Every December I like to take stock of the year that just passed. Normally I would read through my blog posts and remind myself of what I had done but this year there were not a lot of posts. I am not entirely sure why though. Perhaps I was busy, I don’t really recall. 2015 was a good year without a lot of drama which is just fine by me.
Zuimei’s mother came and stayed for a few months in the spring and was a great help keeping everything running smoothly and everyone fed. She was also very active in the garden I that put in. I ended up with more tomatoes than we knew what to do with so we canned salsa. The kale also came in very well and lasted into November! Given the mild weather it would still be going strong if I hadn’t uprooted it so I could till the soil in preparation for next spring. Even as I write this it is a balmy 13 degrees here in Newmarket.
Work is going well. I had a lot of new projects completed this year migrating the entire bank to Dynamic Tag Manager. It was not a small feat, and I am very pleased with the data. There is still a long way to go, but a great foundation has been laid. At one point I was a hair’s breadth away from leaving. I had an offer from a company I was very excited to work at which, it turns out, was founded by a guy I used to live with in residence back at UVIC.
The bank countered with a deal I couldn’t pass up. Three days a week working from home! I am way more productive, happier and I save money so what’s not to love.
In February I had my second biopsy. Really it was to make sure that the cancer was not growing anywhere. The results came back negative so we’re now coasting. As long as my PSA remains low I can avoid another biopsy and just keep trucking!
I also settled my case with the TTC, It was nice to finally have that chapter of my life completed and done with. The money came in handy and I invested most of it. I paid off all the debts other than the mortgage and so financially I am pretty happy as well.
We celebrated Dad’s 80th in Kelowna which was lovely. I think it was the first time we’d all gotten together since his 75th and it was the first time Zuimei and I got to meet Grady.
I also joined my work friends in supporting a coworker of ours who dances with a troupe in June. It was really amazing. Dancers of all different levels and skill coming together with a passion. I smiled for days afterwards.
In July we suffered through the Pan-am games luckily it didn’t affect the train too badly and Zuimei travels off hours so we made out alright.
In September I returned to Victoria to get neuro-feedback treatment from Jr. I had been having difficulties controlling my emotions since the accident and this was right up his alley. Treatment was twice a day for a week and involved using electrodes and software to encourage certain brain waves in parts of the brain. Music plays if your brain produces the desired waves and the clinician, Jr, controls what the criteria is for success
If I had to describe it I would say it’s like this: Have you ever tried meditating and thought, “am I doing this right?” Well with this you know if you’re doing it right because the feedback tells you. Anyway it has proven very helpful and I feel much calmer.
It also helps that last Christmas Zuimei had bought me a pottery wheel and kiln, and pottery is a lesson in patience. It cannot be rushed and nothing can be made in a hurry. I started taking lessons in January with my friend David and eventually set up my own studio in the garage.
This fall I insulated the garage so that I could throw all year round. I still toss out more than I keep but the results have been encouraging and it is a huge learning experience. I have even begun creating my own glazes which reminds me of high school chemistry. I’m sure with all the chemicals involved I’m on a watch list somewhere.
I am looking forward to 2016. I think it will be a good year for us. Zuimei’s businesses are coming along. Work is interesting and I like the people I work with. Both Nicole and Renee are going to come out and visit and I feel like Zuimei and I may get away for a trip somewhere.