End-of-Year reminiscing

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I found myself re-reading the Disneyland 50th thread (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=1640) while thinking of the past year. What an exciting time!

What are you reminiscing about at year's end?

[€uroMeinke]

Lounge of Tomorrow – Aside from the obvious, putting this site together has created a number of great memories for me starting with the people who encouraged me to do it, the adrenaline filled day when it all came together, the nadir of the April Fool’s Day fiasco, the attraction of old friends and the making of new ones. Moreover, I love the opportunity it’s given to me and my friends to be creative and play.

Coachella – We went last year for a day, but did the whole weekend this year and had GD and CP to share it with. We saw some great performances by Bauhaus, Arcade Fire, Chemical Brothers, Dresden Dolls, Gram Rabbit, Jem, some of whom we got to see again later in the year.

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_Coachella040.jpg

Cemetery Screenings – This summer we finally got out to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery to join the fun of Cinespia (http://www.cinespia.org/). I had no idea this would become such an integral part of the Summer, but I had a blast at all of the screenings and it was so great to have a bunch of you join us for the various shows.



Tokyo – It’s always great to go somewhere you’ve never been before, this year it was Tokyo. As much as I love to travel, I couldn’t believe we actually pulled this one off and it wasn’t until we actually arrived did I believe we were there. It was great to have Mousepod and his wife meet us and share the research and expertise they had, and also great to link up with my friend Carl who was able to show us a part of the city we’d never see on our own. Of course the Disney Parks were spectacular, but I take away memories of the Ghibli Museum, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. I love that on my last tday there I was able to navigate the trains on my own, pick up a mocha in a station coffee shop while waiting for a store to open and get safely home. This trip was an adventure and a Joy.

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_Ultarman.jpg

Disneyland’s 50th – As CP mentioned this significantly marked the year. The birthday weekend was a blast, overnighting at DCA, being welcomed by the CM, and abundance of cup cakes. But the 50th also marked the celebrations of May 5th, our first preview of the things to cut with all the anticipation, excitement and even disappointment. I guess with the 50th also came the post-50th blues, not so welcome but a very real funk that came on after the festivities were done and the crowds arrived.

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_5037.JPG http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_5128.JPG

Halloween Haunt – I had never been despite turning down an opportunity to go to the first so many years ago. But had a great time with CoasterMatt and Rose as tour guides. We saw all the mazes, the hanging, and just had an all around spectacular time.

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_Vibrator.jpg

The Dity Bops – A tip off from Eliza and two shows this year, a fun folky and witty band that are just a delight to see, especially in the small fun clubs they play right now. Brought back memories of touring the clubs and enjoying music that I had done long ago. This was a nice juxtaposition for the festival of Coachella, to once again see music in such venues. Of course they sold out the last show I wanted to see, so these intimate moments may well be stuck only in memory, but I’m hoping 2006 will bring some opportunities to relive this experience.

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_Dity%20Bops.jpg

Mink Stole, Gram Rabbit, & the Abby – A wild night out with my friend and workmate, Melissa who took me to a signing for a friend’s DVD release, introducing me to Mink Stole. Our goal was to see Gram Rabbit at the Toubador and they put on a great show. It was fun to see them in such a small stage after Coachella. But we left part way through the headliner’s set, and I was introduced to the Gay Swank of the Abby where we shared huge cocktails and delicious appies, while she teased me about being checked out by other bears. Melissa and her partner joined us for one of the cemetery screenings and fit right in despite the fuzzy water – votive candle volcano. She’s moving to a different department in 2006 and I will miss her company, though I hope we can come up with an excursion or two.

Riding the Metro – When gas hit $3 a gallon I realized I was spending over a couple hundred dollars a month, just to go to work. I’ve always like the Metro, but always thought it too inconvenient to use, but I gave it a try back in August and found despite the pain of getting up early, I really loved commuting this way. IN may ways this has spurred a love affair I’m having with the City of LA, locked in my car I’ve missed so much, but wandering the city I’ve reveled in the architecture and sudden surprises of hidden public spaces. To be sure, my travels take me through some of the worst part of the city, but my commute has become one of my muses, it engages me and inspires me daily. I’m also reading more and enjoying music more. I’ll be keeping on with this despite the drop in gas prices.

http://photos.xenarchy.com/albums/userpics/10001/normal_UNion%20Station%20Restaraunt.jpg

Reading Murakami – This year in preparation for our Tokyo trip we stumbled across Haruki Murakmi (http://www.randomhouse.com/features/murakami/site.php?id=xml/books/kafka/about.xml), billed as the new Mishima, I expected something good but was blown away with what I got. I only started reading him after we got back from Japan but once I read one of his books, The Wind-up Bird Chronicle, I had to have them all. Now I’m rationing them lest I read them through to quickly. I love his blending of the real and dream world, his matter-of-fact delivery and subtle eroticism. I am just amazed it took me so long to discover him.

