Let's reminisce

[scheherazade_79]

I don't remember a lot about this year, and that's probably a very good thing.

 

[rgraham666]

I don't remember a lot about this year, and that's probably a very good thing.

Would you like to know?

And what would you be willing to do to keep other people from knowing?

 

[Guest]

I don't remember a lot about this year, and that's probably a very good thing.

i remember u

fondly

 

[vampiredust]

I've had some ups and some downs. I enjoyed getting some of my poetry published (and getting paid for it, too) and actually having fun. Going on my first holiday abroad by myself was a fun learning experience, looking forward to my next trip next year.

 

[SeaCat]

2006 was an interesting year for me to say the least. Like all it had it's ups and downs but that's life.

My wife and I met and fell in love with another woman. Then we had to let her go so she could try to make her life better. (She had to get away from her family and we understood that.)

I almost lost my foot to a major infection.

We bought our own place, and are working on fixing it up.

We had the neighbor from the Nut House move in next door.

I worried, needlesly it turned out, about some good friends from here.

I watched Lit pull together after a loss.

I didn't have to weather a Hurricane this year.

I was informed by both my brother and my sister that they would no longer speak with me as I reused to move back north to be closer to the family.

Oh there is so much more.

Cat

 

[sophia jane]

It was a pretty big year for me, too. Moving to Milwaukee with the family being the hugest change, definitely for the better. Overall, there were alot of really great things this year, but for me, personally, it was very difficult emotionally. I'm looking forward to 2007 and hoping it will be more level.

As for the AH- 2006 was the year of the Love Shack and my trip to Milwaukee to be with Logo. The friendships I've developed here have kept me sane.

 

[TE999]

2006

What a year it was.

Posted ten stories on Lit. (#11's in approval mode).

I also met a very nice someone who offered to edit my future writing efforts, of course I accepted..

Met a lot of interesting folks in the AH.

And during the contests!

Lost 30 lbs.

And four waist sizes.

Bulked up too.

Ducked the hurricanes.

Earned a 1,000 hour volunteer pin.

Bought a new car.

Heard from an old college buddy after ten years.

Remodeled my kitchen.

Not bad, not bad at all.

Lookin' forward to the new year.

Good luck in 2007 everyone.

Peace (for real in 2007).

 

[MagicaPractica]

My year was divided into three parts:

The second half of my first year as a teacher -sucky but I decided to go back again as it wasn't the kids making me miserable but the administration.

My summer - sucky as I had a lump removed from my left breast and didn't handle it well mentally but much better when I re-discovered Lit

The first half of my second year as a teacher - just as sucky because of same. Wondering if I need to change my mind set, the school I'm working in or go back to public library work. Also found somebody I enjoyed spending time with in this period and had a lot of fun with him but that didn't work out. Still glad to have known him.

Hoping next year will be much better or I manage to get a really good novel out of it.

 

[impressive]

Mixed.

2006 had some very nice times and some very painful times. The true highs were few and far between, and I don't really consider them plentiful enough to balance some downright nasty lows and some ongoing issues. I spent the latter months of the year in a guarded emotional state -- which tends to put a damper on both the good and the bad. It's a tenuous balance, and it takes a lot of energy to maintain.

Professionally, I worked my ass off writing, editing, designing covers, and doing promo -- and that is paying off nicely. I'll carry that momentum into 2007.

Offline, to all outward appearances, my life chugged along as "normal," but I laid the foundation for some major changes. Whatever it brings, I'm certain that 2007 will not be boring.

 

[kiten69]

what was your year like?

Highs and lows? what made you laugh and cry and freak out with anger? what did you achieve?. did u meet new and interesting people? did u fall in love? out of love? did you have incredible sex? who with? we want the details

and what about lit and the ah? this has been one of the best years of my life because of this place called the ah. thanks to everyone who makes my life better for being in it

For me 2006 was like no other, a real turning point in my life filled with a few highs and lots of lows. The lows I will not share as they are very personal.

The highs, well lets see...

~I got back into school and actually decided on a degree.
~I found a job that I absolutely love.
~I watched my youngest son learn to write.
~I made some personal changes that have made me a stronger, happier person.
~And this is perhaps the most exceptional high of 2006 for me...

I've also met someone who I feel like I've been looking for my entire life. I never imagined actually finding a woman who shared so many of my hopes and fantasies. Only knowing her for a short time, I can't predict where it will lead, but I am treasuring every moment.

He really is the kindest, gentlest man I know. In the short amount of time I have known him he has added such quality to my life. He makes me feel like a princess...like I am one of the most important things in the world to him. **SIGH** He's AWESOME!!!

