In year's past, I have closed out the year with a "year in review", and still plan to do so - though, it's going to come a couple days late this year. But I figure in the meantime, I'll offer my thoughts on the last twelve months in what should be my final post of ***7, because it truly has been a roller coaster.

This has been a year with some positives. I've been blessed with some great friends. I've been blessed with the fact that, ailments and all, my father has made it through another year. I've been blessed to have my health, for the most part, though it hasn't been easy. There was getting to see my father twice, despite the 1,500 miles seperating us. And, of course, after years of speaking out, I got the news that our almighty Queen is on her way to the Hall Of Fame...

This has been a year of negatives, too. There have been some conflicts (we won't get into those here, though). There was the ill-fated manner in which my trip to Dallas ended. There have been tough spells and emotional valleys and fears.

This has been a year of The Price Is Right. From the amusement of being bear-hugged on national television by a relative stranger, to the thrill of being there for Bob Barker's final prime time special, to the elation of The Handshake, to the heartbreaking finale, to the fear of "Oh no, who are they going to hire to replace him?!", to the thrill of finding out we're getting Drew Carey, to the anxiety over the set changes, to sending Chuck off in grand style, to watching Robert walk away with both Showcases, Television City has provided no shortage of memories and moments for me this year.

This has been a year of reflection. Reflecting on myself, on those in my life, on my past.

This has been a year with loss. So many people who left an impact upon my life - most of whom I've never known - who left this world. I'm left with both gratitude for what they meant to my life, and sadness over the fact they're gone. You can definitely expect a list in the "review" post...

This has been a year of fiascos - corporations selling unsafe food, crooked politicians, and a media more obsessed with stupid, childish, self-destructive celebrities than what's going on in the real world.

But most importantly, this has been a year of love. Dragging my loud ass to Los Angeles to express my love for a living legend. Friends who have been there, and who have had my back. Friends who have been the wind beneath my wings, and friends who made sure I wouldn't spend Thanksgiving or my birthday alone. Friends who have shared my highest highs, and lowest lows, with me.

Once again, I thank each and every one of you.

Happy New Year to you all! May this next one be better.

Labels: Barker Worship, Madge Worship, Mi Vida Loca, That's What Friends Are For