I have been thinking for the last few days, as I listen to many friends and acquaintances say how horrible 2011 was for them, and I realized it was a pretty sweet year for me. (Sorry!) Sure, it started with some stress concerning my job, but that was ironed out by mid-April, and I moved into a position where the management staff likes and appreciates me and my work, and I'm primed for a good raise and/or promotion in the next few months (if I'm lucky). I stayed in the position I wanted to stay in but was given a lot of responsibilities and a team of my own, and my boss listens to my opinions. My office is also a lot closer to home than it was.

I saw George Strait live in Vegas and went to a Superbowl Party at the MGM Grand. I went to New York City. I sailed aboard the largest cruise ship on the seas. I finished NaNoWriMo. We adopted a new cat (of evil). Silhouette lived out the year and is still reasonably healthy and amazing his vet. I took a lot of great pictures. I started working out in a new gym (although excess work did keep me from fulfilling my fitness goals). We bought a living room full of great new furniture. I got refunds from the state and the feds. I end the year with my lovely wife, our three cats, bouncy dog, bills in order (modest amount of debt), good job, running vehicle, great friends, and, yeah, about 25-30 pounds more than I want to be, but hey, gives me something to shoot for in 2012.

It sure could have been a lot worse, but I just don't have anything to complain about.

Monday morning weight = 187.6




All kinds of awesome:



Fascinating article.

I hope there's some others who came out of 2011 cheerful.