Things I Learned in 2008

I have been tagged by the incredible Corine of Hidden in France. Now before you skedaddle because you're afraid I might tag you - I invite you to stick around a few moments whilst I get extremely personal. You (and I) might learn a new thing or two about me.

Things I Learned in 2008
The Gallery of Goods:

* I did some difficult things this past year, but none as hard as quitting smoking. I love the taste of the warm smoke entering my throat and swirling into my lungs. I miss the emphasized & deep breath out, which also came with that 'high' of relief. The cigarette saved my stress, my thoughts, my sadness, my rage, my hopes, my happiness - all with one long drag. I quit cold turkey on March 17th (St. Patrick's Day). I did not plan this. It came as a complete shock to me. I just woke up and decided: That's it. Done. Come to think of it, I should go back now and read all my posts from that time period to see if I was a 'freak' or not. I cried for 2 weeks straight. I thought I was (literally) losing my mind. I pulled away from the world; my family, my friends, my co-workers - my dog. I had started smoking when I was 38 shortly after something very sad happened in my life. I used the daily pack as a mask to cover up my broken heart. I finally realized, 11 years later, that cigarettes a) do not change the past and b) do not make you thinner. I quit smoking in 2008. I never thought I could do it. But I did. And I am so very proud of myself. Do I miss them you ask? Yes. Will I smoke again? Yes. When I'm 80 and I can leisurely drink gin and tonic (with lots of lime) on my porch overlooking the water. (in a warm climate)

* This year showed me just how 'global' a citizen I truly am. I cared so deeply for the U.S. election process. It was riveting to me. I was so engaged, enraged and elated. I honestly believe that the type of government in America determines the fate of the entire world. This is not to say that I hold the citizens responsible for my future realities. I just know the power 'she' has to either make or break things and I thank you. Each and every one of you for electing Barack Obama.

* I have been surprised by my maturity as a Mother. I never thought I could let the apron strings loose enough to let a daughter go freely to a country far away. I've managed quite well thank you. (And she is having the experience of a lifetime) I have also been blessed by another grand baby and one more is on the way next week. I have remained calm and hopeful and silly all at the same time. Also, I never dreamed that I could handle the fact that 'my baby', who is now a 13 year old boy, is pulling ever-so-slightly away from me; as all teenage 'guys' do. I do sneak a prolonged hug and kiss on the cheek from him ever now and then.

* I have discovered that I can not and will not be employed by anyone. I can't do it. I must be completely unrestricted in my life. (Was I incarcerated in a past life? Was I a slave?) I have things to share with the world, but I must do it on my terms. I know 2009 will be my year. The year of great, great things. (It is the year I'm turning 50 after all) I hope to share much of my 'things' with all of you!

* Blogging has brought me more joy than I could ever put into words. I feel as though I have met my new best friends - and I'll even go so far as to say - new family members - through blogging.

* I still cannot knit. Much to the dismay of my Mother. Sorry Mom. We tried.

* I still am an excellent cook and baker. I just hate to do it, so I don't. Forgive me.

* I don't understand how - still in 2008 - 'we' can allow anyone on this planet to go hungry or thirsty. And what about their health? We must fix this now. I'll do my part.

* Because of the economic times, I've given up buying magazines. Now for those of you who know me, this is a devastating blow to the fabric of my soul. To the magazine industry: I apologize, but I had to cut back some where and this was my sacrifice. To the advertisers of the magazine industry: Don't worry, I still get fed. I steal magazines from doctor's offices and I hang out in the library to get my sick little fix.

* I figured out that my top snack is a short glass of Coke with lots of ice and pretzels dipped in roasted red pepper dip. Slurpy yummy goodness. Best eaten during the Y&R that I have watched since the very first episode (I'm not kidding) which was back in 1872.

* I want to be a 'great' photographer so much it aches. I want to write well for you and I want to be a darn good Cultural Producer - exposing people to the beauty of the arts, all over the world.

* I love winter again now that I am self-employed. I thank the universe for this because I live in Canada and it was getting pretty dicey the last few years. I would shout to God: 'Why! Why! Why!' when I was stuck (again) on the top of a mountain in a blizzard.

* I want to be a Jew. I want to convert. I have never, ever, ever shared this with anyone except my immediate family, who are finally coming around to this idea. (by the way, we do have Jews in our family) I cannot explain it, other than to say that I have always felt 'Jewish'. Always. Now, how to go about it...one does not know these things...will this be the year I do it....?..I'm pretty sure it is.

* I have not been to an art gallery in 2008 and that was a huge mistake.

* I adore Martha Stewart even more.

* This year was a year of challenging health. I went hyper-thyroid and then I went hypo-thyroid. I'm also chubby because of this (and from quitting smoking), but hey, it's slowly going...slowly. (Perhaps I should get up from this laptop once and a while...That might help. Duh.)

* I'm still a visual person. (no turning back now) I still love to learn and read and share and hug. Cake is still my favorite food group. I'm pulling away from meat. (don't know if this will last)

*Every now and then I get complete satisfaction from saying the word 'fuck'. No other word fills this void for me. Other than those times, I do have some class. I hope to say it less in 2009.

* I am so happy that I hung out with my parents a lot this past year. I love them.

* I could go on. (as you know) But in closing, I want 2009 to be the year of travel and learning and doing. Living life to the fullest (thinner). I know that sounds so damn cliche, but it's true.

Now, I am really, really hoping - I'm counting on you - that these bloggers will honour Corine's idea of this 'Tag Game' - and give up the goods....The Gallery of Goods.
Heck! Forget this! I want all of you to do it! Yes, You and you and you and you and you. Damn it.
And these Top 10 Talents (All Blogebrities) : (ahem...you know the drill)

Cote de Texas
Life in Red Shoes
Mackin Ink
At Home with The Farmer's Wife
Pia Jane Bijkerk
Absolutely Beautiful Things
Beach Bungalow 8
My Marrakesh
Elsa Mora
Carla Love Photography

p.s. Click on that top photo to witness a sweet, sweet face. Those eyes. Aw.