2010

Wow, 2009 is done, I think it's time to sum up... somehow.

There's sure been plenty of ups and downs, hysterical laughter and sob sessions on the floor, many changes big and small, some surprising falls from grace, but more than that; amazing friends in (sometimes) unexpected places.

The biggest things happening around me this year... Well...
My sisters both moved out of town. My sister Heidi, at the start of the school year moved to Oslo, to that temptress, life in the capital (even though she's already smitten with that temptress, life in Copenhagen, and that Danish boyfriend, Mark). She's doing really well at her new school and she never had trouble finding new friends, within and without the deaf community, and I'm happy to report that the school she goes to (though not a school for the deaf) knows how to provide a good learning place for their deaf students (believe me, that's not always the case, where there is bureaucrats there will be obstacles). Heidi's someone who always has a big life plan (that changes every week), so she might be in Tokyo next year for all I know.
As for my stepsister Eyvor, she's moved way out to sea, to island (offensive me would say “barren rock”) living with her mom, stepfather, half-sisters- and brother. (Even my dad's eyes bugged out of his head when I told him what island it was, it's that far out to sea, also I think he's a wee bit jealous, I think he has a lighthouse guard fantasy, not that those exist anymore.) She's doing (what is it?) four weeks there and six weeks at home with her dad I think it is (like a North Sea worker), and she seems to be handling that awfully well. I often thought that it has to be hard, considering life doesn't stop in a place just because you leave (a sad fact I for one have learned), especially not for her fellow 13-year-olds at school. It seems to be going OK though, and it's not forever.

Also, I moved myself, though just across town. But it was an extremely positive change for me. I love this place. So much. It felt like home right away. You can say what you want, but homes have auras too, or whatever it is, energies maybe, personalities not only dependent on the people living in it. If you haven't moved around much, I dunno if you'll know what I'm talking about, but yeah, there it is.

There's also been some epiphanies, mostly of the good kind (though one time this year I had a totally scary cry because someone else was having a hard time and all I'd done was think about my own hard times, after which though, I totally pulled myself together and took charge, I guess it was a ball-finding sob, and though unsuccessfully yet, tried to solve my own troubles, it kinda slapped me out of my helplessness, or paralysis or whatever it was).

Then, of course, there was my highlight of 2009; my trip to Canada. And the highlights of that trip. That I find I can't quite get over. All the beauty (that country is a fucking cliche of itself, know that. There really are eagles flying overhead.) and the love. Canadians must be the most sincere, happy people I have ever met. I found myself going “it can't get more beautiful than this” at least three times on that trip, but then it did. (The 2010 Olympics will be a conflict of interest.)

There's also been some extraordinary kindnesses from you guys, my online peeps. I'm stunned. And you all deserve an amazing 2010.
Especially Jeremy, selfless as always, I know 2009's been a rough one, I hope you get a new start, I really do, you so deserve it, and anything else great coming your way.
And though we don't talk as often as I'd like these days, Ryan's always an absolute rock, always stocked with solutions (realistic and otherwise) to every problem. Next Christmas, pinky swear! (Or how about summer 2010?)
Also, Isaac, I think you might have been unofficially appointed my new shrink. I am so sorry. And thanks for letting me unload (or maybe “dump” is a better word) on you! I know it can't be pretty!
Mark (a different Mark) also came through in a big way for me this fall, I can't thank you enough, your generosity is amazing.
I don't talk to Kelly either much these days, but you're an absolute ray of sunshine, thanks for being you!
And thanks to EVERYONE who's so much as stopped by my website or galleries in the past year. Your criticism, praise and karma: not in vain.
I love you guys. Have a splendid 2010.

Janne