What will make 2012 stand out for you?

Navigated a bit of a work-related crisis in October when our lead desk guy left, but I never let it get the better of me and we had a new guy installed by November. By contrast, my boss is still trying to fill a news-side desk opening that popped up in late October.

My other move in 2012, bringing in one of our weekly writers to do preps, has paid off nicely.

Away from work, not bad at all. Got a week's vacation in Florida with my wife and the extended family, and crossed several things off the do-list around the house that had eluded us both in 2011. One of our four cats died, which sucked, but it's been interesting to watch the others adjust.

My wife successfully pitched herself for two (!) jobs that begin in January, so we're looking forward to a busy 2013.

 

Eventful year for me.

Spent last NYE in India.
Sprained my ankle badly
Ruptured two discs in my back
My dearest friend of 27 years died
Won a national design award
Won a state design award
Got engaged
Ended up as runner-up for huge job I thought I had in the bag
My oldest goddaughter got married
Had back surgery
Got married

 

The 2012 election (likely) led to the end of my newspaper career.
I'll find out Wednesday.

 

I went to bed one night with one life and woke up to a very different one.

The events of 2012 brought me here. The events of 2012 brought unexpected new friends into my life.

 

And Amy doesn't have to share her newbie of the year honor with anyone!

 

The Saturday before Thanksgiving, I finally told my wife I want out after 14 years. It will be a long time before I know which category it goes in.

 

Man, that such a tale was going on kinda came out bit by bit here. Best of luck to you, dixie.

 

This vaguely sums up my 2012:

In the best and most significant ways, this year has been the greatest of my life, but it also included my biggest loss. I've spent nearly every one of the past 365 days watching the two most important people in my life embrace theirs and grow -- in wildly different but equally amazing ways. At the same time, I've spent more than six months now doing my best to ignore the guilt I feel for being so damn happy. I think of all the wonderful little things that make up my life and I can't help but smile. But I think of the one person I can't share them with and it's all I can do to keep from crying.

 

Father died; 3 weeks later, granddaughter was born.

 

There is something to be said about that.

 

Consequences, etc. For what it's worth, I did my damndest to save your job. And the country.

 

I don't work in newspapers anymore, which should make me happy but somehow is a downer anyway. I miss the people and the daily buzz. I don't miss the workload and the asshat managers. I don't know what the future holds, and I sure wish I did.

I hope this country gets back on track in 2013. Happy New Year regardless.