Hello There, 2011

I have already learned something new and important in 2011. The ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanism that keeps hearts pumping. It was invented with help from NASA. Ready for this? It's taken from an article in the NYT.

The VAD "leaves patients without a pulse because it pushes blood continuously instead of mimicking the heart’s own beat. Most pulse-less patients feel nothing unusual..."

AAGGGHHHHH. That's like people who get tummy tucks and have the surgeon remove their belly button (oh yes, it's true.) So Dick Cheney, Edward, and Jacob....

Now, on to saying goodbye to 2010.

First - Sorry to my fam about David.

Second, thanks, 2010! All in all it was a pretty great year.

Shout out to all my friends - you know who you are MaryKatherine, Heid and Nach and delishables, Laurie and the Clan, Osito, Tan, QueenEsther, The Mighty Mighty A-Mem, Oso Polar y Shar y las niñas, Ari and O, ToolDave, my cousins, Dr. Donnelly, and all you amazing other folks. I love you! And here's to my new friend, JimmyJaimeCali.

Big ups to my Sensei and training partners and all the awesome women at NWMAF. Yay for knuckle push ups.

Thanks to the universe for a job with health insurance! And for Benny - a job with a dog!

Thanks to the universe for giving me my mom (and dad) for another year. Didn't think I'd be saying that.

Thanks for all the compassion and kindness, all the breaks I got, the learning opportunities, the failures (more learning opportunities.) Thanks for a year of HEALTH (thank you, thank you, thank you.) Thanks for reggaeton y bachata y bailando. Thanks for beautiful sunsets and books on CD. Thanks for JACKSON HEIGHTS and Roosevelt Island. Gracias por tacos y pupusas y arepas.

Thanks for another day and another chance.

Onward.