2010

2010 you were ROTTEN to me! I learned a lot of lessons the hard way and I’m ready to move on.

2010 was a year of easy compares.
For example, eBay’s stock price in April 2010 was ~$ 24, that’s 50% better than April 2009!!! Wow! eBay must be doing really well. But wait, in April 2008, they were at ~$ 31 – so they’re actually 25% worse compared to 2008.
According to ADP payroll data, the US only lost 1.3 million jobs* in 2010 compared to 5.6 million on 2009. Awesome! The job market sucked slightly less!
*Compared YOY change in non-​farm jobs averaged over the year
It’s easy to get excited about a Netflix app for your iphone in 2010 when in 2009, the best app was «Tweetie 2.» c’mon, where’s the innovation? In 2008, Pandora was introduced as an app!
[
top 10 everything]
For me, the summer of 2010 had so much sun and it was amazing outside! Easy to say when in 2009, I lived in Boston where the summer is two months long and it rained for a month straight.
I lost 10 pounds in 2010 compared to 2009! Too bad I’ve gained weight since 2008.
2010 might have been a great year, but I think that’s just because of the bad taste 2009 left in our mouth.

The Good:
: i found a different job woohoo!
: i got to travel for a full month using jetblue’s all-​you-​can-​jet pass! HOLLAAAA
: i started the year off with a ski trip WOOOOO
The Bad:
: i didn’t have a lot of free time to do anything other than work, sleep, poop, pee, nap, eat, and drink
: i gained a lot of weight. booooo
The Ugly:
: my aunt found out she has breast cancer. ugh.
: family drama galore
: some dickhead backed up in my vespa and knocked it over, causing damage
Worst year ever. I poop on you, 2010. You make me sick!

Well who knew I could review the year? Wow. does this mean people won’t go to 2010 because I gave it less than stars? Maybe those time travelers will read them?
For me 2010 was OK… just ok, why? Well at the beginning of the year I started some full time employment after a while without… but the job was terrible! 9 miserable months in CO with an awful job… but, I at least had a job!
Then comes the offer of my dream job, and I accept. The job has been great but I moved into a craphole downtown… miss on the hit and miss scale there.
So, what do I do to fix that? I find myself the perfect little dollhouse in Dallas and sign an accepted offer on 12÷31… finish the year right, and start 2011 in the right foot.
2008 sucked ass, 2009 wasn’t much better, 2010 I finally started on the road to redemption and 2011 will be THE year!
So long 2010, you won’t be missed, but you will be remembered.

With all the negatives in the world, I will instead focus on the positive happenings in my life of 2010 :)
~ Finally attended ACL, and did so the smart way… well prepared.
~ Laser hair removal, no pain at all.
~ Part of a fabulous team who prosecuted and convicted a large case.
~ Discovered the awesomeness of Netflix.
~ Discovered the awesomeness of mojitos!
~ Gained some muscle, lost some fat.
~ Learned to cook something other than pasta.
~ Grew closer to important people in my life.
~ Distanced myself from people who were not good for me.
~ Experienced the peacefulness of smoking a nice cigar.
~ Read some excellent books.
~ Found a church.
~ Another year of no major health concerns.
~ Perfected my cheesecake recipe.
~ Successfully grew a mini herb garden
~ Honored with a couple Unilocal ROTDs
So all in all, not too shabby. But I have big plans and expectations for 2011, so get ready!
:-D

2010: if I’d known what your interpretation of «growth, learning and discovery» was, I would not have wished for a year of growth, learning, and discovery. Like a dead body in a park, certain untruths don’t need to be uncovered. Consider the following outline of your most infamous example:
Removed: nasty, lying, resource draining trash ex, with countless debts, arrest warrants, and — what’s that other thing — oh yes, lies.
Method: law enforcement and AT&T’s new call block feature.
Result: soundness of mind.
And therein lies the rub. Because with nasty discovery comes endless relief and eventual happiness.
In fact, I can’t really paper cut you to death when you also gifted me the most awesome and unexpected treat: my honey. The one everyone waits for, sometimes in the bushes where he can’t see you. That is to say, the darling love of my life, the boy-​toy of the ages man who is everything a girl could want while also lacking things like, I don’t know, a hidden wife. Sure, you beat me up and left me for dead earlier in the year, but deep down you’re not all bad, 2010.
For this reason, I can’t give you less than 4 stars. Sure, the road to my bionic foot was paved with a moonwalker boot, percocet and scar tissue, and I had to familiarize myself with more legal jargon than I’d ever care to (see: crazy ex), but:
I have the rest of my health, plus a bionic foot;
I have my fantabulous job;
I got to visit Germany, Ireland & London;
my pup is healthy and cute as ever;
my friends are bursting with awesome;
I’m miraculously with the right person and
his family is a blessing.
If it keeps going in this direction, 2011 will be impossibly awesome. The 5^th star goes to the year that seals the deal.

