D O T Y B L O G      

In 2004, my life divided itself between my usual teaching and coaching, and added campaigning to the mix, as I sought the 6th District seat in the Oregon House of Representatives. As of November, that divide began smoothing out. The campaign wrapped on November 2, with the very earliest returns making it clear how I'd fared. Soccer concluded a week later on November 9, as my league #3 finishing Pirates ran into a state-ranked league champ from the Portland end of the state.

The campaign did bring something very unexpected, through a series of rather unlikely events. I started blogging before I'd even filed - offering comment on issues stories and concerns here in Oregon, but also occasionally voicing reactions to other bits of news and reflections on my life in general. I didn't know who all was reading it, but I found out... a posting about the loss of one of my dogs brought an email from halfway across the country, from someone who had been close to me in my younger days. The renewal of acquaintance has altered my long term plans dramatically - I HAVE some, now.

It's been a good year and a trying year. I've dealt with unpleasant animal death, losing two dogs, a cat, and two birds since April. I've learned much more about senior health issues than I'd known previously, as my father faces the increasingly more pronounced effects of Parkinson's. The political scene is not at all what I hoped it would be. My career has been more trying than any year in my professional life. But for all that, I have much to smile about. People coming back into my life after many years. My magnetic draw of stray animals has me at the same number of dogs I started the year with. My soccer team weathered graduation and found unexpected strength in a freshman class to over-perform in an anticipated 'rebuilding year.'

And so as the calendar year draws to a close (such an arbitrary touchstone), I reflect on it all and am glad.

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