And here I thought 2020 was the most barbaric year in my lifetime. And it was, no doubt, 2020 was certainly an experience and an eye opener. This year though, this year the heartbreak was personal. I know life is a series of anecdotes and coincidences, but man this year felt like a direct attack. And I won't list the series of unfortunate events, some have already been disclosed on this blog. So instead, as a big FU to this year (if that's even a thing), I'd rather not mention negative things; instead, I'd like to focus on the opportunities and cool things I lived thru in 2023.
I remember in January, we all got Covid, except for X. The reason it is a good memory is because 1. it was tame and 2. it forced us all to be confined to the house until we got better. After we were all starting to feel better, all we did was game all day. I still worked but in between, I'd game with the boys. Just hung out for days.
Then a couple of weeks later, we checked out Michael Rappaport in SA. That was cool. X and I had an amazing time. Went to a blues bar, hung out with some pals from SA.
In February, we celebrated 7 years of marriage (although we have been together way more than that). Took a little weekend trip to SA and had an amazing time. Listened to jazz by the riverwalk, went to a drag bar for brunch (that was fun af), had dinner at this amazing place called Signature on La Cantera, it was a nice long weekend and it was really special and relaxing.
After my dad's diagnosis and stroke when he was flown to SA, I was distraught. It was one of the worse feelings in the world. But it also reminded me of the good people that exist in the world. My best friend Gaby rushed to be by my side. My son Rob took a week off from work so he could spend some time with the family and grandfather. I got to see the helpers of the world, caring nurses and doctors, everyone putting the best effort to make sure my dad was getting the best help and the compassion they showed us. They made a horrible situation less horrible. I will never forget that.
After his death during spring and after what my sister had gone through, I decided it was time to get a checkup and be more consistent on that and take better care of myself. I began a new diet around May. Nothing crazy, just calorie counting and less carbs. I was able to shave off 14 lbs. I felt better and looked better that even at work it was noticed. (granted I have gained some holiday weight but I went back to healthy eating since yesterday, I did it before, I can do it again I suppose).
Although X lost his job and it was a very traumatic event for both of us, I think he needed a bit of a reset. Maybe he still doesnt see it, but that job never appreciated him and dumped most of the work on him. Plus it was very beneficial to our sick dog Rory. He adored that dog and he would have felt terrible if he would not have had the time he gave him because of that job. The way things happened was just right, for him and for Rory. He will find something I have no doubt. We are ok financially.
There were a few trips and events to mention. My dad's memorial was amazing and so many people showed up. Funerals are so sad and morose, that's what they are meant to be. We wanted our dad to have a better send off. He would have loved it. We had some trips to Austin. Once in summer and then again in the begining of fall. Celebrated Gaby's bday in the summer and in the fall we stopped by on my way to the Ft Worth Show I go to every year for work. We saw Depache Mode in concert. Loved that. We also saw Caifanes which I had not seen in decades. Towards the end of the year we finally went to the RenFair near Houston. Had a lot of fun. We finally saw my son's new house in CS. Very nice design.
We hosted Thanksgiving luncheon and party. That was very well thought out and succesful. Most of the work was X's. I helped but only a bit. Everyone had a very good time and there was no drama which was the point of it.
The last 2 months of the year were so busy for me, personally and professionaly. Although I ended up exhausted, the work that I had to put into having better months professionaly for example, paid off. I dont think I have ever had such a great November and December like this before. Also, the fact that I have kept myself busy, allows me to put all the bad stuff out of my mind. Although, admittingly, sometimes during downtime, it all comes crashing down and then I lose myself emotionally. As people have pointed out, I have to go through it regardless if it is now or later, it is just natural to happen for my own mental stability. Our brains require the closure to be able to move on, and if you put it off, it still comes at you. But I still have to do it my way, I dont know any other way to do it.
Another good note to point out, although Clara is very sick and has an incurable disease, she seems to be responding well to her treatment. My only hope is that it can extend her life until she reaches her full life cycle which can be an extra 4 to 5 years on bassets. We will try our best to keep her with us as much as we can. As long as shes comfortable and happy which she seems to be so far.
Although the number changes, the way I look and feel wont change at midnight, that will take time. I am ok with that. Not looking to rush anything in my physical appearance or my emotional journey to heal from all the traumatic events that took place this year. I know they wont be the last either. Just need to take it all in and slowly go through it. And just enjoy life no matter what happens. I want to learn to enjoy life more. Even the things that seem insignificant. And take more pictures. I need to document more.
My goals for 2024 is that. Take things slower, stop rushing all the time. Learn to enjoy life more. Document more as my memory is not that great and also because, as I said before, I would like to leave some sort of footprint of my life, or some aspect of it. Be more organized at home and work. Finally upgrade my closet. And definitely go back to my health kick.
To those 5 readers that follow me and anyone else that may find this, have a very safe and happy new year! See you next year!
