Obligatory Year-End Reminiscences

What to say about 2005? Among the standout events for me was the launch of my blog, about a year after I'd plannned to. I've enjoyed "meeting" the folks who've come here. And I've enjoyed reading many blogs, too. Prior to doing my own, I had never paid them any sustained attention. Lots of good outdoor experiences, including another "last" hunting trip yesterday (last trips are sort of like last casts--you'll always end up making a few more, if the opportunity presents itself). Few really bad things happened to us this year--Kristine's hospitalization (for a freakin' CAT BITE!) was probably the worst that came our way. Our porch renovation might qualify as the runner up, but after all the sweating and swearing, it came out looking pretty good (although some finishing touches await us this spring).

My job goes on, usually neither very fulfilling nor very loathesome. It beats unemployment, I guess.

By most external measurements, I had a pretty good year. Often though, it didn't feel that way. For the most part, we financially secure, we were healthy, and we got to do many things we enjoyed. There's a good chance this state of affairs could continue for some time. Which may or may not be good. I feel like I've hit a point where there's no longer much to look forward to. As if I'm in some comfortable rut, and not sure how to get out or what getting out would look like. Maybe the best way to put it is that I feel my life has assumed a shape that can no longer accomodate aspiration. I occasionally wonder if things would look otherwise if I quit fishing, or at least was more casual about it. Seriously, how many passions can a person accomodate?

But enough moping. I hope everyone has a pleasant new year's eve and a fulfilling year in 2006. Kristine and I will be taking it easy at home tonight, watching a marathon of The Wire on DVD. What is it about Christmas break and crime shows? Three years ago, we watched most of the first two seasons of The Sopanos on tape over break, and I think we saw season three during the next year's holidays. As everyone else prays for peace on earth, I slide vicariously into the criminal netherworld.

Perhaps another symptom of some imbalance within. May we all strike the balance we need in the year ahead.