Retrospective – 25
Yep, that’s me – calculator in-hand at two. An omen of nerd-dom that should have been heeded.
Today is my 26th birthday. At 4.20am (go ahead, make some jokes), February 2, 1984, I poked my lil’ peanut head into the world, stuck my tongue out at my mother, and promptly became a joyous pain in everyone’s ass. It’s been a good ride so far.
Every birthday I like to take a look at the previous year and see what I’ve done, how far I’ve come. This is what Year 25 held for me:
- I married my amazingfantastic husband
- I moved to Oshawa
- I held my job for the 6th full, consecutive year
- I discovered the wonders of the blogsphere
- I started Jaka’s Tea Party
- I helped define and found a new social movement
- I started collaging again
- I branched out into new media
- I read 17 books
- I got my first pap in 3 years
- I started growing out my hair with its natural colour
- I began manymanymany new and exciting friendships
- I supported and loved my family and old friends
- I fell many steps back on my path to self
- I felt the absence of spirituality in my life
- I worried about moneyworklovesexfutureeverything
- I gave in to crushing panic and euphoric joy
- I had to decide if I could afford to cure my cat (I did)
- I maxed out my credit card
- I stayed home instead of going to the biggest social event on my calendar
- I attended the last-ever Bad Film Festival at the KCKPL
- I traveled to Mexico for the first time
- I went to Disneyworld!
In all, it’s been a fairly quiet year. We’re so far away from our family and friends out here that not much happens in my life. Even my introspection has come to a standstill (which bothers me immensely). A lot of amazing and huge life changes happened last year, for which I am immensely grateful to the universe, yet I look back and feel that I could have done so much better on a personal level. I could have done better by myself, could have been more in touch with and respectful of myself.
Here’s to Year 26.
Posted: February 2nd, 2010 under observation, personal.
Comments
Comment from Alicia
February 2, 2010 at 2:20 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Girl you’ve done a lot this year! Don’t sell yourself too short.
1984 was a great year. 
Comment from Katie
February 2, 2010 at 9:12 PM
Yay! 25 was a FABULOUS year may 26 be even better ^_^ x
Comment from Hayden Tompkins
February 2, 2010 at 11:54 PM
Happy Birthday, Jaka! I have yet to hold a job past the second year (it’s what I get for working in law firms) so I am TOTALLY IMPRESSED at your longevity.
Comment from Jennifer
February 3, 2010 at 11:18 AM
Hey Miss Ellie – I remember when you entered the world, and it made a whole bunch of people really happy. One thing I’ve learned – personal growth isn’t a straight line. Some years have more, some have less. It all works out in the end so long as you keep being open to it. I know this year will be even better than the last. You have much to be proud of.
Comment from Jaka Merriman
February 3, 2010 at 4:09 PM
Thank you, everyone, for all the birthday wishes. I love you guys! <3
Comment from Ginger
February 2, 2010 at 10:36 AM
You didn’t mention your birthday was coming up!
Happy birthday!!!!!