A review of 2010 by relationships:
— Hhmm, she sure is taking a lot of medications. I hope those aren’t some HIV cocktail. Oh no, it’s cool! It’s just her anti-​psychotic cocktail.
— Well, I’ve got some bad news… I was laid off today. At least I’ll have more time to spend with you. Oh wait… so your interest in me depended solely on my employment?
— I’d like to introduce you to my best friend’s girlfriend… and so… you’re gonna go makeout? That’s…not awkward.
— Wow, you’re really cute. You could be a part-​time model. Oh… you are a part-​time model?
— So you’re gonna go travel abroad for a month? That’s really cool. I’m sure things will be just the same when you get back.
— Things might be different if you lived closer.
— So the one who got away has come back for more… wait…where are you going? Come back! Come back!
That about sums it up. Some of it was worth it and some of it was just weird. But unfortunately, the year was overshadowed by my grandfather’s health, so all you ladies are getting 1 star.

2010 started off well for me, then got a bit rocky, then a LOT rocky, but the final few months of the year made it all worthwhile. I moved back to my hometown of Austin, TX after spending over 13 years away. I met tons of new people, made several new friends, and found an amazing woman. And most importantly, I’m close to my family again, so I’m finally getting to make up for so many years of lost time.
I haven’t been this happy in years, and I hope it continues into 2011. Happy new year, everybody!

Like Carla said, FUCK YOU 2010.
What a fucking awful year. I haven’t been able to find a job, so yes, that means almost a whole year with no paychecks.
I’ve seen the damned emergency room at just about every hospital in the city. Between my broken arm, the dog attack, my ex’s tendency to get drunk and pass out in the middle of the road…
Yeah, let’s just not talk about him.
3 of my 4 cats are dead. One by dog, the other two poisoned from flea meds. There was nothing on earth I could do to save them, and they died in my arms. Horrible.
2011, I’m going back to school. And I’m going to find a job. And I will not be visiting the hospital. And my last kitty is going to live, damn you. Try to thwart me and I will kick your ass.

Let’s compare 2009 to 2010:
2009: I was laid off twice.
2010: I was only laid off once, but I’ve been out of work longer this year than I was last year.
2009: My all-​time favorite cat, Grace, died of cancer.
2010: My new cat, Goldie, ran away in July, and I haven’t seen her since. Neighbors report that they constantly see her around, but she never comes home. And my other, extremely annoying, cat has stayed around. In fact, she won’t give me a moment’s peace, including right now. STFU, Gypsy!
2009: I was nearly raped by a «friend». Thankfully, I was able to get out of the situation successfully. Some of you know about it.
2010: Willingly slept with a friend, and ended up losing this friend as a result (I think). I actually have no idea why the friendship ended, but I don’t fucking care anymore. But at least he didn’t try to rape me (he didn’t have to).
2009: I got stood up by many different potential dates, which means I had no chance to make a possible lasting connection.
2010: Still getting stood up by several different potential dates and not making possible lasting connections, but I no longer give a flying fuck. It has become fodder for my blog.
2009: No humans close to me died.
2010: My best friend’s mom died right before Thanksgiving. Very sad. I never met her mom, though. Wish I had.
2009: I was a type 1 diabetic.
2010: I’m still a type 1 diabetic.
2009: I still had health insurance.
2010: My CoBRA ran out. Can’t get private health insurance due to preexisting condition. Denied for Medicaid and the county health program because I «make» too much money. So I’m paying out of pocket for appointments and expensive-​ass insulin until I’m eligible for the national high-​risk pool.
A scant few comparisons that give 2010 a slight edge:
2009: I stayed at 115 lbs the whole year.
2010: I made it down to 110.
2009: I was assaulted and then kicked out of Cool River at 11:30 on New Year’s Eve.
2010: I haven’t been assaulted nor kicked out of any public places. Yet. But we’ll see what happens at Hideout Pub tonight.
2009: Aimlessly wandered from layoff to layoff, praying, pleading and bartering for job security, which never happened.
2010: Enrolled in school, to begin January 2011, to get a certificate in medical coding. Trying laying me off at THAT point, BASTARDS!
2009: I wrote some funny shit.
2010: I wrote funnier shit.
2009: Met and became friends with several wonderful Unilocalers, and other assorted oddballs.
2010: Met and became friends with even MORE wonderful Unilocalers, and other assorted oddballs.
That last one won’t get you an extra star, 2010. It awards Unilocal and my personality an extra star.
To all my Unilocal friends: Thank you for keeping me sane during this hellish year. I couldn’t have done it without you all. You guys mean the world to me. I wish all of you a happy and successful 2011.
To 2011: Don’t make me give your dumb-​ass one star next year. Treat me right, and you won’t get hurt.

