2005 Year In Review

2005 Year In Review.

How would I describe the year if I were summarizing my life? Forgive my rambling but I’ll just type what comes to mind and see where this goes.

This was the last full year for son Justin in high school. He really came on strong with the grades and took some Advanced Placement courses so college looks good. Acceptance should be no problem for most normal schools (already accepted to U. of Cincinnati with a small scholarship of $2000 per year) and he should be well prepared. He also just celebrated 2 years dating Nichole. She’s a very nice girl and we like her a lot.

Travels this year included my first ever trip to Kenya in January then a repeat visit in November. The wildlife I got to see and photograph will be remembered all my life especially staying in "The Ark" hotel right on a water hole with wild animals visiting all night. In May I went to Asia visiting Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. In December had a 1 week stint in Switzerland.

Work was very rewarding this year and I was successful in several of the changes I attempted to implement. I was well compensated. The only down side this year was that my boss, Brian, was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo serious chemo. As of this writing things look promising.

My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party in July. All my family was there except for Scott. All my siblings made short speeches from the heart. It was another memory I will always cherish.

On the health front I continued with my biking but no 100 mile rides like last year. My yoga practice continues to be regular and my headstand is pretty steady and good for about 45 seconds. I didn’t suffer a single sinus infection!!!! First full calendar year since I started recording in 1990. Diane bought me a kayak for our 25th anniversary and I got out with it a number of times.

Diane’s sleep problems continued this year and that has kept her from doing a lot of things she likes to do. We can’t do some of the things we used to do together. Walks with her need to be shorter and a little slower. Our relationship is as strong as ever.  Her dad also had a tough year too but ended it better than he started. He began the year on a catheter and oxygen following colon cancer surgery and a heart attack. Now he’s up and down the stairs and able to get about with his walker.

Lastly, I began keeping a diary this year. I’ve enjoyed capturing my thought and keeping in touch with a couple other ODers, my father in law, Fred and his partner, Patricia. I hope I can get a few other family members to join this coming year. (Sounds like a good New Year’s Resolution). I like making those.