2007 almost over...counting to 2008

A bizarre year trundles to an end: I was sick for almost a week, but despite some of the darker times in recent years there have been a number of highlights, which I won't detail too much, mostly writing and doing a project, if I've felt isolated this year I like to think I've used what's been a weirdly bare bones existence (at least in terms of you know, leaving the house) to spend more time taking stock of things and deciding what I want to do with my career, what kind of person I want to be, what parts of my self are worth retaining for the day when I might feel better. It's been a serious 2007 for me, not much frivolity I'm afraid, quite a lot of introspection, I mean, what else do you think about but the serious when you're feeling sick...

In that vein, one thing which has struck me in the last week, is the sheer invincibility of a good family life, that I have imagine myself with my love, Rachael. I realise this sounds a bit like Old-Catholic way's Christmas homily, but most people probably don't get a snapshot of what it's like to depend on their family and really value the time spent with them until they're elderly. And of course plenty don't have a family they get along with. A good family care enough to understand when things are going badly and know you well enough not to care. I don't mean to suggest friendships are worthless or false, just that it's not humanly possible for most friends to help us when things are bad...

I've never been anti-Christmas anyhow, but Christmas this year has been particularly great because it's such an easy thing to engage in. I have a lot of great friends, and found my new life with Rachael, but the downright normality of family at Christmas is something chronic illness can't really take away, a good feeling, all too rare. This craving for normality actually feels kind of abnormal.

As for 2008, I hope to keep posting my journals here, and have a few career plans up my sleeve which could be interesting. I hope people have enjoyed reading this revived journals the last few months, I've really enjoyed writing it particularly as I've noticed a few more people reading in the last month or two (may be... errr?)

Oh and I hope you all had a great Christmas, and that 2008 will be a fantastic year... Happy New Year 2008!