Hurry Up 2009

I think it is safe to say that 2008 has been the worst year ever. I remember the summer of 2007 – fresh out of college, optimistic about my future career, about to embark on a European adventure with a friend, and an entire summer of doing nothing to look forward to. It was during this time that I started to hustle … oh yes, I was flat broke, but I figured that’s what you get for not working and jetting around Western Europe. It should have been a sign to everyone when I started a not so lucrative business convincing family friends that I was a carpenter. I answered the phone as the “Tool Belt Diva” and so began my first and only stint as a closet installer. I think the woman knew I had no idea what I was doing, took pity on me, and had me push the carriage around Lowes.

So 2008 was going to be my year and it started off well enough with a two week break in Aruba. We rang in the New Year in style and I came back refreshed and hopeful for the future. My first job was coming my way – I even had my first celebratory purchase picked out for when I was offered the job. Well this phantom job did not come! I was courted by a certain publishing company and then had that all too familiar feeling when he stopped calling and emails went unanswered. I had been down this road before and I knew what it meant … I had been dumped and I was devastated. No apology, no discussion, it was just over. Looking back on 2008, I realize that this was first in a long series of events that would add to 2008 being the worst year ever. Other events, in no particular order, are as follows:

First, my bestest friend/daytime drinking partner moved halfway around the world. Good for her, bad for me. Then there was an ill-fated attempt at becoming a chronic smoker which did not work out so well. I ended up burning my fingers and wasting a lot of money. My little puppy dog had a seizure and subsequent MRI and Spinal Tap to diagnose her illness. After 5 days of crying and preparing myself for the death of my furry friend due to Pug Dog Encephalitis, the doggie neurosurgeon told us she had epilepsy … wonderful.

And to end the year off right, I got a cavity. After nearly 2 decades of perfect oral hygiene, this was distressing news. I was hoping that they would prescribe Valium after getting said cavity filled … they didn’t.

I again will be jetting off to Aruba for the New Year. During this time I will relax on the beach, read all the books that I have been meaning to, and enjoy many a cocktail. I am going to start 2009 off right with a party dress, nice shoes, and champagne. So here is to 2009, may it be happier, healthier, and full of good girls who floss their teeth.