In fond rememberance of 2007

I have to say that for the most part, 2007 was a great year for me.

I won $5000 and used that to buy my first house. I bought a "new" car. I've had the pleasure of getting to know my nephew (who is P-R-E-C-I-O-U-S). I finished up three more classes towards my masters and while my job got more stressful, I also got a better position and more money. As years go, I can't complain.
But of course I'm going to. A good friend miscarried. I paid too much for my house which, post housing-bubble, is painfully clear. I've had not one but two power problems (this is ongoing; I'll update soon). The only travel I did was to NY (for a long weekend) and Charlotte. I remain single and I'm increasingly doubtful that will ever change.

I really want to be positive and I really do know how much I have to be grateful for. In fact, I can't help but feel apprehensive that things are too good, and something bad is coming.
I also have this terrible habit where I always wonder if I'll still be single "this time next year". And I always am! So this year I'm just going to focus on me. Me making my house what I want it to be. Me getting myself in shape. Me going places I want to go with people I want to go with. I'll do my best to enjoy life as I have it, by myself. And if someone wants to join me, I'll consider it when the time comes.

PS-- I just made that decision, this second as I was writing it. But I think it's a good goal and as good a resolution as any. It sounds a little... selfish, so I'll have to look out for that. Wish me luck!

Happy 2008!

I had a wonderful day!

I had a wonderful day!

I woke up still feeling sick but got progressively better as the day went on. I had a nice, leisurely lunch with a good friend. I got lots done at work, far more than I expected. I went to a hockey which we won in OT after an incredible come-from-behind two goals in the final two minutes. And I got to play with my adorable one-year-old nephew (his birthday was Saturday!) and chat with old friends, new friends and lots of family. Oh, and I found out I got an 'A' in my class this semester (phew!).

This is what life is all about. It's so nice to be able to appreciate the good days. I so often whine about the bad days on here that it's rewarding for me, and probably refreshing for you, to remember all the good and beautiful things that I am so lucky to have in my life.

I'll update you on Progress Energy another day. :)

And tonight's low is...

Here I am, on a Sunday night, once again waiting for Progress Energy.

Before you say you're sick of reading posts about this let me assure you I am heartily sick of writing them.

I've been fighting a cold for a few days and beat it down through my Christmas party (last night, decent success thanks) but it hit me hard today. I came home from a cookie exchange and fell asleep on my couch with hopes of waking up healthy.

Instead, I woke up cold. I was very disturbed to realize that when I tried to turn on the heat, nothing was happening. I thought it was a problem with my heater, or at least the panel, so I called a heating repair company. But while waiting on an appointment I wandered into my family room and discovered all my lights were dimmed. A symptom of past problems. My TV doesn't turn on, my microwave doesn't work-- and I'm scared to push it lest I blow something up again.

My brilliant and wonderfully supportive mother suggested I call Progress Energy and as of this writing I'm still waiting to hear from them. I'm hoping I don't have to spend the night in a house with no heat. I'm also hoping it's not another open neutral situation and I don't wake up surrounded by flames. My roommate has headed for warmth at a friends so I am feeling sick, sad and not a little creeped-out. Wonder what this will cost me...

The Sighs of the Season

Ah... I can breathe again.

I finally finished my paper for class, completed my presentation at the conference (hungover, no less) and have made it past a number of other work and personal humps. While no means free of stress (I'm hosting a Christmas party in 10 days) I at least feel like I've made it past the worst of it.

My conference was... interesting. I'm assured that I managed to avoid embarrassing myself too much. Still it was the kind of event with situations that leave you raw and emotional. No doubt combined with the "joyous" Christmas season, I find myself exhausted and a little nauseous and that's not the hangover (at least not anymore). People trying to "pair me off" - which has never been in the slightest bit successful - while I try not to think about what I really want and can never have. This was my deadline of sorts. I'm going to make myself "get out there" more in the coming weeks and months. Wish me luck and you really should tune in because this is usually when it gets very funny and very, very sad.

I'm literally posting this on a computer in class (my last class of the semester- hell YEAH!) so I think I'd better be done now.

PS- my hotel in Asheville, the B Renaissance Hotel, was incredible. Great service, nice rooms and decent food.