What a Difference a Week Makes

Well, I took the train in again this morning after a glorious three-day weekend. I'm sick, but it's not bothering me. After a week of slogging thru bridges, Queens, Long Island and generally walking a 15 mile total for last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday? I can't believe I don't have pneumonia let alone a simple head cold.

Christmas Eve and the day itself were lovely: roast chicken and potatoes one night, a ginger and o.j. ham the next. I've been cooking up a storm since my oven is clean and without the ghost smells of dinners past. There were no dramatic drunks this year. No narcissistic assholes ruining my patience, no drama queen histrionics, no re-gifting, no racism, no NOTHING. It was quiet, peaceful, and filled with gifts. Mom shopped for me and I for her. That was it. We put all our money on each other and haven't gotten into one fight yet. This is quite a turn for us. In years past, we'd be at each other's throats on the second day in my kitchen. But 2005, in all of its strange ugliness, has allowed for one simple thing: we have seen it all this year so we'd better appreciate each other. It's now or never.

2005 began with the Tsunami and ended with the MTA strike. I'm a conspiracy theorist at heart; I wouldn't doubt that one last crappy thing could erupt from now until December 31. It was a year of lies, deceit, this ridiculous war we're in, Katrina, Rita, The Commander in Chimp's wiretaps, and an overall loss of hope, I feel. Everyone I've spoken to is happy for 2006. We all can't wait to get there, and most of my friends don't even consider New Year's a real holiday. It's counting backwards, getting champagne, and buying a new calendar. Entropy is the way of the universe, but it's been difficult to take, kiddies. Everything seems to be breaking down, crumbling, falling apart. It HAS to get better. How much more can we fall down?

I've learned a lot this year and I'm grateful. As hard as swallowing the truth is, I know I need it. I'm not giving up, though. And no stupid resolutions this coming year, either. Why should I beat myself up when that's all I saw going on around me in 2005? Plenty of boxing matches are still in my head from 2005. No need to take those with me.

New Job, Knits, BARC center in Williamsburg, more skating, Pilates, Bowery Mission. Those are the things I'll spend my time on in 2006.

(and when I step on the D train, I'll breathe a sigh of relief. They still don't have a contract!)