Happy '08!

Well, here we are. A new year, a new start, a new drive toward spring and summer.

A few of my friends have posted a Year in Review list. I suppose I should do one, just as an excercise as I find it exceedingly difficult to write my own accolades.

So, here goes.

Let's see. In absolutely no goddamned order...

I moved into my own place once again. I'm happy about this as I've found that I am a shitty, shitty roommate as I like things "just so" and "where they belong."

This summer I grew my second Balcony Garden. I'm getting pretty fucking good at gardening.

I focused on my band this summer...after recording an album, we have played at some very cool venues...Schubas, Martyrs, Abbey Pub, The Hideout, The Kinetic Playground, Betty's Blue Star Lounge and the Elbo Room. Last year we played the Double Door.

I auditioned for a second band, got the gig, and am now a lead vocalist.

To that end, I played a song I wrote with a full band for the first time. At the Hideout.

I saw my nephew turn 5.

I celebrated 3 years at a job...personal best! ('08 makes 4)

I've knitted 3 shawls, 3 blankets, various scarves, the crowning achievment of which is a Gryffindor scarf for Brian. Pictures to follow soon.

I've gained 10 lbs, a dress size and my boobs are goddamned enormous.

I cut my hair. A move that I'm not all that thrilled about, but, it proves that I'm not afraid to try new things, but that my instincts ARE generally correct.

I participated in the folding of 1000 paper cranes for a sick memeber of the Decemberists who had to cancel their tour after only 2 shows. I felt so INVOLVED.

I saw one of only 2 shows from the Decemberists' 2007 "The Long and the Short of It" tour. I feel pretty fucking priveleged.

I performed with the Dames at Durty Nellies in Palatine in front of about 500 asshole college douchebags. I made 6 bucks in stripper change. Camel Cigarettes paid me 100 bucks.

I continued dancing burlesque even though I've gained 10 lbs, a dress size, and almost unmanageable breasts.

I've been basically instrumental in my client's marketing initiatives as all my ideas keep getting chosen.

I got to go to Lollapalooza for free because my company did all their promotional marketing.

I presented ideas to the Lollapalooza marketing committee.

I dreamt that Michael Madsen sent me a greeting card in preparation for a party that everyone was invited to.

I said goodbye to Jason Bone in the most cheesy, cliched way ever: crying at the end of a karaoke version of American Pie.

I recorded 2 songs for my younger brother.

I got to die on stage violently and in black and white. With fake blood.

During the same performance, totally got to make out with E.

I've seen E no less than 70 times on a Comcast commercial with my favorite Bear ever...Brian Urlacher.

I watched the Bears make it to the Superbowl...and then lose the Superbowl.

I got strep throat. For the first time. Ever. First in my family as well.

I heard myself on the radio...WXRT...3 times...and had Richard Milne say that I do a "NICE job" singing.

I stood up in my younger brother's wedding and sang a Jethro Tull song in a Catholic Church.

I co-directed a musical cabaret show that raised a whole mess of money for the theatre company.

I sat across from a man who while I dated him was quite possibly the most emotionally intimidating man ever, and got closure. Are the heart strings still pulled now and then? Sure. But then I remember what it feels like to be absolutely comfortable with myself and I know why I'm not with him anymore.

I lived through yet another of God's Angry Plagues. The Cicadas.

I decided to embrace "what is" and not pine for "what was" or "what could be" .

I had a dream that Leslie and I got married and the Knights of Columbus wouldn't let us get divorced.

I've learned to say "This is just fine and enough, thank you." and really mean it.

I had an article published on my favorite website...SomethingAwful.com.

I saw G Love and Special Sauce in concert. Twice.

I've found a man who loves me, respects, me and understands me for who I am at all times. No questions. I am, for the first time in my life, Comfortable with the person I love. He is not above me, below me, or around me. He is next to me. And that is pretty fucking kick ass.

So, that'll do, pig, that'll do.

Happy New Year everybody!