Sometimes traditions can be fun. Every year, my Aunt Doris includes a letter with her Christmas cards. It’s her way of sharing the past year’s events with family an friends. I love doing this. It’s a labor of love, but it’s a great way to look back at the previous year.
This is the letter that went out with my cards this year. Yes, a big bunch of my Christmas cards are already in the mail. Since I moved this year, I want to make sure my family has the current address. Unfortunately, I do have to send two different versions of the letter. The italicized paragraph was left out from some family letters. People in the PugVillage card exchange didn’t get the letter. They can read it online.
Greetings from Salem, Massachusetts.
Over the past year, we’ve heard President-Elect Obama use the word Change an awful lot. Change has also been my companion the past year.
As we were winding down the 2007-2008 New England winter, I decided it was time to move out of my East Boston apartment that had been my home for close to two years. It was a diverse neighborhood that was close to a lot, but I lived in an ancient building that seemed to invite furry little critters to make a home there. In mid-March, Reggie and I packed up and moved to Salem, about 15 miles north of Boston. We’re in a fantastic two bedroom condo. The woman who owns it needs someone to take care of it because it’s not the right time for her to sell. It’s a ten minute walk to the commuter train, which puts me in Boston in about 30 minutes.
Two weeks after I moved in, I had surgery to remove my gal bladder. With everything still in boxes, my mom and dad arrived to take care of us for a few days. For the first time in my life, my parents were able to visit me and stay at my house. That was such a great feeling. While I recovered, my dad took care of Reggie, and my mom started unpacking my kitchen. She didn’t have to do that, and I completely appreciate that she did.
Reggie and I live in the downstairs unit of a three-story house, with two great guys living in the upstairs unit, each with a dog. I couldn’t ask for better neighbors. Between the three of us we have a Pug, a yellow Lab, and a German Shepherd. I love where I’m living. It’s got a cook’s kitchen, and nothing makes me happier than having my friends over and being able to feed them a good meal. I get that from Grandma Hillwig, for sure.
In late June, I found myself interviewing for a new job. It wasn’t something I had been planning, but the job market was pretty attractive for me. I said goodbye to some amazing people that had been more than coworkers for close to four years. They had become my friends. Leaving was hard, but I knew I was doing the right thing. I’m now working for a company called Acme Packet, who makes equipment used by telecom companies. It’s a good company with good leadership. More importantly, it’s given me the opportunity to fill some gaps in my skillset.
Two weeks after I started at Acme, my mom and dad brought Sarah up to visit for her birthday. It was a fantastic weekend, and we took her on a whale watching cruise. She’s still talking about it, and frankly, so am I. We had a great day out on the Atlantic. Sarah also got to see Boston, visit the New England Aquarium, and of course, she got to play with Reggie. We had a birthday cake for her and everything.
In September, I did something crazy. I auditioned for the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus. Not having sung in public since my sister got married ten years ago, the old pipes were a little rusty. But I must have something good because I’m singing with them. This has been such a positive experience for me. Not only am I part of a well-known and well-respected group that produces amazing music, I’ve made a lot of really good friends. My first concert with the chorus will be in Provincetown on December 6. Our big Boston concerts are coming up a week after that. Darcie, Dave, and Sarah are coming up for that, and I’m ecstatic that they’re coming. This is why I’m wearing a tuxedo in the picture. Since I needed to buy a tuxedo for chorus performances, I bought one for Reggie. It makes a cute card, I think.
And then there is Halloween in Salem. Halloween is a month-long event here, and we hunkered down to get through the tourist insanity. Halloween was on a Friday this year, and I did walk through the crowd to visit my friends’ annual gathering. I just don’t have the words to describe how crazy it is. Most of the month is much more family-friendly, and there is a lot to do for kids. It’s just that one night that gets insane. Halloween has passed us, and now we can have our sleepy little town back for another eleven months.
Everybody always asks about my health. Generally speaking, it’s good. I did have one serious relapse with my MS recently that was rough. My neurologist, who I absolutely adore, put me on a steroid regimen for a few days that required outpatient IV infusion. It wasn’t fun, but it was necessary. If MS has taught me anything, it’s that I have to listen to my body and learn when to take it easy. I turn into a pumpkin earlier than I used to. I nap when I need to. It sure beats the alternative.
We’re doing well and hope you are, too. From Salem, Reggie and I wish you the warmest of Christmases.