It’s barely February and 2008 has “upheaval” as its theme. Personally, there’s been workplace role changes, a newlywed son away in the military. The very recent and very unexpected death of a father has shaken us. A 3D graphics company I’ve beta-tested for these past 8+ years has been absorbed by Microsoft. The world situation is contributing mightily. Nationally, more war, less work, a realigning election, public engagement driven by frustration.
Somehow, 40 years ago keeps coming to mind. I was a 14 year old growing up in Detroit in 1968. A last year of innocence transformed into adolescent messiness. It was the kind of year that changes everything and cements itself into your psyche, the kind of year scholars ponder ever after.
There’s got to be better things ahead in 2008 (after all, the Detroit Tigers beat the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1968 World Series and the Phoenix Suns just acquired Shaq). Despite dubious change and heartache I’m hopeful. How’s your 2008 shaping up? Will this be a benchmark year? Are you optimistic (or not)?
1/19/2009: Well, it certainly turned out to be a significant year and Loss was it’s theme so I’m glad 08 is gone. We lost Val’s dad, my Aunt Loey, both absolute shocks, and my brothers best friend Dan lost his battle with cancer. We also lost a bird and our 2 elderly cats (and those following our old dog Uma late in 07). Val’s job is in jeopardy, our retirement savings suffering mightily.
On the brighter side we’ve rescued a fantastic dog into the family and one loss was welcome, I’ve lost 35 unwanted pounds (and can run!). AND we voted for a winner. We remain hopeful!
Oh, and while the Suns haven’t panned out the Cards are Super Bowl bound. Life is so weird sometimes, always interesting…