In a couple days, the year of 2010 will pass away. Like the years before it, the year was full of highs and lows. But this year is as unique as the 365 days within it.
Perhaps it's a natural to look back upon the twelve months at the close of the calendar year. I tend to think people are of a balanced nature -- most of us like to have closure with each new beginning. To look back when moving forward, and finish a chapter before starting a new one.
So as many are probably this time of the year, here is a recap of the key moments of my life in the year Twenty-Ten.
January
OK, it technically was the end of December 2009, but I thought I'd start the list off with Tucker. Never before have I had the sole responsibility of taking care of something so dependent on me. Having Tuck has been a blessing this past year... to watch him grow physically and mentally, to see him adapt Beth and I as part of his "pack", to experience the joy of him excitedly greeting us at the door, jumping on our laps while watching TV, or snuggling up next to our legs when he's tired. Sure, there have been frustrating times -- digging at walls and his stubborn independence, but it's just part of loving him for who he is. Now I know many of you are probably thinking that I'm putting too much into this dog, this animal. But he's the closest thing I've ever had to having a child, and it's been an eye (and heart) opening experience.
February
Normally, this month is filled with celebration, but this year, intertwined with Beth and my birthdays and Valentine celebrations, was the grief of Beth's dad passing away. In some ways, it doesn't feel like Len's been gone that long. But over these last few weeks, in the midst of Thanksgiving and Christmas, he was missed immensely. There are times that I look over at Beth, and I can read in her eyes the sadness of wishing her dad was still here. And all I can do is give her hug. So Len, if you're reading this, know that you're missed.
The other event that happened in February was the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC. We had the opportunity to go experience the Olympics in person. And although we were only there for a day, it was a great day. In addition to walking through Olympic fever in downtown Vancouver, we were able to watch of of the most exciting sports -- short track speed skating. We saw the craziness of expanding and collapsing laps of the relays, the speed and courage of the athletes, and even the miracle 7th medal that Apollo Ohno won.
March
This month signified the end of my sabbatical.... I returned back to work. My new gig has me working at Microsoft, but as a vendor rather than an employee. It's been an interesting nine months so far. Not only did I have to shake off the rust of not working for 7 months, but there was much to learn. Only now am I feeling like I've come up to speed. There have been unexpected challenges, but the guys I work with are hard working and dedicated to what they do, and we've been able to accomplish some great things.
July
Beth and I took a couple extended weekend trips this month -- the first was to Steamboat Springs, CO. It was an action packed time filled with alpine slides, horseback riding, mountain biking, a rodeo, parade, great food, and even better friends. But even with all the activities, it helped recharge the batteries.
Shortly after CO, we then headed down to the Bay Area for Chan family reunion. Although another long weekend, Beth got to meet my dad's side of the family, we were able to explore a bit of San Fran and Pacifica, we ate some great food, and of course the family was even better... All in all, very successful family reunion.
Sept-December
This past fall was mainly focused on work... for one of our clients, we have what we've come to call "the reboot". I'll spare the details, but our team was shuffled a bit, and we were able to refocus our efforts to deliver some big deliverables in small time frames.
October
I did take another long weekend to meet up with my cousin for a mini-photo road trip... I've detailed the misadventures previously, so all I'll add is to say that although things didn't go as planned, it makes for great stories after the fact.
December
And here we are. Back where we started. This month has been relatively quiet -- I took a trip up to Whistler to break in the new skis and enjoy time with friends. The weekend was filled with snow, Yahtzee!, friends getting engaged, and hot tubs. All this ruccous was followed by a peaceful Christmas spent with B & her mom.
So there you have it -- the highlight reel of my past year. The have certainly been other things that I've experienced over the course of 2010, but these were the biggest things. And now we're on the cusp of a new year again. What's to come? Who knows? But it's sure to go by swiftly, as the years seem to do nowadays. My hope is that this finds you with new blessings each day, and that by this time next year, you'll be able to look back upon your best year yet. To all of you, I wish the happiest of new years!
