2016.

2016, what an odd year. A rough year, a fun year, a year with different experiences. Love, sadness, death, happiness.

Tried my hand at working at a Law Office.  Failed that one real bad! But in turn, I was able to land a job at a bar. My bar. The bar where I've met many new people. And I'm so thankful to be working here! I know it's no law office or much of a career move. Especially at this age, but that's okay.  I needed something different. A new experience, a new skill and a new crowd!  I like spending late nights here when I close down. It's so quite, gives me my solitude away from the world. This place keeps me sane, which may sound ridiculous but knowing how my other job is....you'd understand.

I lost a grandmother, sweet, sweet lady.  We weren't very close when we were younger, and I can tell she regretted that.  She moved here to live with my parents who took her and my grandfather in, who passed away years back.  It was a weird transition for pretty much everybody.  She always wanted to buy us things and hang out with us kids.  I suppose we could have done a better job. I could have done a better job.  I did get to go on some awesome trips with her.  Las Vegas with her was hilarious and awesome.  We were able to let lose, I got to see her flirting skills (pretty good if I may add) and many conversations were had.  Then there was the Alaskan Cruise.  I think we were both somewhat disappointed in that trip, but not because of the company we shared, it was just....kind of boring yo.  We did get to try a $100 cognac.  We found a bar on the boat, and it became our regular spot. We spend a lot of time there.  And then there was Japan! We didn't go there together, but I was able to meet up with her and her family there.  18 years since I had been there.  (Granted, that was the end of 2015 and not in 2016)  She had her quirks and annoyances, but so do I.  It was great to be able to spend some time with her, until the very end. I wish I made more of an effort to see her.  I was stubborn and worked too much.

I fell in love in 2015 and lost that love in 2016.  I'm not very good at things like that...All I can say is sorry, but I had to do it. I need to appreciate myself more before others. Then maybe, I won't be so....me?

I dyed my hair! Which is quite a big deal for me. I haven't touched it with color or chemicals since High School and boy do I like it! It was that little change that I needed for a boost.  

Many beloved celebrities have also passed away this year.  Many were quite shocking. David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Prince, Anton Yelchin, Gene Wilder, Alexis Arquette, Leonard Cohen, George Michael, Carrie Fisher and her Mother....and these are just a few of many that passed away this year. Too many if I may say.

Donald Trump is going to be our President.  That is the shock of the century.  I cannot comprehend how someone like him can even be eligible to become POTUS.  Who are these people that voted for him?  Okay...no hatred.  Just curious.  Especially the many women who voted for him.  How do you not see that he despises and degrades and berates women constantly? People are living in fear. Even in a quiet neighborhood like this, bad things are already happening. Hatred is happening.   I think everyone just needs this year to be over.  Seems like more bad than good has happened this year.

One extra amazing thing did happen, though! My sister gave birth to another beautiful boy!  I now have three nephews, all different and unique in their own way.  What a lucky Auntie I am! Their family is growing big so rapidly!  It's incredible watching them grow up and become individual beings.  They all start of so little and knowing so little.  Personalities are become more recognizable, the way they look changes as they get older, I am happy to be able to be in their lives.

All right 2016, it's time to say goodbye. We only have to deal with you for three more days. Let's welcome 2017 amongst great people and with happiness.
I have my trip to New Orleans and hopefully many more to look forward to.

Good Night!