lxforever

“Serve Yourself / No one else can do for you like you / no one else fails like me / in my eyes I burn alive / no more words just you and I / high / in the sky”

—Starla Dear

5:24pm Diana:
most people do “best of 2008” like what was released…
i’m self centered enough to just care about what’s new to ME
5:24pm Alexis:
HAHAHAHA
well that’s why we have blogs about OURSELVES
5:25 pm Diana:
RIGHT

—12/31/08

The Akerviks in Capri, 11/5/08

In the tumult of financial meltdowns, newsrooms and editors and blog posts and columnists declare 2008 to be a wash, and one most people would sooner forget. They look ahead to 09, happy to leave this year of failures and freefalls behind in the quest for something greater, and bemoan the unprecedented turmoil. Being the extremely, uncannily lucky person I am, for me, 2008 was none of these things, and instead was one hell of a banner year.

Needless to say, getting married has something to do with that.

The almost ridiculous levels of generosity, thoughtfulness, and care that the loved ones around us expressed for, during, leading up to, and after 11/1/08 still amazes me even now. I honestly have no idea what we did to deserve the wonderful people in our lives, but whatever the reason, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. Our friends—from childhood dress-up partners-in-crime to college dorm- and class-mate cliques, from gradeschool/highschool loyalty gems to lake friends who were 5/7/10 and now are all grown up to our more recent, more local pals—and family—cousins, aunts, uncles, godparents, niece (!), grandparents—just outdid themselves in their support. And many, many thanks to our parents and Dave, Micah, Erik, Jenny, Stephie, Diana and Christie. It was a wonderful moment to have you up there with us.

And of course, the most important part: marrying my dear love Jeffrey Jason Akervik. It seems so simple and that’s all there is to it. I am a very lucky woman indeed.

Other random 2008 highlights:
-Fake-streaking with Kristin and Alyssa after the wedding. KLA together again!
-Being on the Amalfi coast (and Paris…and Venice…and Rome…and Firenze) with Jeff. Simply. Amazing.
-My niece Anna and the constant entertainment she provides
-2008, the year of BARACK OBAMA and SHAWN JOHNSON and NASTIA LIUKIN! Holy hell. Who knew that could all come to pass—unreal
-For almost the whole year, the peacefulness and security of our house and it becoming a home
-The TEA SHOWER! THANK YOU SISTERS!
-The out-of-control bachelorette party, games and limo and tutus and “private dancer” (not really) included (“Will you call Jeff and tell him I love him?” As if Jenny hadn’t done enough, she then complied with this request as well.)
-Jeff finding his current job, which is basically the perfect fit and a wonderful surprise; and me still having a good time at mine
-My INTERNET FRIENDS! As always…I am grateful!
-Thanksgiving/tournament with my extended family in Madison…30 people! Geez!
-Turning 27 – I am glad to be there, 3^3
-HEALTH, HAPPINESS / FAMILY, FRIENDS

What. A year.

In 2008, I did NOT go to San Fran; I did NOT give blood; and I did NOT learn to chill out (although I’m trying). And I did NOT write enough. I would like to ameliorate these things in 2009, and how!

I had thought 2009 was going to be the year I learned to kick back for some R&R more often, but it’s looking more and more like it’s gonna be all about Mindfulness and Kicking Ass.

The Mindfulness has to happen…I’m trying to be calmer, more grateful, more appreciative of the moment, etc. If you know me, you know that’s probably not possible, but hey, a lady can try. As a part of this, I’d like to learn to relax, or at least focusing on it, instead of ending every weekend feeling like I haven’t done enough. Who cares! It doesn’t matter what I Get Done! It’s about Living Life! Etc. We’ll see how that goes.

Of course, this contradicts the Kicking Ass part, but that’s a bit more specific and not overall-life-related. It’s not a bad thing necessarily; the outcome from these exercises has the potential to match the work in reward.

Or I’ll just say to hell with it and, as Diana would say “…CALM THE F&$# DOWN!” Yeah. I like it. Happy 2009, may you and your loves be warm, safe, and happy!