[tracilicious]

This has been an eventful year to say the least. I can't believe it is already over.

First the best thing, my beautiful baby daughter Jade was born. This far outweighs all the negatives. It was an eventful pregnancy to say the least, and the birth didn't go the way it was supposed to, but I got a baby out of it nonetheless. Learning to balance her and a two year old has been an adventure.

A horrible move from hell that I never want to repeat again. Especially not nine months pregnant! We did get a gorgeous house out of it though that I don't want to leave for a long time.

I gained lots of weight at the end of my pregnancy that has yet to come off. Hopefully next year will bring a thinner me.

A few trips to DL. I really miss that place. I won't be back for a while, sadly.

The discovery of some of my favorite bands, Iron and Wine, Sufjan Stevens, The Postal Service, to name just a few. It's been a very good year musically.

The realization that we are done having kids. Two is completely enough for me, as I'm already spread thinner than I'd like to be. A decision that I'm completely at peace with, but a major life choice at the same time.

Overall, a good year, in spite of many difficult things happening. I'm not sorry to see it go though. I'm hoping 2006 brings a bit more calm to my life.

[Alex]

This has been an interesting year in many ways.

Most prominent is that I haven't drawn a paycheck even once this year. My no means does this mean I haven't been working (the redesign of MousePlanet was the focus of much of my time) but it is the first time since I was 13 that I haven't had a job (disregarding a couple short periods during high school). I've discovered that I enjoy the role of househusband and how ideal a setup it is to have one person in the relationship taking care of the home while the other takes care of the money. The house is cleaner, the eating is better, the evenings are time together (as opposed to time spend doing the chores that can't get done during the day).

I'm not going to do it forever, but it has been a good life lesson (especially realizing just how much money we were wasting when we had two incomes)

As a result of not working, we didn't do all the short travel we usually do, but I was able to piggyback on Lani's business trip to Singapore and spent 2 1/2 weeks there. I love travel but have never travelled internationally (we grew up poor and driving trips were all we ever did) so that was great. We also took a wonderful long weekend at Seqouia/King's Canyon for camping and hiking with friends that was wonderful.

The 50th Anniversary events were certainly interesting, though in a different way than for the rest of you since I was working. May 5th I spent more than 12 hours sitting at a table at Whitewater Cafe, writing and processing photos as they came in through the day. Never even stepped foot in the park. Getting to go to the press/VIP party the night before at DCA was pretty cool as I got to meet and chat with quite a few interesting people.

I learned that I can't talk on a microphone with a speaker delay. Or, at least, I better practice doing so before next April.

We moved out to the 'burbs. With me not working it didn't make any sense to force Lani to commute 30 miles each way so we moved closer to her employer. For the first time as an adult I have a front door that actually opens to the outside world (it has been 14 years of security apartment buildings before that). It is different and I vastly prefer living in the city but it hasn't been as bad as I expected. The wild turkeys that walk past my office window every few days are nice as well.

We got a cat, which is the first pet I've had since 1993 (when the last one went out the door with my first wife). While I don't fetishize pets the way many people do, they are nice to have around, especially when I spend all day in silence by myself, looking at a computer screen.

I ran two half-marathons this year (third time at the WDW and first time at the San Francisco), and those are the only times this year I've run more than a mile at any given stretch.

It is also a noteworthy year because Lani, due to World of Warcraft addiction, finally "made the switch" and for the first time in her life bought a PC.

All in all a good year, though not particularly exciting, and I can't really think of anything bad that happened.

[Disneyphile]

2005 was a phenomenal whirlwind.

January - started attending weekly meetings with a new coven, thus expanding my spiritual horizens and making lifelong friendships.

February - lost a close family friend due to a sudden and unknown cause

April - learned VB programming

May 5th - arrived at Disneyland by 05:05 on 05/05/05, and spent the day revelling in golden glory with good friends.

Late May - my dad discovered he had cancer in his kidney which had to be removed (which thankfully turned out to not have spread after removal)

June 4th-11th - I embarked on my very first cruise, which happened to be aboard the Disney Magic, and got to explore some wonderful areas of Mexico, and swim with dolphins!

Late June - became a moderator on MiceChat, and saw message boards in a whole new light. ;)

July 15th-17th (aka "Geekend 2005") - the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and spent 2 days at Disneyland at a swanky hotel party, followed by camping out in DCA overnight (and making some really good friends in the process), and ate a ton of cupcakes while feeling like a little kid at Disneyland in 1955.

August 14th - got engaged at the Happiest Place on Earth, with the help of friends, captured forever on camera.

