It's been a year ... and quite a year at that.

It's been a year ... and quite a year at that.

I just celebrated my 36th birthday, and this past year was certainly the strangest and most memorable of my life.

On my 35th birthday, we sat in fear and in shock over what was occurring in our city - and we were powerless to do anything about it. We were saddened, and scared, but we were so very lucky. Watching so many people being lifted from their rooftops by helicopters, or rescued from their attics by boats that floated as high as the roof - I knew that was uncomfortable as we were, we were all together, and we were safe.

This last year has been very trying. Not having a home to return to, dealing with contractors and insurance. Living with in-laws for months and months. Stress on our marriage.

From it, we've learned to be stronger. We've learned about ourselves, and we've learned about each other. Our marriage is stronger for it. I hope to never have to go through this again, but in a small way I'm glad I did. (NO - I would NOT choose the same path again, not that I chose a path to begin with, but if I had my choice, the events of the past year would not have happened).

This year, I had planned for my birthday to be fun and uplifting. It is hard when the rest of the city is mourning. The memorial services. The bells ringing all over the city, marking the time that various levies broke. There was no listening to the radio or watching tv, if you wanted to avoid coverage of the anniversary of Katrina. So I watched, and I cried.

Last week, we watched Spike Lee's 4-1/2 hour documentary. I am not a fan of his, but I was EXTREMELY impressed. The documentary was very well done. The interviews covered all angles, and all opinions. It was fair, and balanced. It showed the good and the bad - for everyone. I hope that everyone, all around the country takes the time to watch this. It isn't just about New Orleans, and my city. It is about our country, my country. Everyone can learn from the mistakes, from the tears, and from the warm hearts that opened up across the country. We watched this HBO documentary last week, though it did replay Tuesday night as well. Tuesday night we watched local coverage, even though I had planned not to. Chris said he just couldn't not watch. So of course the tears flowed - for both of us.

Finally, I went to the trailer and watched a cute Chick Flick (In Her Shoes). Something light and fun. That helped. It wasn't a big fun joyous birthday, but it was still much better than last year.

The next morning and Chris and I talked on our cell phones on my way to work, he said "This is it. Today is the day. I am tired of being depressed and it just can't continue." And his mood was much less somber Wednesday night. Things are looking up. This is a new day, a new year.