Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
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Monday, October 14
Stunted hope. Both a promising new administration and a promising new relationship failed to live up to (what I thought were) reasonable expectations.
After years of weird job-hopping, I held my salary office job for a record-setting full second year. And amidst the job losses and struggles I've seen in so many friends, I'm very okay with being grateful for it.
New love, new apartment, job stability and promotion.
Not trying to brag but it took two friggin years for me to get this place.
Very disappointed with (1)President Obama on any number of issues (e.g. big banks, Afghanistan) and (2) the rescinding of gay marriage laws at the ballot box. Concerned about rightwing backlash. Various lower body difficulties limited my mobility, something I must reverse going into the next decade. And I'm just barely employed.
On the bright side, however, I've got a great guy and we're serious about each other. That's the best thing going for me entering 2010 and a new decade.
pretty darn good.
This was the year of big changes, or at least taking steps towards big slow-moving changes. I made decisions about my education, which in turn changed my job prospects and my attitude towards my work. It also determined where I would be living for the next 3 years (still here!) and kick-started my writing (again).
Sadly, I also lost a family member, which changed my family dynamic with my far-flung relatives, for better and for worse.
I also started dating again after a loooong break. It's been fun and frustrating, but it redefined for me what I want out of life.
Annnnd, I'm about to adopt a pet after being petless for 13 years.
2010? Whatchya got for me? I hope some rest.
2009 sucked the big one - that's an understatement. Bring on 2010!
2009 sucked. good riddance!
got laid off at the end of 2008, so early 2009 wasn't fun. took a temp job in february with lots of OT and travel (worked on a trial, with strangers, not fun), got hired on in april. worked another trial in october, and was gearing up for one starting mid-january when i got laid off, again, in december. i may have made some money but it was all so stressful i can't say it was worth it.
so now i'm in the same place i was in early 2009 only being laid off from this job was a relief. it's time to make a switch. bring it on 2010! time for change!
2009 was just peachy. Still healthy, wife's great, little son's awesome, don't hate my job, and all bills are currently paid. Fingers crossed I dont somehow screw anything up in 2010
2009 was, overall, good to me.
Had a job that I like, moved and got a better landlord, met the love of my life and I knit myself a whole sweater.
I also moved, which means mail delivery improved somewhat.
And I got to see my brain via MRI. That was really fucking cool.
pretty hard. but i'm not complaining.
2009 was an exciting and stressful year for the design community. But, I'm sure 2010 will bring some great opportunities for everyone!
It was a roller coaster. More downs than ups. Family issues seemed to be a constant but I think things are finally looking up in that respect. Lost some people and gained some people (babies and rekindled relationship via F.B.) I'm really looking forward to 2010 and I'm starting it off right. Leave for Jamaica on Saturday!
Urban Ethos [26]
What is Chicago's "urban ethos"?
Cool Glass of... [16]
What're you drinking?
Supreme Decision [22]
What's your reaction to the Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act?
Taking it to the Streets [20]
Chicago Street Fairs: Revolting or Awesome?
I Can Be Cruel [9]
Be real: what is the meanest thing you've ever done?
vise77 / December 31, 2009 8:20 AM
Anxious and lucky.
While I and my significant other remain employed, most of our friends have no jobs, and some are nearing the end of even their extended benefits, not to mention insurance. Some of our friends have kids.
Best wishes and good luck in 2010 to all those without jobs.