Just a quick clarification from my last post. I do not think 30 is old, but to a 5 year old who thinks my Mom's age is 15, 30 is REALLY old. =)

Now that I'm feeling better, it's time for a little retrospective.

1. Where did you ring in 2006?

At my best friend's house. It was quiet little house party but we heard the wonderful news that she and her husband were expecting.

2. What was your status on Valentine's Day?

Sorta-kinda-dating. The Dude and I had a wonderful date on the 13th (so as not to put too much emphasis on Hallmark Day) and we talked on the phone on the 14th for hours. However, what I had no idea at the time, was that it would mark our last 'real' date. Things imploded somewhat rapidly after that, once again strengthening my belief that the 14th is cursed for me.

3. Were you in school anytime this year?

Photography courses! I also took some online writing courses as well.

4. How did you earn your keep?

After leaving the last job, I took a new job with a longer commute. Same type of work - raw materials buying. It took me a while to settle in, but I'm quite happy now. Other than that, I made some extra money doing photography at events.


5. Did you ever have to go to the hospital?

Had my knee operation on February 21. It wasn't a 'real' hospital but a private clinic. I probably should have gone numerous times during the last quarter of the year as my other issue became very intense, but instead I just dealt with it myself (not a smart move, by the way).

And of course, the family stuff. My Dad spent a month in the hospital in October. And my Aunt was in hospital for 3 weeks in April with a small stroke.

6. Did you ever encounter the police?

Other than the off-duty ones at my brother's house? Nope.

7. Where did you go on vacation?

In February, I met a group of friend in Las Vegas for a couple days and in April, I went to Tofino for the best friend's wedding. In July, we spent two nights in Princeton with my family. A great little getaway and likely the last time our whole family will ever be travelling together again.


8. What did you purchase that was over $500?

There's been a few (cough) shopaholic (/cough) binges this year. The Nikon D80 has to be my most favourite though, and the 70-300mm lense. Oh and the 400-800mm lense too. My new laptop in May - oops, nearly forgot that.


9. Did you know anybody who got married?

My best friend. I was in the wedding party and it was the event of a lifetime.


10. Did you know anybody who passed away?

My cousin-in-law, Rick passsed in February of ALS. It was tragic to watch this vibrant man waste away and while a blessing in the end, we still miss him terribly.

My next door neighbour also passed away in September of cancer. She found out Christmas Eve 2005. It has been so hard to watch her husband after her death though...50 years together and he worshipped her.

A highschool friend of mine also lost her 5 year old daughter to brain cancer in October. If there is one thing in this world that is completely unfathomable, it's seeing a child go through a terminal illness.

My Mom's best friend died of cancer in August as well. She was strong lady, with incredible class. She passed away tragically in a hospice that truly does not deserve to have it's license. 4 days before she died, she fell out of bed and broke her shoulder and arm. They chose not to treat her because they felt there was no point. I understand things must be rationalized but I fail to understand how someone can be left in agony during their last hours.



12. Did you move anywhere? Nope. Just jobs.

13. What sporting events did you go to?

Other than my old job's baseball tournament in August (where I had a blast practicing photography), not a one. Oh, wait, I did watch one of my niece's ball tournaments as well.

14. What concerts did you go to?

Bif Naked (or was that 2005?), Great Big Sea (February), Julio Iglesias (sometime in August), Kenny Rogers (September). I feel like I'm forgetting one but I can't remember it right now.

15. Are you registered to vote? Yes.

16. If so, did you do your patriotic duty in 2006?

Um, blush, funny story there. I was on a date with The Dude. We didn't realize it was as late as it was. I didn't make it. I am still feeling incredibly guilty about that.

17. Where do you live now? Same place I have for 7 years.

18. Describe your birthday. A group of friends met up with me at our local casino. We had a buffet and then spent a little time with the slot machines.

19. What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2006?

Travel as a 'disabled person' in February. I went to Vegas, while almost completey immobile and using a cane. Trust me when I say it is an eye opening experience to see what disabled people must go through in an airport. While the Canadian side was fantastic and stress-free, the US side was sadly lacking. I was left in tears, and extremely frustrated by the entire situation.

I also never thought I'd see my Dad have a heart attack nor be the one to call 911.

20. What is one thing you regretted this year (2006)?

Hmmm...can I say this here? The Dude is my big regret. I still miss him terribly. I know I shouldn't but I do. I still can't hear The Fray's 'How To Save a Life' without feeling sad. We do still manage a friendship - for which I'm grateful - but our connection is gone.

21. What's something you learned about yourself?

I can deal with crisis situations well. And I have minimal patience for people who play the drama card on things that truly aren't that dramatic.

22. Any new additions to your family?

Callie, my brother's bull mastiff joined our family in September.

23. What was your best month?

Hmmm...I don't really know. This has been a year with some serious challenges. However, the summer was fun. Good weather and good friends.


24. What from the news will you remember 2006 by?

The Litvenko murder (why would they possibly kill a spy in such a dramatic way as with radiation?); Saddam Hussein's demise (December's a bad month for dictators - just ask Romania's Ceaucescu.); the Stanley Park storm damage. And so much more...my head is still filled with many media facts. That's the downfall of being a newsjunkie.