2010 was my 50^th year on this planet. I guess folks could complain about that. It is an important milestone for me since a couple of years ago, Suzie and I were sitting with a neurosurgeon discussing my brain tumor and my future. 2010 was the year I finally had to have the cardiac ablation surgery which we hoped I would never have to go through, but I’m not angry or pissed about that. It has brought me great comfort. 2010 began with a new adventure, my marriage. After being married twice in past, with horrible consequences, this was a leap of faith. 2010 was the year I lost my biggest client and about 70% of my income at the same time, but that provided me with countless opportunities now that I could see the trees again, rather than the forest which I found myself in.
I guess 2010 was like most years in my life. awesome. Each passing year I choose to look at the great things that a life in the USA has provided me, rather than millions of folks who don’t have a roof over their head or a meal of any sort.
2011… looking forward to another great adventure, whatever you decide to throw my way… bring it!

2010 is a bridge year for me, taking me from a terrible 2009 to what’s gearing up to be an awesome 2011. This year has made me appreciate where I am and where I am going.
Now can 2011 hurry up and get here!

It’s amazing how certain events can put everything into a whole different perspective. When I gave 2009 two stars, I was in no way prepared for the big event of this year that changed my life.
I grew up a lot in 2010, and not just because the 3^rd decade of my life wrapped up. I learned how to cook and how to enjoy it (it actually has become sort of a soothing activity, though that may have to do with the fact that I drink wine while I cook, usually). I went to Disneyworld for the first time to celebrate my birthday and I was completely okay with going alone. I learned what it means to have people around that REALLY care about me, enough to even fly to Florida as a surprise. I learned that stargazer lilies can cause kidney failure in cats, fortunately not fatal in Rogue and Mogwai’s case. I bought my first piece of «real» furniture.
Until my mother passed away, 2010 would’ve rated 3 or even 4 stars… but things aren’t «A-​OK.» Not anymore.

Well, I think I will do my 300^th review on the year 2010!
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times, the year 2010!
A tip of the hat to those that fell in love in 2010!
A tip of the hat to those that fell out of love in 2010!
A tip of the hat to those that shared joy and love and to those that didn’t in 2010!
A tip of the hat to all Unilocalers in Central Texas with their great reviews in 2010!
May the future be with you!

The good:
— Met some awesome people who inspired me
The bad:
— Lost some precious people in the second half of 2010 … just as I was thinking 2010 was shaping up to be one of the best years
— Gained weight
— Spent loads of money on the «Most Expensive Econobox in the World»

So I tried something completely different this year — I actually listened to everyone I came in contact with, and put myself in their shoes.
There are some truly interesting people out there. And then there are people with some really ugly feet.
Maybe not much has changed over time.

I graduated and got a full time job. The end.

2010 — Where would i start to describe you? How bout you are easily the worst year for me in a number of capacities. Financially, professionally and personally.
You have been a nonstop pain in the ass ever since you showed up back in Jan. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt at first but you just kept it up month after month.
But I am just about done with you 2010. Your old news and seeing you go away forever soon has already got me fired up and excited for 2011.
Don’t let the door hit you on your way out Bitch… well, never mind, I’d kinda like to see that.

Another year and not much to whine about…
The Good:
Wasn’t raped or stabbed with a jagged rusty object
Didn’t run out of toilet paper
Didn’t go on a Carnival cruise (floating Walmart)
IRS approved dad’s estate tax return
didn’t get married
didn’t eat a cupcake (see ravages on elite event pics)
no Lone Star or PBR
freedom to frequent Taco Cabana
didn’t have any elective surgery or augmentation
didn’t spend a cent on hair color or make-​up
wore shoes on less than 5 occasions (not counting sandals)
didn’t wear a neck tie
wore cheap cotton underwear
summer was cooler than previous
have a smart girl friend
didn’t have pets and encouraged coyotes/​rattlesnakes in yard (being green)
Longhorn losses (almost bumped this to 5 stars) Blame football and jesus for much of the ignorance in U.S., especially the South
The Bad:
can’t think of anything in particular

I know we have another month left, but I’m getting this ball rolling right now.
FUCK YOU, 2010.
Both my cats… within four weeks of one another?
Really?
All the other shit things you did to me pale in comparison.
Watch your back, 2010. Watch. Your. Back!!!
Ohhh, and I’m so leaving you for 2011, so there.