Average Jane’s 2004 Retrospective

Taken as a series of individual events, my 2004 had some really low points.  I won’t go into them (any more than I already have throughout the year), but I will say that I’m rather relieved to have the chance to start a fresh, new year.  I’m optimistic that 2005 will be a significant improvement over its predecessor for me and my family.  As for the rest of the world, I can only keep my fingers crossed…oh, and donate money for disaster relief.

2004 had some high points for me, too.  I got a wonderful job that allows me more creative expression than anything else I’ve ever done for a living.  I made some new friends, started this blog and bought a car I really like.

Like many bloggers, I can’t resist the chance to make an end-of-the-year list.  I’ll keep mine simple, though:  no top 10s or top 5s.  Here are my #1 entertainment faves of 2004:

• Favorite Book:  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.  I read a lot of books this year, but this was the one that stuck with me the longest after I finished it.
• Favorite CD:  Scissor Sisters.  I’ll admit I’d never have discovered this band without the recomendation of a younger and cooler co-worker, but once I heard their disco/Bee Gees version of Pink Floyd’s "Comfortably Numb," I was intrigued enough to buy the CD.  The band’s mixture of influences – the aforementioned Bee Gees, Elton John, Queen, Thomas Dolby, Howard Jones, Billy Joel and various 70s glam groups – blend to produce a sound unlike anything you’ll hear on the radio right now.
• Favorite New TV Show:  Lost.  I know, everybody keeps going on and on about "Lost."  But what else are fans deprived of "The X-Files," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" to cling to?
• Favorite Movie: The Incredibles.  Notice I didn’t say this was my favorite animated movie.  "The Incredibles" was the best movie of any kind I saw last year.  It’s such a treat when blockbuster burnout is remedied with great storytelling and amazing visuals.  The latest Harry Potter movie was a close second (almost a tie).

That’s all I can think of off the top of my head, which probably means it’s enough.

Finally, here’s a fun compilation of New Year’s Superstitions from Snopes.com.  I wish all of you a safe and fun New Year’s Eve celebration tonight and a great 2005.