2008 was not a great year, but at least the United States is still standing, I have my health and a roof over my head, and the malls are open.
Best Weight Story: I haven’t gained any weight. Of course, I haven’t lost any weight either. After modifications in my food choices and more exercise, you’d think I could drop at least one pound. Not happening. Maybe I should go on one of those tofu and water diets. . . .
Healthy Year Story: I did get one cold at an inconvenient time, but I learned something in the process. After trying to sit through a production of “Othello” while my nose did its impression of a water main break, I learned that I do not like theatre in the round or performed in the midst of the audience on what the industry calls a thrust stage. The play was wonderful, but the close proximity of the actors to me was so intimate that I got a bonus case of the hinkeys watching the Moor slay Desdemona. Have you ever felt like a passive witness to murder with a ticket in your hand? To add insult to injury, my theatre class instructor cornered me outside to ask what I thought, and I bawled, “It was soooo intense,” while my eyes teared up and my nose ran a blue streak. She was thrilled that I apparently got so involved in the experience. I’ll let her enjoy what was my worst acting performance ever; why ruin the illusion?
Best Non-Moment: The day I went to see “Les Miserables” in Philadelphia, the weather was the hottest of the year, but I hit upon one of those rare days in which my hair stayed put in the humidity and my face didn’t explode in the heat. I had on my nicest outfit, I spritzed on my special occasion perfume and public transportation performed flawlessly. The show was great and worth the wait. So on a whim I stood by with a few more “stage door Janeys” to catch a glimpse of the star of the show (the only reason I’ve plunked down any entertainment money in the past two years that didn’t involve the above theatre class outings has been to see this one individual). The responsibility of two performances that day precluded his coming out to chat that afternoon. I did get to meet some of the other devotees in the lobby, so we had a fun chat in his absence. I was also able to confirm later that the well-dressed folks I was admiring outside the theatre before the doors opened were the family members of said star, so I guess I get a point for looking so good in such good company.
Best Non-Date Moment: It’s kind of strange when your avatar in Second Life gets hit on more than you do in real life.
Best Writing Moment: I’ve managed to crank out another chapter of my novel. I’m supposed to have something written for a planned writer’s group anthology by January 10. If I can get that done, I’ll feel even better.
Worst Writing Moment: Trying to write a paper on Frankenstein for the fourth time since I went back to college. I had to email it to the instructor at last after having had enough of micro-managing the darn thing for three weeks. Being a smothering parent to a piece of work is a writer’s worst vice.
Strangest Thing I Gave Up This Year: I stopped using my radio on July 8. After being into music culture in my car and at home most of my life, the silence is eerie. Now everybody else is into satellite radio, but I’m not buying into that.
As in previous years, I’ve given up giving up things for Lent for Lent: works every year (which is strange, because I don’t observe Lent).
Things I Discovered This Year: Orbit Citrus Mint gum, grape flavored water and chocolate covered pomegranate pips.
Next Year: I hope to finally get to greet said performer, lose some weight, not catch a cold and never again be forced to write a paper on Frankenstein. I want to have my novel finished by May and that January 10 paper looking sharp. With any luck, everybody will have more good than bad moments. And the malls will stay open.
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