Happy New Year

This year couldn't end quick enough. I make it sound like it was all bad. It wasn't. I actually made great strides this year in a lot of areas I've been neglecting. I learned techniques for doing some things that have made me more independent. I made some appointments that I'd been needing to make (like seeing a gastroenterologist and getting a bone scan). I also discovered grey hair which was kind of a bummer.

This past year I made allisonlives.com a semi-collaborative blog, which failed miserably. Obviously my collaborators are not dedicated posters. And I have also become a less-than-dedicated poster this year. Despite what you may think, I have not been lazy. "Busy" is the more appropriate, yet overused term. I switched jobs in February and began working a more technical job full-time. I love my job. I have been given an opportunity to do some different things and have been given a lot of freedom and independence. This year was also the first time I've ever had an intern (hi, Adam!) and I enjoyed being able to boss another human being unrelated to me around. My manager gave me a fantastic evaluation this year and I hope I can live up to it in the upcoming year.

Health-wise, this has been a weird year. I started getting weird chest pain in March and, after a few trips to the ER, finally figured out that it is something called costochondritis, a reoccuring inflammation of the cartilage around the ribcage. It sucks. I've also had some ear infections and the typical UTIs. After deciding not to exercise ever again -- or for a while anyway -- the costochondritis has been much better. In fact, I'm tempted to start regular aerobic exercise again. Tempted anyway. I've also had bizarre digestion issues which I've just chalked up to a hot dog that I think got stuck in my gut. My doctor just thinks I'm crazy.

This past year, I've reconnected with a few friends, two of them being ex-boyfriends. I also attended my 10-year class reunion in May and was pleasantly surprised at how painless it was. It was funny to see how all these people I spent 4 those years with turned out.

I became an aunt this year! Kate is doing really well. She is just beginning to get interesting. Much of this year was spent watching Steph's belly grow.

2007 will be an eventful year for me. I know so. I have a few goals...not really resolutions. One of my top priorities for the year (SCI-wise) is to acquire a new wheelchair and standing frame. My current chair is falling into disrepair. I also have a few more goals relating to becoming more independent.

I just want to thank you all for hanging with me this past year and I sincerely hope you all have as good of a new year as I'm planning on having. :)