Snapshot, Not Snapped Shut

So it ends, 2006.

Technically, this dog year won't end until Chinese New Year, February 18, 2007, but since I began this blog on January 1, it's only fitting that I end it tonight, December 31.

It's been quite a year, not really what I anticipated.  There were the good times and surprises - the big family reunion and Toronto trip in April, the new house sidings that completely changed the look of my house, summertime BBQs with friends and family in the back yard, and completion of two major Web projects at work.

On the flip side, 2006 has also been full of disappointments and failures.  Turned down by someone for the second and final time.  Separation from the Chinese fellowship and church I've grown up with.  A large sum of money owed me and still unrecovered from a crooked siding company.  Loss of interesting Web-related projects at work.  Failure to do 90% of the resolutions I set out at the beginning of the year, such as taking time to learn all these cool graphics software and complete some oil paintings..

And then, there's this blog.  Was it a success or a failure?  Does the answer matter?  I don't believe many have been consistently reading it, though there are probably more than I think.  Through this blog, I was able to pour out some pent-up creative juices, express in poems my pains and hurts from certain people I've held dear, and keep a photo repository of items and events that have been a part of my life through the 12 months.  Through this blog, I've probably surprised more than a few of my friends with my strong opinions on certain people and news.  Some of these friends are probably no more, having been fed up with my verbosity and vast range of moods through the many postings.  To these people, who are full of personal secrets themselves, I've nothing to say - I'm complicated and human, I suppose, and if you don't wish to spend some time and effort putting together the pieces of the puzzle on this blog, don't go around telling people how you "don't really know who the real Tim is."  To those who managed to stay interested and are still reading my entries, I thank you deeply, even if you've never left a single comment.

New challenges and major changes await in 2007.  A few of these are already confirmed.  I will start a new blog (Web address to be listed above this article once created), with a new look and structure.  I won't be blogging as much this coming year, but perhaps more interesting developments in my life will make up for the fewer postings.

I hear fireworks outside announcing the new year.  No euthanasia for this dog - he will go to sleep tonight on his own.  I took my licks in '06, now I'll look to heaven in '07.   I will keep you in my prayers.  Please keep me in yours.  Farewell, friends.

Comments

[Tom]

Dude, I enjoyed reading your blog this year. Although at times a bit on the morose side, your free-flowing writing style, wit, and creativity are things of greatness that you should be proud of. Rock on in 2007!

[Timinator]

Hey, Tom,

Thanks for your ongoing encouragement and friendship for what, 25 years now? Though our lives are quite different now, from before and from each other, I do hope we continue to "keep that stiff upper lip" :) Have a great 2007 to you and the whole family!

[Stan]

Just never give up and give in!

[Priscilla]

I stumbled into your site when I typed the words "Rembrandt still life with dead peacocks" into the search engine(my brother had just mentioned he saw it in an e-mail and I had never heard of it). I never did find your reference to the painting. It was fun looking around, but I'm at work and need get back on task. Anyway, I put your site on my favorites. Just from the time I spent here I can tell you are a great person who has many, many interests. I can relate to that. Although I'm 20 years older than you, I know we could be friends. I pray that God will give you your heart's desire (Psalm 37:4).