Today was the first day back to the office since the holidays, and since I finished university. On New Year’s Day I was all like, “Da da-da da! Welcome to my First Year of Freedom!” So it’s a little weird that this “fresh new start” for my life actually begins with a return to my same old routine of the past three-and-a-half years. I’m not complaining though. I like the people I work with a lot. We’re all around the same age and get along really well.
So we talked about our holidays and all swapped war stories about how sick we’d been or were currently feeling or could feel coming on. Because, yeah, I’ve been sick. Lots of coughing and sneezing and aching and general unwellness. I’m feeling much better today, though I’m still sporting a bit of that sexy movie-star voice. (i.e. – hoarseness.) It’s an annual thing for me. I’m totally serious when I say that by January 2nd of every year I will be flat on my back with my New Years Cold. For reals.
Today was also the 12th day of Christmas. You know, like the song? My mother always told me that if you didn’t have all your holiday decorations down and packed away by 11:59 pm of Twelfth Day that you would have back luck for all twelve months of the coming year. So, deciding not to take any chances with my Year of Freedom, after dinner Dave did the dishes and I took down the tree.
Taking it down really hit home to me how all of December came and went in a mad and disconnected blur of finals and shopping and family, (oh my!) I had a lot of grand plans for 2008′s holiday season and almost none of them happened. I guess that’s just the way it goes when you have to interrupt the holidays right when you start gaining momentum, just so you can study for exams and finish a paper. By the time that was done the mad dash was on and I was playing catch-up for the rest of the month. (Still am a little bit, actually.)
Now, don’t get me wrong. I had a lovely Christmas and got to spend lots of time with family. It’s just… I guess I’m just glad 2008 is over. I don’t remember ever disliking an entire year before, but there’s a first time for everything. It was rough, I’m not gonna lie, but I already feel like my prospects for 2009 are looking good. Looking great, in fact. Looking like freedom and a new beginning. I mean, heck, I got my tree down on time. And I haven’t not been in school since I was THREE YEARS OLD. Three years old, people.
I packed 2008 away in that box with the Christmas tree tonight. 2009, the YEAR OF FREEDOM is here. Let the games begin!
