The Big Year-Ender

A radio show I used to listen to always had what they called “The Big Year-Ender” where they had guests, brought out every gag they ever had, etc. and closed out the year of live broadcasts.  My goal was to do a “big year ender” for my blog and try to recap 2010 before the end of the year.  As you can see by the date, that didn’t exactly happen, but hey, you have to finish the year before you can reflect on it, right?  I know that as soon I post this blog, I will think of something to add.  Thank goodness for the “edit” function.

This past year was pretty eventful, but then again, aren’t they all?  If our lives aren’t eventful, we really aren’t living, are we?  So, in no particular order, other than the order I thought of them, are the things that stick in my mind for 2010.

The Flood – First and foremost for anyone living in the Middle Tennessee area, this has to be the event that defined 2010.  Not only the flood itself, but the relief response, the bonds made, and the lives that have to be rebuilt because of it.  Hundreds of people are still dealing with flood issues these many months later.  For my thoughts on the flood, see http://squireponderings.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html 

Illness – Within the last quarter of the year, Momma Squire & I have had two friends receive the diagnosis of the “C” word – yep Cancer.  While, we are used to hearing of people receiving this diagnosis, it is always the older folks we know at church or in the community.  This time the people were our age.  Really hit home with us on how precious life is and how we should relish every moment.  But, we shouldn’t need a cancer diagnosis to make us do this – we should do it every day.

The Vols – what a year for my beloved Vols.  First, we find out that Lane Kiffin is bolting for the left coast and then we finish the year realizing that our basketball coach, Bruce Pearl, lied to the freakin’ NCAA.  Hopefully, we have a solid football coach in Derek Dooley and Pearl gets his poop in a group.  I predict that all of these just opens the door for Mike Hamilton to exit his spot as AD.

Family – Continue to be amazed at how my boys are growing up.  Will is a freshman in high school, playing basketball with the big boys, and now has his learner’s permit.  Kyle continues his work in the band and keeps growing up way too quick for Momma Squire & I.   He has taken over virtually all of his diabetes management which brings a new set of issues to deal with for us, like “No, I didn’t get your kit.  I am not the one with diabetes.”  Momma Squire decided to embark on another career path and is taking some classes at Trevecca to enable her to be a certified teacher. 

Travel – We had the pleasure of taking a couple of extended pleasure trips this year.  We went to Seagrove Beach back in the summer for a week and dodged the BP oil spill.  We also got to go to Ft Walton Beach after Christmas with the Harpeth Basketball team for a tourney.  Any time spent at the beach is golden to me.  We also got to see a lot of Middle Tennessee as we traveled to Will’s AAU tournaments in the spring.  From Bell Buckle to Shelbyville, we saw it all.  We even worked in a trip to Atlanta and Six Flags before one tourney. 

Music – For the first time in many years, I didn’t attend a concert in 2010.  I did get to see a couple of club shows involving one of my favorite singer/songwriters – Jaime Kyle.  Maybe 2011 will bring some acts to town that I want to see.

Work – Had a very good friend make a huge move regarding work.  Quit his job and embarked on a business venture where he is his own boss, well, except for the wife who is working with him.  I made a move, but nothing that drastic.  After 23 years as an Internal Auditor, I am now working in the Corporate Accounting department and loving it!  It is good to be excited about new challenges at work.

In closing, when I look back on 2010, it was a year of realizing how precious life is.  Whether it was seeing flood damages, helping in the flood relief, watching friends undergo medical treatments, or just spending time with family; I guess even more than ever, I see God in so many places and people.  No one knows what 2011 will bring, but I do know that I have it good and appreciate my family, friends, and the Community I live in. 

Happy New Year

Zach, A Tennessee Squire.