Year in review

Well then, where to start. This year has certainly been busy in many ways, good and bad.

Most obvious thing: we started this blog. Dragon has been writing when he feels like it, I've had the ambition to write something every day, and I've succeeded in it only being late it couple entries, and even those mostly because of communication issues. There have been 613 entries this year and 917 comments and I've been happy with this communication channel and many people have told me that it's been fantastic to get this glimpse into our lives. All of you - I'm humbled by your kind words and as long as I have readers I hope to keep on writing.

Work-wise I settled into a new job and was working very hard on tight deadlines, but still loving it. Surrounded by intelligent, funny and friendly people - and although the commute was a pain I got used to it pretty well. I even made one amazing friend at work, Woja.

I've talked about friendships before, but Woja was really the first (and only) of his kind amongst the friends I made in UK. Steve in emo days was so important to me - but he was intellectual, cultural friend. Good listener, good talker and loyal to the boot. But not silly, not silly at all. Don't get me wrong - Woja can be intellectual and cultural too, but he is also extremely silly. All those things in right portions - with him I could chat about anything, about wrestling, or play the quote game (haven't done that in ages with anyone else: one person quotes something and the next person should reply with the next line, whatever it is... requires very similar interests with the playing partner and can't be played with just anyone). But he could also understand emotions, and talk about feelings, you know - like with your girlfrineds. I was gutted to lose him, but we'll still stay in touch and I'm hoping he'll visit us next year.

Busy describes the year very well in many ways... Didn't go to the movies that much - best movies seen this year have been Finding Nemo, Kill Bill volume 2 and Shaun of the Dead. I had time to read books, about twenty of them, and I'm quite happy I had energy to write about them all. The autor of the year was Richard Morgan, he wins hands down. I read all of his books and loved all of them. Bought some CDs but mainly soundtracks - some gems were found, like ukulele music, but CD of the year for me was George Michaels' Patience.

I really got into yoga. I found something that I truly loved, I trained like mad - but also had to give it up over work and now in Canada over lazyness and fear.

Did I mention busy? First half of the year was spent planning a trip to see SummerSlam in Toronto, and in August we made the trip together with my favourite people Chu and Dragon. One of the best memories of 2004 - I remember the sunny Toronto (and not the sunburns), I remember the wonderful athmosphere in the events that we saw, and kindness of the wrestlers that we met, and I remember the effect Canada had on me.

Well, there's the key word: Canada. Most of the autumn was spent fretting about Dragon's new job, and after the decision, lot of fretting about the move. Lot of bad things to say: leaving my job, country I love, people I love, my home, getting depressed and lonely. Lot of good things to say, too: coping and getting over depression, finding a new home, seeing Dragon relax into his new job, getting to know the fantastic city. It's true: Vancouver might just be the best city in the world... sounds awful to say that, belittling other cities I love like London, Helsinki and Nottingham. But pretty much everything here clicks.

Summa summarum: difficult year, and not as happy as I hoped.

Next year should be better. I'm hoping for a new great job, great new friends and getting back to exercise and yoga. I'm hoping that friends and family will have time and money to come and visit us, and I'm looking forward to showing off the city to them. I'm hoping for another fantastic trip with Chu and Dragon, this time to LA to see Wrestlemania.

Happy new year eveyone.

Later: I shouldn't have bragged about updating daily, as I'm now having serious issues with my web host. Also I'd like to add a new web host to my new year ambitions.

You can't add any more comments, but if you wish you can email the author.