My year in review: we survived.

I wasn't exactly a fan of 2009. 

That's probably putting it a little mildly.

I wanted to beat the shit out of 2009 at regular intervals for a large part of the year.

I lost income, Logan lost income, we downsized leaving a(n overpriced) house that worked really well for our family (except for the Jerk Off* Landlord named Brian Lanfear and the water in the basement.) (I wonder if he's disclosed that issue now that he's trying to sell the house.) 

We had to sue Brian Lanfear to get our security deposit back from him and that was stressful. More stressful was collecting the money while the Internet (and by the internet I mean that annoying woman with that annoying website) whispered stupid things in my ear like I should just "let it go". You know, because we're the Rockefellers over here and burn money normally. $2000? Screw it!

Even if we were millionaires, I still would have taken that man to court. He was wrong and I don't deal well with people being assholes.

We had health scares and the summer into early fall was marked by marital growing pains that weren't entirely pleasant to live through. (Though we've done that before too.)

I spent a large part of the night looking through my flickr feed for the year and, you know, it really wasn't a bad year. I mean, I don't want to relive it, Jesus. But it wasn't a bad year when you step back and get some perspective.

Moving from our dream neighborhood was terribly hard for me, but saved us from certain financial ruin as we both lost income this year. I got to take a few great trips this year with women I love. I was able to give the kids an amazing experience in Washington DC and we spent time up north with friends who are like family. Friends who tried to have a baby for a long time, got two little girls. I watched my 11 year old start Middle School and she did it with amazing flexibility and emotional strength. Logan and I got away as a couple where I remembered that I don't just love him, I really like him. 

Liking someone makes it a lot easier to ride out the growing pains of a long term relationship, love only goes so far (unless it's your kids).

Don't get me wrong, 2009 can still go to hell, but it was better than my overall impression. I swam with bioluminescent plankton, I'm not sure I can call it a complete bust.

But 2010, let's be a little kinder to each other.

Happy New Year Everyone!

*Just My Opinion!

Comments

[Mrs. Williams]

Amen. Here's to 2010!

[The Bug]

Personally, it wasn't a bad year for us - my husband got a long-awaited job doing what he loves best. So what if it pays less than I make (and I'm not rolling in it)? I like my job pretty well & I don't even mind my new 45 minute commute. So if it was just us we'd be all right.

But for our families 2009 was a really hard year - my mother-in-law was put into a nursing home & other relatives have had a steady decline in health. We live 7 hours away. My husband is a FEELER (I'm a shove-it-in-a-box-&-forget-it-er). So, rough year.

2010 - I've got high hopes for you - don't dash 'em!

[michelle]

you know, i don't know many people who will be sad to see 2009 end ... myself included. wishing a happy (or, at leats, happier) 2010 to you and all.

[Regina]

Not only can 2009 suck it, so can the whole decade as far as I'm concerned. Good riddance to both. Happy 2010.

[jilly]

One of the highlights of my year was getting to meet you and Logan. I'm terrible at making new friends, but you made it easy. And for that, I thank you. So, yes 2009 can suck it financially, but other than that, I'm pretty happy. Here's to a brighter and better 2010.
Cheers!

[angelawd]

I don't deal with assholes very well either, nor with difficult years. Although it sounds like yours wasn't too bad, all things considered.

Happy 2010.

[Rebecca]

You are too stinkin' adorable! 2009 wasn't bad for us, but it wasn't great either... here's to 2010!

[Toni]

Is this the right Brian Lanfear?
Can we all add him and then send him millions of app requests? Please?
http://www.facebook.com/people/Brian-Lanfear/1632399456

[Melissa Summers]

Nope that's not him!

Sent from my iPhone with fat fingers on tiny keys.

[Ashley, The Accidental Olympian]

Love the line,

"I wanted to beat the shit out of 2009 at regular intervals for a large part of the year."

I agree.

I had the same feelings about 2009 as you did, and I too saw this other wonderful side of the year as I scrolled through pictures.

It's amazing how images can bring you back to those moments that you were so happy.

Here's to 2010.

[kate]

I love how you've matched your lipstick to the 2009 glasses! :)

So well said; good fucking riddance 2009. 2010 is going to be fantastic, I can tell.

[chris]

I say a big "Fuck You," to 2009.

2010 will be better. And not just because it can't be worse, right?

Happy New Year, Melissa!

[mythoughtsonthat]

So very glad to see 2009 leave, too! Here's to a better 2010!

Peace.

[Emma]

2010 has GOT to be better. Cheers!

[lisa]

Longtime reader, first-time commenter.

Loved this post. Happy New Year to you.

[Jules]

Here's to joy around every corner in 2010!

[Heather near Atlanta]

You should take heart that Suburban Bliss had the hands-down best line of 2009 for the entire Internet (judged by me!), although it was uttered by Max:

"Ladies, ladies. How about nobody writes anything in anyone's yearbook?"

Still makes me laugh.

[Emmy]

Loved this post Lis, I completely agree. 2010 will definitely be a good one! It better be. I personally think it'll be great because I'll be unemployed and homeless, so I'll have lots of freedom to come visit you guys!!

[Michelle]

I'm with you, 2009 had an overall bad vibe that makes the highlights seem like flukes. Here's to a better 2010 for everyone!

[roo]

yeah, i think the best that can be said for 2009 is that it was a building year.

here's to happiness in 2010!

best wishes to you and yours as we leave the Oughts (?) behind, from a godless heathen who admires your work.

[Grumpy Barista]

Happy New Year Lis. I personally had a better year in many ways, but not all. Still, I loved it. Bring on more in 2010. Btw, good pic.

[Jill]

Love reading your blog - thanks for sharing your story. 2009 was a great lesson to remember to be happy - despite it all! Onward to 2010!
Chin up!

[Paul, the student]

Absolutely love the '2009' glasses photo. Your lip color and the glasses match perfectly.

Thanks for a great blog I always love to read; everything from meal adventures to kid activities to your attitude, you are the best!

[saksham]

You always come up with great stuff I just love your site you are very talented I’ll recommend your site to my friends and family members great job very appreciated..keep it up..

[Jen]

Well after I really rotten 2008, and a nearly as crappy 2009, I'm really ready to see a slightly less-mediocre 2010. Really, my ambitions aren't that high. If we can have one year where the word "cancer" doesn't show up on our doorstep and everyone stays employed, I'll be happy.

Doesn't take much at this point.;) Glad to hear I'm not the only one who wants to tell the "oughts" to suck it.

[ella]

Happy New Year to you too!

My crappy year started in 2007 and pretty much sucked until December 2009.
Things are looking up!

[Sadie at heyMamas.com]

Love this post. You are a great writer! Best of luck in 2010.

Sadie at heyMamas.com

[Rebecca]

My coworker just mentioned getting another pair of her favorite shoes, and I looked down to see these:

http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?skuId=070806130&productId=59556&subCatId=cat10276&catId=cat10088&lotId=070806&category=&catdisplayName=Womens+

and they immediately reminded me of your Old Navy shoes.

I tried to find the post with the shoe pic, but couldn't -- so here's the info on a more recent one. :)