I really think this is true, to a certain extent, so I do strive to put more positive energy out into the world than negative. And this applies to the current moment, forward-looking, and reviewing my past. Part of the thought process in reviewing one's past is letting go, forgiving, and accepting - all simple enough terms, but really difficult goals when you get right down to it. Who doesn't know a parent who experienced a difficult time letting go of a child and allowing that child to make his or her own life decisions, with all the consequences that come with transitioning into adulthood? Who hasn't themself experienced a moment in which you just couldn't forgive and forget? And who hasn't looked at themself in the mirror, focusing on all the flaws instead of just accepting that you are beautiful, just the way you are?
Keeping this in mind, I'd like to take a look at 2010 and remember all the beautiful things, the things that made me laugh, or the things that made me cry tears of joy, or just the moments that brought me good news. So, without further ado, the awesome that was 2010:
- January. When I first opened my eyes on New Year's Day 2010, my vision was full of ribbons and balloons, which was a really intoxicating, intimate experience that reminded me of the joys of childhood, especially when Ali (who was sleeping on the air mattress next to me) started laughing to the point of breathlessness and grabbing at all the balloons with her hands and feet. The Lucchesi brothers had stolen the balloons from some bar in San Francisco on New Year's Eve and wandered all over town with them for the rest of the night, only to spy us sleeping in the basement when they returned home - they thought it would be a fun present. It was.
- February. After being unemployed and uninsured for over a year, I finally started my current job as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. Although I know plenty of people who are content to be a housewife or house-husband, I was never really happy when I wasn't working. There aren't enough positive things to say in my world about receiving a paycheck and health insurance. Moreover, I don't have the words to express how satisfying it is to be productive and hopefully be making a difference, and to get paid for the privilege.
- March. Although I had, at the time, completely removed myself from the process and was eagerly discovering where all my new friends would be living and working for the next two years, one of the most unexpected and truly gratifying gifts I received this year was my assignment to Buenos Aires. Someone, or many someones, was looking out for me when they selected me for Argentina. I absolutely love it here. And I think the number one reason for that is the people - there are such great people working here at Embassy Buenos Aires, Americans and Argentines alike. I have made such good friends, learned a lot on the job, experienced quite a bit of the city and some of the other provinces, recieved quite a few ego boosts from Argentine men, developed a minor crush on one Argentine man in particular (since there is nothing to tell, I'm not spilling!), and learned to love living small, within my own boundaries, at my own pace. Perhaps the joy is just a natural result of my insistence on making the best of whatever comes my way. But regardless, I am happy here.
- April. My first Cherry Blossom Festival in DC. I avoid crowds like the plague, but Marilyn had a suggestion that beat all get out: she, Stephanie and I arose before dawn to walk down to the Tidal Basin and see the sun rise over the cherry trees. There aren't a lot of people on the streets in DC at 6AM, which meant that it was fairy tale perfect. And I finally crossed off another life list item: sit on Einstein's lap!
- May. The most important thing in my life are my friends (and family!). I may be one of the world's worst correspondents and I freely admit to hating the phone, but I think of you all the time, day in and day out, hoping that you are happy, wondering what new adventures you are up to, remembering the times we shared together, and looking forward to the next time I get to hug and squeeze you (or, in Andrew's case, get my revenge and throw you in a garbage can). In May I was visited by two of my dearest friends (Mel, Estee, you know I am looking at you!), I celebrated the Kentucky Derby and Stephanie at her Kentucky Derby birthday party with all of our new Foreign Service friends, I said goodbye to the most infamous carpool ever (geez, Max, Emma, Sean, I actually miss those godawful cds Max used to play for us on our way into work - R. Kelly, anyone?), I spent an afternoon hiking with the Spouse family at Great Falls, and I attended Morgan's wedding in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. If there is anything that the "jet-setting" lifestyle of the Foreign Service teaches you, it is to take advantage of what you have when you have it. (The flip side is to also learn when you've had enough and it's time to say "no.") Guys, how I do so love taking advantage of you...wait, I meant that in a really nice way, I swear!
- June. How many ivy league grads does it take to blow up an air mattress? Seriously, guys, how many? We discovered that it was precisely 5. The same number of ivy league grads you can fit into a deliciously tiny one-bedroom DC apartment for a weekend. Plus Maggie.
- July. I moved to Argentina. I experienced new sights, new sounds, a new culture, a new take on an old language. It was difficult. It was exciting. It changed my life. And I love, love, LOVE IT.
- August. I discovered Oui Oui. I like to eat, and I like to eat the way Americans eat for breakfast. None of that croissant, a coffee and a cigarette bull-poop Argentine style of eating breakfast. And none of that weak, soggy ham and cheese, plus yogurt and unripe fruit European/continental style breakfast either. Give me waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, homefries, toast, and a side of scrapple, if you please! And Oui Oui delivers, baby, Oui Oui delivers. Except for the scrapple. That was just me going overboard. Did I mention that I love Oui Oui?!!
- September. Kaitlin and Matt, my first two visitors. I really enjoyed hearing about their experiences at their posts, and really learned from their stories. More importantly, to me at least, I found the support I didn't know I needed. Even though everyone in my Foreign Service class is doing vastly different jobs, there are still Junior Officer experiences that we all share, can learn from, can kvetch about, and can grow from. That, and Kaitlin and Matt just plain rock.
- October. The tradition continues! The Ladies Lunch Club of Lima has now morphed into the Ladies Brunch Club of Buenos Aires. Our inaugural brunch was on Argentina's Mother's Day at the Evita Cafe. We shared stories, dirty jokes, an afternoon full of laughter, and it was good. Really good.
- November. Hands down, no question, November was AWESOME. It always rocks because it is the month that contains Thanksgiving, but in 2010 I turned 31. While dancing. On a glacier. In Patagonia.
- December. And this brings me back to the last post...New Year's Eve. I can sum it up in one short sentence (in case you missed it last time): 360 FREAKIN' DEGREES OF FIREWORKS.
No comments:
Post a Comment