~As for the incredible sex...hehehe...well 18 orgasms in roughly 36 hours is way beyond incredible!! And I believe everyone knows who it was with.

~Lit and the AH...YOU GUYS ROCK!!!...this really has become my home away from home.

 

[Roxanne Appleby]

It was a pretty big year for me, too. . . . but for me, personally, it was very difficult emotionally.

Huh, really? You always seem so unperturbed . . .

Sorry, hon, couldn't resist.

Let me say as someone who doesn't really know you but has watched your progress via your posts in the past year, in many ways you epitomize "moving from one set of problems to a better set of problems." Remember the pychotic ex-girlfriend-from-hell of the ex-spouse, with the threats and terror? Remember the - Oh heck, I don't know what else, but you do. Now look at where you are and what the challenges are - it seems a lot better and a lot less, respectively, at least from this remove.

Best wishes, and hoping that 2007 is the year that you can settle in and enjoy some peace.

Siincerely,

Roxanne

 

[sophia jane]

Huh, really? You always seem so unperturbed . . .

Sorry, hon, couldn't resist.

Let me say as someone who doesn't really know you but has watched your progress via your posts in the past year, in many ways you epitomize "moving from one set of problems to a better set of problems." Remember the pychotic ex-girlfriend-from-hell of the ex-spouse, with the threats and terror? Remember the - Oh heck, I don't know what else, but you do. Now look at where you are and what the challenges are - it seems a lot better and a lot less, respectively, at least from this remove.

Best wishes, and hoping that 2007 is the year that you can settle in and enjoy some peace.

Siincerely,

Roxanne

You're right. And thank you for the reminder.

 

[Trombonus]

This year has been one of some incredibly high ups, and some below the belt lows, but all in all I'm happier than I've ever been in my life. I have good friends, and I've hung out with people more this past year than the entire rest of my life. And of course, possibly the best thing that happened to me this year was Lit and all you amazing people. I'll never forget how you all made my birthday one of the best I've had in many MANY years.

thanks for everything guys.

 

[Roxanne Appleby]

You're right. And thank you for the reminder.

De nada. I'm a big fan of counting blessings. I think it's one of the most important keys to happiness, actually.

 

[scheherazade_79]

Would you like to know?

And what would you be willing to do to keep other people from knowing?

Most people know already

I did sit down and try to write a review of the year last night, but I ended up staring at a blank page for half an hour, wondering where the hell I should start.

The first 6 months in particular are a total haze. I don't remember how I spent Valentine's day, and I have no idea what happened on my birthday

i remember u

fondly

Actually, you're one of the things about 2006 that I definitely choose to remember

I was supposed to spend New Year's Eve last year in Amsterdam. Instead I ended up in an ugly and crowded London street when midnight struck. That kind of set the scene for the whole year.

This year I'm seeing the new year in on a beach, miles away from people.

 

[English Lady]

Well, the highest high was getting an email telling me my story "Proving Santa Exists" was accepted by phaze to be published and to be honest, thay thrill didn't diminish for the other two either. I feel like I'm living a dream. Yes, it's hard work but hard work I love!

My little girl went to "big school" and she loves it. Seeing her develop is a joy, and watching her in school plays is just so very much a highlight of 2006 for me

My husband's granddad died -Beth's great grandad. Very sad in a way, but he was 93 and in much pain towards the end, so it is good that he's now at rest.

I did NaNo again but didn't reach 50k, however I've got a lovely litte 35k (ish) novella out of it

I've progressed lot in my writing this year and I must thank Rumply for that, his editing has really helped me. I've also found a new level of motivation, or maybe I've just gotten less lazy


I discovered the GB and discovered I like it over there. Now I must nip over, I've not posted over there in ages.


had lots of laughs and giggles with my husband and some mind bogglingly good sex. We've known each other for 9 years and yet we're still discovering new things together

Developed a friendship that never ceases to make me smile.

I've seen the beauty of friendship here at the AH everal times this year. It never ceases to amaze me how much people care here.

I've joined a church regularly, become a member of the choir and have found all this to be good for me spiritually.

My mum wa involved in a horrendous car rash which killed her bestfriend/boyfriend. My mum survived with "just" a cut to the forehead and some bruises and grazes. She was protected, weall know it and this has strengthend our Faith, our friendship and our family. My aunty, who wouldn't have anything to do with mum before the acident now is fully involved in our lives again. A massive sadness came from his event, it was a tradgedy no two ways about it, but many positives have come from it.


Went to my friends wedding and had fun with my old college friends.