September - my mom was diagnosed with a large tumor on her uterus (which thankfully turned out to be benign later)

Late September - ordered my wedding gown!

October - reserved our wedding location, caterer, and set our date! Also started "Phase 1" restoration of our inherited boat.

November - the release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Early December - lost a family friend due to heart attack, and a few days later another close friend went in for emergency surgery (now recovered)

December 10th - finally opened up the Enchanted Tiki Patio to 34 guests for a little holiday bash that I co-hosted

Can I get some rest now????? ;)

[Disneyphile]

2005 was a phenomenal whirlwind.

January - started attending weekly meetings with a new coven, thus expanding my spiritual horizens and making lifelong friendships.

February - lost a close family friend due to a sudden and unknown cause

April - learned VB programming

May 5th - arrived at Disneyland by 05:05 on 05/05/05, and spent the day revelling in golden glory with good friends.

Late May - my dad discovered he had cancer in his kidney which had to be removed (which thankfully turned out to not have spread after removal)

June 4th-11th - I embarked on my very first cruise, which happened to be aboard the Disney Magic, and got to explore some wonderful areas of Mexico, and swim with dolphins!

Late June - became a moderator on MiceChat, and saw message boards in a whole new light. ;)

July 15th-17th (aka "Geekend 2005") - the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and spent 2 days at Disneyland at a swanky hotel party, followed by camping out in DCA overnight (and making some really good friends in the process), and ate a ton of cupcakes while feeling like a little kid at Disneyland in 1955.

August 14th - got engaged at the Happiest Place on Earth, with the help of friends, captured forever on camera.

September - my mom was diagnosed with a large tumor on her uterus (which thankfully turned out to be benign later)

Late September - ordered my wedding gown!

October - reserved our wedding location, caterer, and set our date! Also started "Phase 1" restoration of our inherited boat.

November - the release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Early December - lost a family friend due to heart attack, and a few days later another close friend went in for emergency surgery (now recovered)

December 10th - finally opened up the Enchanted Tiki Patio to 34 guests for a little holiday bash that I co-hosted

Can I get some rest now????? ;)

[Gemini Cricket]

DP - Deja vu! :D

I was just thinking back to the 50th, our cross country trip, Katrina and all the new Boston shenanigans.

:)

[blueerica]

I don't even know where to begin about 2005. It was and is an amazing year of ups and downs.

I guess I'll just leave it at that, but I've learned more about myself - who I am, what I want, what I don't want - things I guess I always assumed I'd known - in these last 12 months than I did the 25 and a half years prior to it.

I'm hoping 2006 is a little boring, to be honest.

[CoasterMatt]

2005 - Another year of amazing highs and amazing lows, brought in to focus each night by being able to come home to somebody who loves me; it was the best year of my life, and I hope I'll be able to say the same thing at the end of next year :cheers:

[Not Afraid]

This was a year of adjustment.

Najor lifestyle change - no job for most of the year, traveling to new and exciting places, getting sober.....again, setting priorities, adjusting to not one but 2 new jobs, adopting another furry lovebug boy and all of the pain that came with that, finially getting most of my energy back after cancer and Graves, learning that boundries are not that hard to deal with and many things I don't care enough about to make a big deal over - just because someone says I should, and I've learned it's fine to be a slob once in a while.

I think I learned something new every day this year. Today I learned that, if you put a washer, dryer and water heater out on the front lawn, someone will take it while you're gone.

Most of all, I feel as of today, that I am back in the game of life - at least as much as I want to be at the moment. And, in doing that, I can still be a good mom, wife, friend and employee.

One thing I am not anymore is the center of activity for Disneyland fun. I'm pretty happy about that even if I did enjoy it for a while. But, I have other fish to fry and other priorities and was happy to pass - or drop - the torch. I don't need the ego boost of attention and I like spending time sans "responsabilities". We'll see how long that lasts, but for now I'm happy with the choice I've made.

Right now, I'm looking forward to doing more stuff to the house and yard. That's been my big obsession for the past few months and we are accomplishing a lot. Now, if I just had another trip to plan...........

[Isaac]

I can't think of too many particular highs this year.

I'm happy I just moved into my new apartment & I'm happy I'm starting a new job in 2 1/2 weeks.

Aside from that, it seems every plus had some type of minus. Certainly the two worst things were my break up w/ Steve after he cheated on me and then losing my car in an auto accident 3 weeks later. It kinda bummed me out for the rest of the year.

Ta hell with 2005.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

This past year, my 38th on this planet, brought so many mixed emotions. The death of friends, the strengthening of a relationship, the jubilance of a Disneyland birthday and subsequent melancholy that it had passed after so much anticipation.

What did I learn...

