As I look at my 2011 Humane Society calendar, knowing there are no pages behind December, I am flooded with relief. What is it about closing out a year that makes us feel we can put our missteps and blunders, regrets and sorrows, behind us? Why is there such heft that comes with beginning a new year? Whether we make resolutions or not, every one of us feels the sense that the new year brings new beginnings. We all feel hope at the chance for something different. Something better. Some of us hope for new love. Some, financial success. Others are going to run that first marathon. Or 5k. Some of us simply are grateful to close the door on painful events that occurred in 2011.

2011, like most years, was a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the changes at my law firm that brought new energy and life to my practice. While my family presented the usual trials and tribulations that come with alcoholism and other forms of dysfunction, nobody died. We went through an extreme drought in Austin, but for the past couple of months, we’ve had rain. Mack was in my life, there were some good times, but he was very, very bad for me. Not to mention, a complete and utter douche.

It occurs to me that if I had written this blog two weeks ago, before I started the antidepressants, this would have been a very different blog. Now, I see a bit of hope peeking through the clouds.

2012. I don’t care what the Mayans say, I’ve got a strong feeling it’s going to be an exceptional year. In a good way. True, I’ve always liked even-numbered years better, but I think it’s more than that. Or maybe it’s just the antidepressants talking. Either way, I feel so relieved that in a matter of hours, 2011 will be behind me. In the words of our not-so beloved Governor Goodhair a/k/a Rick Perry:

Adios, MoFo.