Went to see Clif Richard in concert -a life long dream of mine and loved every moment of it -it was amazing.

We moved house -again.


I'll come back and add more, I know I will. this has been a year of change and development definitely.

 

[inlovewithyourghost]

year number 25...

...has been quite a year for me.

A year of revelations to be sure.

The funny thing is that it wasn't moving to a new city, it wasn't graduating, it wasn't taking a new position with my job... None of these things made a big difference in my life this year. No. The biggest changes for me were the emotional leaps that I have taken.

It all started when I kicked off the New Year with a little unexpected excitement. I had a doctor's appointment at 2:30 one January afternoon. And if my friend hadn't dropped by unexpectedly that same morning, I would have died in my sleep waiting for it.

Something about being 25 and on a death-bed makes you rethink things. Take inventory, as it were. The wonderful part is that the things which used to be so terrifying, suddenly are no big deal anymore. And with this new found serenity I searched my soul... and started writing.

I wrote my first story, found Lit, and submitted it. At first, I was impartial to the website, didn't read any of the other stories, and didn't really take interest in how it was received. In all honesty, it was a way to admit to myself that I'm a lesbian. I just wanted it out there, somewhere.

Then I got a little feedback, and it actually touched me. I had already written more of the story, and decided that I wanted to put it out as well. But I'm not really a writer, and I knew I needed help to get the rest of the story ready. That's when I hit the forums and met Colleen. She was So sweet. And so helpful. She gave me constructive advice and was wonderful. I miss her. When she died, I just kind of stopped writing. I'll pick it up again, I'm sure. But I don't think I'll continue the same story.

But on the forums I made some friends. Some that I don't see around anymore and miss terribly. But I am grateful for the opportunity to have crossed their paths. Ultimately, I thank them for giving me the courage to come out to my sister - which turned out to be a really good experience. They just... made me feel welcome, answered questions, and helped me through some difficult times.

Like when my mother was diagnosed. In the beginning, everything was looking to be on her side. She pulled through the first surgery strong. But they didn't get all of the tumor. She's had 2 more surgeries since that time, and is scheduled for a third on December 26th. I spent Thanksgiving with them... She is now confined to a hospital bed in the living room. Nurses come twice a day to take care of her.

In January, I will be taking a leave of absence and staying with them for most of the month. My hope is that the new year will bring her strength, and that I will be there to do her rehab. My fear is that she will continue to fade, and that I will be helpless to do anything but hold her when she takes her last breath.

*smiles* In any case, I have resolved myself to accept whatever the New Year may bring. *nods* May it be life, or death... May it be love, or another year of walking through life with no one's hand to hold... May my friends, family, and the world accept or reject me for being who I really am... Que Sera, Sera. What will be, will be. And in the mean time... I will continue to have hope. For myself, and for all of you. *blows kisses to everyone*

 

[Fallenfromgrace]

This year has been on the whole good, better than 2005 by a long shot, but i dont think i'd want to do it again. I want to focus on my future.


Last year, i spent new years eve with some of my best friends- my 1st new years without my parents. We went to a great club and saw the new year in with style.

This year has been interesting:

completing my 1st year at uni (bloody hard work)
My 1st serious GF- we had some good times, but then it became too much for me and i ended it.
Wonderful friends at uni stuck by me even when i remained tight lipped.
2 cousins were born this year and another is 8 days late!
I finally joined lit after occasionnally reading stories on the site, and i finally submitted. My 1st serious piece being well received, and the guidance i received will never be forgotten.
Meeting wonderful people here, you all know who you are.
Feeling genuinly cared about even if some of those people are halfway around the word!

Still harming.
had uni resits
huge huge bust up at uni within the group
Hiding from my art and my poetry.


I am so so greatful to all the friends i have made here, you all make me smile when i feel bad, of course thats not all but that's what i wanted to say.
For some people, i wish i could take your pain- physical or mental and carry it for you, or make it easier to bear at least.

Here's to a wonderful, fulfilling 2007.

 

[Nirvanadragones]

I have been thinking about this often, and I don't know what to say yet, except that I wish I could have the chance to do this year over again - although I don't know what I would do differently, and I have no regrets.

 

[Misty_Morning]

......

 

[rgraham666]

Well, my year has been a rollercoaster ride:


High: I recieved several awards, a promotion and a big raise at work.
Low: Then I lost funding for my position at the end of the fiscal year.

High: I have had several job offers since.
Low: But they're for things I don't want to do.

High: Made a chunk of money off a couple investments.
Low: I got audited by the IRS for my tax return for two years ago, and had to pay back taxes and penalties.

