In some vague nod to Chinese tradition, I've declared 2015 to be the "Year of the House." The way I see it, each year brings its share of highlights and we might as well pay tribute to the expired calendar by naming it after the most significant one. And while we're at it, let's fondly recall some of the others.
1. The House
The move was not on my radar at the start of 2015, at least nowhere near the center of the screen. It had been on Dena's wish list for a while, and the longer she served on the Board of the condominium the more convinced she became that being wall-neighbor free was the way to go. We nearly bought a $140,000 house then found a much better one for $15,000 less. It's sneakily close to all the major roads in town, the neighborhood's quiet and we even got some minor improvements handled (looking at you, useless radio antenna and bug-infested mini-pines). It's stood up to torrential rains, and we've taken advantage of the heated garage feature just last week on an icy day. Cupcake adjusted instantly and loves to prowl the neighborhood at night. And it's no small matter that the condominium sold almost immediately!
2. The Declawing
Sorry if this is contentious, but know that it was especially contentious for our own inner struggle as we finally de-clawed Cupcake. Moving into a new house with thousands of dollars of furniture just wasn't compatible with endlessly slashing kitty claws, despite our many attempts to cover the furniture or train her. She doesn't race around as much as before, but psychologically she's seemed fine from the start, and maybe even more affectionate than before.
3. The Musicals
Another surprise here. I figured I'd do my annual musical and call it a year. Life doesn't go as you plan sometimes! I was devoted to getting a lead, given a supporting lead instead, and in that role learned a French accent well enough to consider auditioning for Beauty and the Beast's Lumiere in 2016 which I never would have otherwise. Blessings in disguise. Then BCPA put on Hairspray which was by then too inviting to pass up as a way to try out another theater (conclusion: good times, and now I've had my fill of 90 degree performances for a while). And despite the cost to business, the lure of the Brett Cottone / Wendy Baugh dynamic duo was too great to resist. Legally Blonde was both tremendously successful (94% capacity) and personally redeeming. I even got on the radio as part of the fun. In the new year, my most significant role will be Husband, in homage of Dena's saintly patience throughout the frequent quiet nights at home.
4. The Appendicitis
Dena's appendix ruptured on November 13 (easy to remember, being a Friday, and also wrought with drama as I barely got to Legally Blonde's opening curtain after the surgery). She spent four nights in the hospital and trooped through it, rebounding fully. Doctor Fernandes was just the kind of surgeon you want. And as a silver lining, we have now received more benefits from Blue Cross Blue Shield over the lifetime of our policy than we've paid in premium - that's what insurance is all about!
5. The Leadership Launch
In 2014 I sat passively on the Steering Committee of Leadership McLean County. This year a rogue thought turned into a steamrolling success as a terrific committee joined me in designing a first-thing, one-hour "Leadership Launch" formal training element that had been long discussed in general principle. I even ended up chairing two full days and providing 4 hours of original material myself.
6. Lisa Hurley
The most significant new relationship of the year. Our paths crossed through the Leadership Launch program, and we have feasted on each other's energy, analytical bent, and blossoming passion for helping others through public speaking to set up several engagements together in 2015-2016. It's refreshing to take philosophical dives with someone else who approaches life with a similarly responsible, organized, all-in, open-minded enthusiasm for the possible. Plus we both consider ourselves to be something of recovering pessimists, giving us a perspective and sensitivity that offers real value to those who are down.
7. The Partners
The tutoring business sprouted to the point that I delegated over 20 students to four different tutors in the spring and fall. I was fortunate to recruit two through the ISU math department and two from walk-up introductions at the Normal Public Library. Despite farming out all these students, 2015 was still personally another record-breaking income year for the seventh in a row.
8. The Bronchoscopy
Mom had this procedure done and enjoyed a hospital stay herself... my third care taking role in 12 months counting Dena's December 2014 knee procedure.
9. The Basketball Coaching
I was approached by a friend which led to a weekly coaching session with a 12-year old boy who'd missed the cut for his school team. We cover fundamentals of passing, dribbling and shooting. He's improving in a way that probably is my coaching sweet spot - elevating someone from bad to average.
10. The Church Chats
After three satisfying years in Epiphany Catholic Church's contemporary band, we launched a Sunday evening service this year. Shortly afterward, the band's direction changed and the time was right for me to let it sail on successfully without me. One side effect was the chance to attend Eastview's Christmas Eve service with Dena for the first time. Also, I revisited Vale Christian Church for the first time in oh, twenty years, intrigued by some posts by my theater friends (of various orientations) who reported feelings of extreme welcomeness there.
11. The Subbing
I was recalled to substitute teach actuarial science at ISU for the second time in as many years for couple of days. I was also able to help as a long-term sub for Normal Community West High School due to a tragedy that befell one of the teachers.
12. The Lone Star State
We vacationed to Austin, Texas as one of the sites on our "maybe" list of future home states. Right smack in the middle of summer. If we can handle the worst of the weather, there's nowhere to go but up.
There you have it folks, the top (of mind) unique and memorable happenings of 2015. May 2016 be at least as bright!
