Last Post of 2007

I know, it’s just plain obligatory, and January 31st is lousy with “last of 2007” things and thoughts.

Well folks, I made it through a very different sort of Christmas holiday this year—both families celebrating in the same town, in the same house. It was chaotic at times, like I expected, but also really hard in ways I couldn't expect. It was just a very adult Christmas. There was still the feeling of being “The Newlyweds” , a central feature in every gathering. Still, it was so much nicer than last Christmas, spent endlessly talking about and planning The Wedding.

Speaking of which: what a freaking crazy year 2007 was. With a wedding smack dab in the middle of it, I knew it would be crazy. But knowing something in your mind and knowing something in your gut are two different things. Or maybe it’s knowing versus accepting? I know there are other, more significant things in life besides marriage, but it was still a big deal.

On one side (the planning side) it was all fluttery craziness full of spreadsheets and flower arrangements. Stationery and dress alterations. I felt kind of like a kite floating waaaay up above my own head a lot of the times, watching it all happen.

The wedding itself was wonderful and gone in a flash. So fast that without the pictures I might not be sure it really happened! But it was everything I hoped it would be: filled with family and friends, and ending with us being married.

On the other side of the fence, oh man, I much prefer this side! At Christmas mom told me “You look soo good! Married life agrees with you!”

It seemed a funny thing to say, but I think it’s true. Now is the good stuff, minus all the insanity of planning (believe me, grad school makes you crazy ENOUGH). It took me awhile to absorb a lot of the little things, like calling someone your “husband” (best use of which is in the grocery store when someone asks you if you need any help and you say ‘no I’ve just lost my husband’). The best feeling was that finally everyone else could recognize and understand what we’ve got going on. Everyone should be able to feel this feeling. That, and the jewelry.

So what’s really changed in 2007? Well, I’ve lost ten pounds and gained a new hobby, bellydancin’. I can now use eyeliner decently, but have also noticed those crow’s feet nearby. And I’ve reached the stage where I can’t wait to get done with grad school. . . too bad it’s probably going to take 2 more years. . . Oh well. All metaphysical sources suggest 2008 will be an excellent year for work and research, and with no wedding to plan or apartment to move, it’s looking wide open for Science.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!