High: Made several new friends this year.
Low: I lost two friends this year.

High: Finally took the step to commit to a serious relationship.
Low: I just broke up with her a few days ago.

High: The year isn't over yet.
Low: The year isn't over yet.

*HUGS* Misty.

If you're still around to bitch about it, it wasn't that bad.

 

[Misty_Morning]

*HUGS* Misty.

If you're still around to bitch about it, it wasn't that bad.

Thanks, Rob.


Life goes on, and so do I.

 

[past_perfect]

Hm, was an okayish year for me I suppose:

High: Joined Lit, met some interesting people, started writing again after a 9 year pause, felt still reasonably alive for most of the year.

Low: Took on some work I don't really like, lost my old fuck buddy and am too lazy to find a new one, started too many projects to handle at the same time.

 

[Nirvanadragones]

I have been thinking about this often, and I don't know what to say yet, except that I wish I could have the chance to do this year over again - although I don't know what I would do differently, and I have no regrets.

2006:

I'm not particularly proud of this year. I feel unsatisfied, but then I also know that everything that happened to me this year, has changed me, and brought me to the specific place in the universe I am now.

I ended a 10 year relationship with my husband, which has now settled into a comfortable friendship and co-parenting.

I became pregnant with a precious angel, gave birth to her, and was able to have her with me for 5 days. And then she left.

Where my career is concerned, I was unfocused, demotivated and unproductive. It was the worst working year of my life.

I did not complete my studies. I got an extention on my thesis AGAIN, and I am rewriting two subjects for my post-graduate in April next year.

I experienced my daughter growing, and changing, learning, being, loving - showing me her world.

I fell deeply in love, I still am. And I found someone I did not know existed. A love that adds the most beautiful elements to my life, yet the yearning and longing is also very real and hurts more than I could possibly imagine.

I met some incredible friends, some of whom are so much part of my life right now, i cannot imagine not having them with me. I felt support and love that touched me more than I can explain.

I moved far away from my spiritual self at times, in other moments I held on for dear life.

In a nut-shell: I loved deeply, I had some earth-shattering orgasms, enough chocolate to feed Europe, and I learnt more about myself.

2007?

I was talking to a friend yesterday. I want to post part of the conversation and hope she will forgive me for doing so without asking her permissions first.

Me: I hope that I will be able to figure out more about this thing we call living, in 2007. I want to hide for a few years.
Me: I wonder what the caterpillar thinks about while it’s in the cocoon
Friend: It's probably safe & warm & afraid to leave it
Me: But it also knows it's a necessary process
Friend: Necessary yes
Me: and it also knows - it's a natural instinct, for it to know that it will be born
Friend: but it's also a victim to it. It has no choice
Friend: change
Friend: or die
Friend: True victims have NO choice
Me: For me, It's not a matter of choosing it because I would feel safe and warm and afraid of the outside
Me: Maybe I'm using the term “hide" wrongly
Friend: "become"
Me: I've been " out there" for so long
Me: I'm tired of the elements
Friend: "sheltered"
Friend: protected

I will seek shelter and protection for myself in 2007. I'm tired, a little bruised and battered. I'll take the time to feel "me". To make sure everything is still in the right place, and whole. Repair might be necesarry.

I'll do it for me.

 

[scheherazade_79]

Ok, now I'm ready to do a proper job

'What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.' -
Ralph Waldo Emerson​

This year:

I walked away from a six month relationship.
I got sworn at, screamed at and spat at nearly every day for five months.
I suddenly got the guts to tell the brutal truth at my workplace. When I was asked to write my own job description, just like Lester Vernon in American Beauty, I didn't hold back, and it felt absolutely amazing.
I got sicker than I've ever been in my life.
I got told it was likely I had a terminal illness.
In the middle of this I got instructed by my boss to either hand in my resignation, or face getting formally fired.
I took a Zade smoking holiday.
I quit my job and had a massive bonfire on the beach with the mountains of paperwork I'd accumulated. When the flames were at their highest, I took a photo and sent it to my boss with the caption - 'Doesn't bureaucratic bullshit burn well?'
I made new friends on Lit that snapped me out of my downer - Vana, Roxanne, Fem Thank you.
I went to my first Lit-together, and met Mat, Mindy, Lucky, Vella and Becca. It was one of the coolest trips I've ever made
My dog, who was also my best friend died.
I got a job that was way cooler than the last.
I totally fell for this blonde psycho bitch
I partied my arse off.


Regrets? None.

I'd really like 2007 to be a little kinder than this year, but if it isn't I'll just handle it - like I did with this year.