good (friends getting married, and having babies, a bitching new car, and some progress in my career) and some bad (the year started with an unexpected death, some aspects of my job were making me unhappy enough to bring me very close to quitting, and I made a few mistakes in terms of who I trusted), but mostly it was just sort of was.

I feel like I was drifting too much, in a lot of different ways, and I guess the closest I am going to come to a resolution this year is to pay more attention and focus more, even on the little stuff.

One thing that was definitely good though, was the Buffistas. I've been to some weddings, and raised a glass to some others. I've been able to say hello to some of the cutest babies in the world, with the promise of more to come next year. I've traveled to Maine (complete with pimp hat!), and DC, the Seattle area twice, and San Francisco a few times (complete with Nilly!) and had a hell of a lot of fun in my home town, all thanks to the Buffistas.

I wish you all a great and glorious 2005.

In five minutes: My good in 2004--

Gus proposed! (Yes you did. Don't look like that)

DC and SF! Meeting Buffistas!

Nilly!

Who could ask any more than that?

2004 was a year like most of the others in my life. Lots of good things happened to people I care about, and few bad things, and I'm glad about that. For me, personally, though, it was a lousy year, and I'm not so sure 2005 will be any better.

Happy New Year.

Gus proposed!

Oh, Carp. Did I? Curse this Macallan's single malt!

Happy new year, DX, and I hope you are wrong about next year not being any better. You certainly deserve only the best.

HAPPY 2005 FROM THE RIGHT COAST!

Mwah.

Happy New Year, DX. I feel much the same way, but I'm going to plaster a grin on my face and dare 2005 to suck as badly as its predecessor.

No, that's wrong. I'm not going in pie-eyed and expecting the best, but I am trying to keep my eyes open to the positive, and not dwell on the negative. It's not that easy, but it's the best I can manage right now. Let's hope it's enough, and 2005 gives everybody a break.

Gus, DH would be startled if I suggested changes. The thrill for me was that you said it out loud--as it were. Thanks.

aw, Gus. There is no spat.

mwah! Back at the poor doomed Eastcoaster. Swimming lessons, do not neglect them.

Beverly: You are not going to make me go back and try to find this soi-disant proposal. I am on to your tricks.

DX: Have a good year, or don't, theorist.