Au revoir, 2010
2010 was a year of change for me. I started a new job in January. I'd been at my previous job for 13 1/2 years. I didn't leave because I wanted to - I left because my division was sold to another company. Fortunately, the new company offered me a position and I was technically only unemployed for a weekend (and believe me, the knowledge that 10% of the country is currently unemployed is never far from my thoughts). I liked my old job for lots of reasons, including the fact that I had no commute (I could actually see the office building from my house and vice versa) and the fact that I was earning almost six weeks of vacation every year. So, at first I was more than a little reluctant to round that corner into something new. I'm not the most adaptable cat out there.
However, in time I came to see that the new job, though very stressful initially, was probably just what I needed. I lost my vacation time and some other benefits, but I was happy to be employed. Whereas my division had been relegated to "red-headed stepchild" status at the old company, our web development team is a valid part of the new one. Honestly, the acquisition was probably for the best - I would have stayed at the old job forever otherwise. Stagnant.
Let's see, what else happened in 2010? Our finances continued to suck. We're hoping things will get a bit better over the next year and a half, when both cars will be paid off. We're also hoping to avoid major household and automotive repairs for a while - this year we had to replace our hot water heater and some expensive part in P's car (after the car was, tragically, out of warranty by just a few miles).
I took up yoga in the fall. I think I'm officially hooked. I have no idea why I waited so long to go. The instructors are so patient, too. My brain may think it is telling my right foot to point straight ahead, but my right foot does not receive the memo. Some kind-hearted instructor always comes around and gently corrects my rebellious appendage.
Other noteworthy events from 2010:
- My baby started Kindergarten. She is rapidly learning to read, and we can no longer spell stuff in front of her (I miss that already).
- We continued to foster for Boxer Rescue. One of the best moments of my entire year was when my senior foster pooch, Fritz, was adopted back in January. The lady who adopted him has become a friend and I know I'm a better person for having met her.
- I turned 40. I'll just leave it at that.
- A and I went to DC in April to visit family. I got mad at the TSA.
- In August, we took a very relaxing family vacation. The kid noted that she interprets "relaxing" as "boring," however.
- In November, the kid and I drove to Oklahoma. The drive was mind-numbing and I'm still working on blocking most of it out.
- Carolina Chocolate Drops: Cornbread and Butterbeans - I love cornbread and butterbeans, and I love this song.
- Kanye West: Monster - I only have a few tracks from Kanye's newest album, but I can see why the critics have offered effusive praise for it. Kanye is a douche, but he knows he's a douche. It's hard to deny that he's got talent. I think Nicki Minaj really makes the song, though.
- The Gaslight Anthem: American Slang - I love just about everything this band does. I think I listened to this song at least once a day for a while there.
- Arcade Fire: Month of May - I thought this was one of the better tracks on The Suburbs.
- Vampire Weekend: Giving up the Gun - This came out early in the year, so I've listened to it to death. Still good stuff, though.
- The New Pornographers: You Hands (Together) - This was probably one of my favorite albums of the year.
- Janelle Monae: Tightrope - I really think she is the next big thing.
- Mumford & Sons: The Cave - I lost a little love for them once they got so popular, but I still dig them.
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