1) That I needed to learn to better deal with stress. I survived all of the problems I was faced with, and yet, the worrying is what almost killed me. Some spiritual curiosity gave me a few tools for a new perspective and it has helped a lot.

2) That I love Matthew more each day.

3) That I could regain my musical confidence. This time last year I was frantically searching for the fulfillment that music used to bring to my life. I felt empty, confused, and saddened that I didn't seem to have the same talent that I had earlier in my life. This year taught me that it was only hiding after having been neglected for a few years. I rekindled my love for playing and got many opportunities to get back out playing for people.

4) That I need to remember that people can be taken away at a moments notice and that I need to be more dilligent in letting other know that I care for them.

5) That the more I focus on compassion for others in my life, the more worthwhile I feel.

I hope these lessons will help to provide a better year ahead. I'm going to try harder and worry less and try to remember a little more that ultimately life is good.

[Drince88]

This year was a roller-coaster for me, too!
Started it off later then most everyone else - in Bora Bora (where I celebrated my 4-0 birthday as well as the new year) and got my first King Cake of the season!
Mardi Gras visit from one of my sisters and her family - the boys LOVED the parades and the alligator farm we went to.
Work was busy, but not crazy busy, for the most part
Trip to Oregon/SW Washington for 4th of July and FINALLY went to the Mt. St. Helen's visitor center.
This 'little storm' came ashore and turned my world upside down - including a 3 week evacuation (but I was very fortunate in HOW it turned things upside down!)
Trip to DL and first encounter with 'internet friends' went VERY well, so much so, that I didn't even think of being nervous when the WDW meets came around!
Trip to WDW with 2 sisters and bro-in-law -- we had a blast and didn't get on each others nerves (too much!)
Back 'home' to Mom & Dad's for Christmas in Oregon - and getting to spend it with some of my family.

Actually, looking at that list, most of it was up, but that drop was a doozy!

[Stan4dSteph]

I've gotten a lot more involved with MousePlanet over this past year, which I have enjoyed immensely. Thanks, Alex.

Unfortunately, my move to NY was rather ill-timed. I live on the other side of the country from most everyone and have yet to make many local friends. Perhaps the coming year will change that.

To me, 2005 was the Year of U2. I saw 7 shows in 4 cities and 3 countries. Great memories that I will keep with me always, and I still have one more show to go in 2006.

[Fab]

I learned that sometimes when you do what's right, you'll get pooped on for it, but it's still better to do what's right. And that a handful of true, loyal friends is better than a whole arena full of fair-weather friends, by light years.

I opened a whole new world, on the other side of the world, and found sides of myself over there that I never knew I had and really, really like. I found out that I do still have a heart and (except for a scare that turned out to be a pulled chest muscle) that it works pretty damned well. I found a family, made an exhiliratingly scary dream come true with my trip to Korea, then made another come true with Tiki Tours, then another with BYJ's Ohana. The sky is the limit!

I fell in love about eleventy times, and got in better shape. More than halfway there!

I learned the "GIVE" in Forgiveness goes both to you and to those whom you forgive.

[tracilicious]

I forgot to include LoT in my 2005 list! This place has been so awesome this year. I've gone from a board that was just a bit too big for me, to another that wasn't quite right, to this wonderful wonderful place. I've loved getting to know some of you better this year. This is my internet home, and like no other. Thanks Swankers, for an awesome internet year.

[€uroMeinke]

I've gone from a board that was just a bit too big for me, to another that wasn't quite right, to this wonderful wonderful place.

"LoT - The Baby-Bear of Message Boards"

[lindyhop]

During 2005 I made a sideways change at work that was for the better but I'm still trying to sort it all out. I was given the opportunity to jettison my supervisory position but keep the same salary and since I was really souring on having to deal with personnel issues I decided to go for it. My goal is to have a more balanced life, work has been eating up too big a chunk of it lately. For the first two months, because I was learning a new job and training my replacement I felt like I was doing at least three jobs all at once and it wasn't fun. Now things are smoothing out and I'm really happy to be heading into January without the dark cloud of the annual review ritual handing over my head. The buck no longer stops here.

At this time last year I was still using a cane most of the time to get around. Then in January I got rid of that and headed back to dance classes. I tried the easiest class I could find but still could only just manage the hour of the class. I'd broken my right leg and all the follow's steps start with the right leg, all the spins are on the right leg. Ouch. But I kept at it until I was back to my Saturday night dances and attending classes regularly again. I tried a few hustle classes (disco still sucks but it's fun to dance to) and I think I'm finally mastering the basics of Balboa. That's what passion, hard work, and a lot of Advil can do.

:cheers:

[tracilicious]

"LoT - The Baby-Bear of Message Boards"


You must spread some Mojo around before giving it to €uroMeinke again.


That's hilarious! Had I been drinking, I would surely have spewed water from my nostrils.