Year in Review

Holy cow, what a year it has been!  I’m not sure that there’s anything more life changing than having your first child, so that alone has made 2010 a year for the record books.  Nevertheless, there were a number of other aspects of the past 365 days that have made it memorable.  Because I love making lists, here’s one, in no particular order, of some of the things/moments/people in 2010 that made a significant impact on my life.

Book:  The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Recommended to me by my friend Stephanie, who has impeccable literary taste, this book had me hooked by the end of page one.  It’s got all the aspects of a great story: mystery, fascinating characters, stories about books, twisty staircases and the bonus of being set in Barcelona.  It’s not a 2010 new release, but it was the perfect page-turner for me in late spring, when I was still on maternity leave and in desperate need of doing something other than watching HGTV. 

Disease: Cancer

I know it’s a little strange to give a shout out to a disease, but unfortunately cancer has been on my mind a lot this past year.  In addition to my aunt’s continued fight against lymphoma, I know three women in their thirties who have had very intense cancer diagnoses and treatments this year.  Young and old alike are susceptible to cancer, but it’s still shocking when it affects people your age.  Each in their own unique way, all four of these women are being courageous in their affirmation of life, and I admire that beyond belief. 

Professional Accomplishment:  Jessica Stein’s Equal Justice Works Award

Isn’t it fantastic when you see someone deserving get accolades for their work?  In July, I had the honor of nominating one of my students, Jessica Stein, for the Equal Justice Works Exemplary Student Service Award, and guess what- she won!  Jess is the student coordinator for the Hartford Homeless Experience Legal Protection Project, which brings law students and attorneys into shelters to provide limited legal representation to homeless individuals.  In October, Jess was presented with the award in DC at a very fancy dinner, and was kind enough to mention me in her acceptance speech.  That moment, for me, was a powerful reminder of why supporting public interest work in the law school setting can be as gratifying as practicing law. 

Personal Physical Accomplishment: Giving Birth

Okay, get ready, now PUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSH!  And push I did, for two hours and 6 minutes, to be exact.  Best cardio workout, ever.

Witnessed Physical Accomplishment: Geno’s Marathon

I cannot fathom walking, let alone running, 26.2 miles.  In October, Geno ran the Hartford ING Marathon (along with our friend, Terry Brino-Dean), which was impressive all around.  Even though I was just on the sidelines, I kind of feel like this was my accomplishment too, because as any partner of a marathoner can tell you, training impacts the whole family.  Geno finished with a smile on his face, due in part to having so many of our family and friends there to cheer him on, and also possibly because there was a free beer waiting for him at the finish line. 

Legislation that passed: The Health Care Bill

Related to my preoccupation with cancer, I’m really glad the health care bill finally passed.  No, it’s not a perfect law, (what is?), but it is so important that people with pre-existing conditions will be able to get health insurance.  Imagine, just imagine, being diagnosed with cancer months after being laid off from your job (for no fault of your own), just as your COBRA benefits expire.  And then miraculously you get a new job, but oops, that pesky cancer diagnosis means your new employer sponsored healthcare plan won't cover you.  It happens; it happened.  Health care coverage for all is moral, just and a basic human right. 

Legislation that should have passed: The DREAM Act

For better or for worse, as parents we make decisions that have huge impacts on our children’s lives.  And in the case of many undocumented youth living in our country, entering into the US was a decision that their parents made for them.  What I don’t understand, can’t comprehend, is why some in our government would want to prevent these young adults from pursuing college educations and citizenship.  Don’t we want better educated, patriotic citizens?  I do.

Krazy Family: The Kardashians

I can’t tell you exactly why I like Kim, Kourtney and Khloé so much, but I do.  They are insane, but I feel compelled to keep up with them.

Scripted Television: Glee & The Vampire Diaries

It’s really a toss up for me between these two shows on which one I like better.  On one hand, there’s a swing choir and cheerleaders (my high school experience in a nutshell), and on the other hand, there are vampires and witches (my divinity school experience in a nutshell… just kidding).

Caretakers: Mary Lake and Doris Ayala

Let’s hear it for the madres!  Both of these amazing, giving and loving women made a huge difference in our lives this year.  In the process of giving birth I had some pretty serious nerve compression (supra pushing for over two hours), which resulted in me coming home in a wheelchair, graduating to a walker, and then to a cane.  It was a few months before I was walking confidently on my own, and I could not have done it without my mom.  The first few weeks at home with a newborn are hard enough on their own, let alone not being able to walk or carry your baby.  With her typical display of kindness, my mom helped us with everything from washing my hair to keeping us fed.  I know I’ll never be able to say thank you enough.  And for Doris, well she has been a beacon of love shining into Mateo's life.  By taking care of him during the day while Geno and I are at work, she has not only given us immeasurable peace of mind, but given Mateo more than I could ever enumerate here.  Again, I will never be able to say thank you enough.  (P.S. Our dads rock too.)

Technology: Kindle & Skype

Our overly generous friend, Fahd, “lent” me his Kindle after I expressed frustration with handling books at the same time as a newborn.  Fahd, you saved me from a House Hunters / Baby Story / E! True Hollywood Story induced madness.  I’d also like to give a shout out to the inventors of Skype, who have made it possible for Mateo to regularly see his Kansas-living grandparents. 

Concert: Shakira

Fine, I only went to one concert this year, but Shakira was amazing.  I have loved her since the mid-90's, (way before her um, interesting, crossover efforts,) so it was kind of a dream come true to see her in concert.  Making it extra special was getting to see her with my pal, Constance, who went through herculean efforts to be there. 

Family: Geno & Mateo

Geno's the only husband I've got and the only one I want.  Literally could not do it without you, my love.  (Dude, can you believe we have a kid?!)  And for you Mateito, how can we love you so much?  You are the gift from God that keeps on giving.

It really has been a fantastic year, replete with roller coaster moments, but one for which I am infinitely grateful.  I hope the same for you as well!

PS- You know that Kia Soul commercial with the rapping, dancing hamsters?  I LOVE that too.