High: having so much free time it's ridiculous

Low: not making the most of that free time

High: recently being asked to increase my hours

Low: it's fine now, but when summer comes...

High: being more social

Low: insecurity about coming off as dull, uninteresting, unattractive

Low: Murder of George Tiller.

High: Seriously enjoying to the minute my new job.

Low: Planned on purchasing a small home or condo by now.

Not much of a low; so 2009 was my best year in more than a few. 2010 is also shaping up to be a winner.

High: after a happy lifetime without considering marriage, I got oh-my-goodness married to my very best friend, with the love, help, and support of many, many relatives and friends. Indeed, we were married by a family member.

Lows: the death of a loved one; Maine overturning marriage equality; an increase in the chronic pain that has kept me from many pursuits.

Resolutions: determination to rise above grief and pain, to treasure bliss, to get stronger in every way, to support those who need it and seek support when I need it.

High: I fell in love.

Low: I fell in love.

A number of lows but I don't really see them in light of the high of the birth of my grand daughter.

I'm good with that.

Highs: My kids are preteens and still love me a lot. My relatively new husband is an excellent man. Lots of new good books, music, and movies. Got to show art all over town a lot. Nothing sold, but that's totally ok.

Lows: Got the flu and took a long time to recover. Also had depression and work politics. Kids pushed boundaries and it's hard, but understandable.

Highs for 2010 already: Have three group art shows scheduled already this year (March, May, and July) with themes I can easily work with. Got a decade of hair chopped off and it feels wonderful. Got the work schedule I asked for in the Fall but didn't get then; reduced hours and money, but increased happiness and sanity and good mothering and being a good spouse. I'll also get to spend time on other projects that I've been craving.

High: Seeing the Decemberists play Hazards of Love.

Low: Asthma and probably pneumonia last winter.

High: Leonard Cohen in Seattle.

Low: Melanoma

High: Melanoma apparently limited to the spot they cut out.

Low: 3 more months of Winter.

High: I realised this year that I have many true and dear friends.

Low: One of those friends almost died.

High: Her life was saved by a liver transplant.

Low: Crazy woman continues to pursue her vendetta against me and a friend.

High: Neighbour from hell was evicted.

Low: Neighbour from hell returned.

High: I celebrated my 50th birthday with three parties - one in Ohio, one in New York (with many MeCha friends) and one in Essex (again with many bunnies in attendance).

Low: My struggles with weight, body image and self-esteem continue. The demons are winning right now.

High: Getting my flat renovated.

Low: The flood in the early hours of Christmas Eve that ruined said renovations.

High: Insurance.

Low: Work is stressful, badly paid and I'm having to mentor people, which I really, really hate.

High: Caring for my two kittycats. The rewards of caring for a pet, even one as ungrateful as a cat, cannot be measured.

Highs: Getting into library school, GTFO of my parents house, eating better food, dance stuff, getting messages from the universe

Lows: Freaking out about not getting into library school since 2 school rejected me, worrying about money, worrying about my job, herniated disk, October being super depressed

Low: Worrying that I'd never get a job again after a layoff, lack of cash flow.

High: The freedom of unemployment, getting a new job that I like, deciding to get married, my sweetie answering the call to full-time ministry.

Low: Discovering deception, lies, and infidelity on Mr. V's part, and being forced to throw him out.

High: Being strong enough to throw him out.

Low: Financial difficulties, sorrow, despair.

High: Family, friends, inner strength, peace with myself.

Low: realizing that despite attempts to revive it again, the marriage is dead.

High: Moving on!