2006.
OK, lets get the negs out of the way early, so that we can really savor the positives. In January, my dad passed away after a long illness. He had a very good life, I think. He more or less told me so on his last visit to see me in Oregon, May 2004. He’s with the maker now, which is really a lot nicer place than he was in the last year. Peace and take it easy, Dad.
Health wise I had a fair-poor year. I broke a finger XC skiing in February. Fell carrying some firewood on a dark snowy night and bruised some ribs as wells as aggravating a tear in my diaphragm. In the summer I used good exercise time for other pursuits. So, I got a little heavier and didn’t ride anywhere near as much as I should.
Then, before Thanksgiving, I came down with what was initially diagnosed as the flu. Taking the doctors advice, I went home for rest, fluids, and Tylenol. Three days later (Thanksgiving Day) I’m back in the ER finding out that I really had strep which had grown wildly into bronchial pneumonia. Forgive my language, in advance. That kicked my fucking ass. I’m feeling about 80% and my doctors told me it would be 2-6 months before I get back to normal. I have good days and bad days.
SO….that pretty much covers the downside. Not one of my better years for bad stuff.
The Plusses.
I turned a few new leaves this year.
In music, I finally found the inspiration and motivation to move about 12 of my songs to the mastering stage. With a bit of luck and a lot of sweat I’ll get the CD to the manufacturer by February. I’m not quite sure why it’s coming together now after 8 years or so of progress and back-sliding. Look for more info on the release right here in March, ‘07.
Also, my involvement with WRUV has been a big inspiration, first as a DJ, more recently as a member of the station’s executive board. It’s an all-volunteer, all-music, non-commercial, free-format media alternative. Hey, it’s a college radio station, but the station streams on the internet and has over 75,000 CD’s (guesstimate,) not to mention the vinyl. If you listen, you’ll definitely hear a lot of new music, and for sure a lot of music you’ve never heard before.
I’ve even ramped up my guitar playing, which is not too bad after so many years of abject neglect. I’ve also been working on my keyboards skills, which are better than ever, though that ’s not saying much. The more I work with electronic music, the more I like organic, human instrument sounds. I really enjoy putting the two together. My second album will highlight more acoustic, organic instrumental music, though retaining its electronic rhythm section.
As I’ve declared several times here in previous posts….I’ve achieved an odd level of satisfaction with my “equipment” in life. I don’t have the hots for much in the way of gear and toys. What you say? How can this be? I’m not keen to make lists of “stuff”….but let’s just say that years of acquisitions have blessed me with a full kit. Bikes, Snow play gear, tools. Computers, audio gear, turntables. Records. A reliable commuter bike and similar car….I realize I’ll become rich now that I don’t need any more stuff. Presumably, I’ll not even be plagued by the I-wants….HA!
Most recently, I acquired a new(er) Subaru. The beloved ol’ ‘81 GL has moved on to a new life in way-remote VT as a rally car. These guys have a rally-race club and their only rule is that the cars have to be purchased for $200 or less, bill-of-sale required.
Anyway, I really don’t have too many I-wants these days….there’s of course a few things I’d like or like to upgrade in my music studio, but none is pressing or even really necessary. Some minor repairs on my car would be OK. Also, non-pressing. I guess here I have to acknowledge that I do want a house, or condo, or cottage on a 1/2 acre in the VT country. This is a bit of a priority. I’ve been looking, but I’m able to save a fair bit of my earnings in my present situation and know that buying will leave me with slightly less than nothing each month. I’ll be looking for that special deal. I’m a digger, and believe that the best quality (and price hopefully) come from extensive research and networking. Stay tuned.
I have re-created my yoga practice. One of my best moves this year. Just been back since the November sick-phase and although it doesn’t feel that good yet, I can feel where it’s going…and it’s a good place. Exercise is good. Yoga is good exercise, for both body and mind.
I’ve vastly improved my relationship with my family. The last 2 years were very tough with my dad being ill. But it brought us all closer. And my decision to pull up roots in Oregon and come to VT has payed big dividends in this way. It was part of my plan and I’ve made it happen. This is also big.
Well, I suppose it’s only fair to comment about work as well. This year I got a huge promotion and proportional increase in salary. I’m pleased with my progress and production in the new position. I suspect I’ll be added to the management committee this year. My goal is to become a VP. I’d somehow forgotten how ambitious I can be….probably too many years of working for myself. The secret is to do better than good work, not brag around the office about it, and always have a positive outlook. Common sense really. (Sometimes I wonder why it’s taken me 20 years to be comfortable with “common sense.”)
Well, so much for my little year-in-review.
What’s ahead?
2007.
In 2007 I plan to keep up the blog like I did in the first half of ‘06. Time will tell. After I get the CD out, it’ll be mud season. I expect to hit the muddy trails early in ‘07. The quiver is ready. I’m hoping to really step up my XC skiing, but since VT feels like northern Florida these days, I may have to just stay with the vinyasa and ashtanga….possibly even set up the GX for high-way biking (cringe.)
Stay tuned.
Over and Out.
G