I’m not even going to try to sugar coat it. A lot of 2009 sucked for me and I’m glad it’s over.
The highlight of my New Year’s Eve was watching the Blue Moon rise over the Mule Mountains just as the sun was setting in the West.
I was joyous to see the moon smiling down on us. It seemed to be a reminder that each new day will pass and the crap I just went through will soon be a fading memory.
I am thankful to see this year end. Here’s why:
- I had cancer removed from my face.
- I had precancerous polyps and hemorrhoids removed from my ass. You have no idea what the pain was like unless you’ve birthed an elephant — not to mention the scary “C” word TWICE in a year.
- One of my best friends died suddenly and they could not locate my number so I found out four months later. I miss her very much
- I was bitten by a black widow. Not. Fun.
- A friend of ours was killed in a terrible car accident.
- My father died.
- I spent New Year’s Eve sick as a dog with a head cold and a sinus infection.
And I couldn’t be happier. Seriously, I’m happy.
Happiness comes from within. It’s a choice. A lifestyle to live by. Sure, all these bad things happened to me over the past 12 months, bad things happened to everyone this year.  That being said, right now, in the present, I’m sitting here drinking coffee and blogging with a warm kitty on my lap. I have a head cold but the post morning NyQuil haze that makes everything all comfy is humming away in the background. It’s a beautiful sunny day and I am blessed — blessed by the life that I have.
Ray and I are thankful for our friends, community, jobs, and all the other creature comforts that make life here at Stolen Horseshoe so awesome. We stayed home this New Year’s Eve and sat by the fire with the kitty while toasting the new year with Maker’s Mark Manhattans. Naturally, Ray made a delicious meal. NyQuil knocked me out at the Ten O’ Clock hour but that’s OK. I woke up feeling better than I have for days and I don’t have a nasty hangover. It’s a new day –hell, a new year — a new DECADE! So to end on a high note, I want to express a few good things that happened this year.
- I was financially able to upgrade my multimedia equipment (camera, computer, software, new guitar).
- I ran and worked out regularly to the point where I physically changed my body (for the better).
- Ray and I got a lot of DIY projects done around the house.
- I challenged myself with the Bisbee Idol contest and won.
- I wrote and performed my own comedy routine (which got me an offer to play the lead in a show this Spring).
- I began writing music again and kept up with my blog as best I could.
- I was faced with the challenge of nursing my dying father and didn’t run away. I really took care of him and he taught me compassion.
- I met and got to know all sorts of new and old friends on Facebook and in person.
Actually, I could go on and on about the good stuff from this year. I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Don’t get me wrong, there was some pretty icky things I had to face in 2009 but it’s over and the mere fact that I made a choice to remain happy no matter what is what got me through it — that and some great friends, family and several martinis.
You are truly blessed, Cobban. Thank you for sharing your life with us. All of the highs and lows, along with the lessons learned and wisdom gained. I am grateful to have found you again. Your actions inspire me. I think I’ll take a page from your book and restart my blog now.
May you and Ray (and the kitteh!) continue to thrive and grow.
Blessed be!
Happy New Year Cobban!!
May 2010 bring you and yours tremendous joy and happiness.
– btw – the face thing and the polyp thing..been there this year as well. You’re a brave soul for emerging from these events with a positive attitude.
On to the new year!
Happy New Year Cobban!
Happiness is a choice. I wish more people would see that.
Here’s to a great 2010.
Happy New Year Cobban 😀
I have to say, that I believe 2009 sucked for most of us Fire signs :D!!! We are really looking forward to moving back to US next month and living in wonderful Cochise County. I am sorry you went through so much during the last year and I feel you- big time. All I can say is that it was awesome to wave goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010.
We did have a great New Year’s Eve. The Germans celebrate like nothing I have seen before and everyone seems to have a major arsenal of fireworks on hand. I was lucky to dodge a spent bottle rocket (which reminded me of the year that Bear and Kevin M. sent a crazy rocket towards us sitting in the peanut gallery that almost took poor Tom out) and still had a great time. LOL..
I miss you all and can’t wait to catch up. I hit 40 (finally) and I feel fabulous. I have waited 40 freaking years to finally say that.
Big hugs and please give Ray a hug for me!
Shawnee
I’ve never been so happy for a year to end and a new to begin, this past year has not been the best for me either, too many losses… … I wish I could put into words my feelings as well as you do Cobban, you’re very eloquent, show a lot of class with your words …
all I can say is ‘Live like you were dying..’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNWg5DlWVa8
That picture is serene and gorgeous (I assume you took it?) and so is your attitude. Faced with a huge number of challenges you stayed strong and positive and came through. I hope you and Ray have a healthy, happy and much better 2010.
Your voice inspires me to “ring out the old and ring in the new.” It’s February already but let’s sing George Harrison’s “Ding Dong, Ding Dong” song together anyway.