It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.

I often "mark" or delineate my life by certain points. Moving to Pittsburgh 18 years ago next month is one. Getting married, having J, and my company (old job) moving locations were others. 

Five years ago last month, I was laid off. In several and great ways that marked the end of one life and the beginning of another. When I try to remember events, I often ask myself if they came before or after that. I had wanted to write a post to mark that five-year anniversary, but did not get around to it. I am quite certain I will remember that date for years to come, though that it was Friday the 13th is probably a bigger reason. Regardless, for several years, much of my blog was colored by that loss.

Just a few weeks after that gut-punching, life-changing event, I was affected more profoundly by the death of two children, Kate and Peter. I have written about that over the years as well. Today marks five years since their tragic passing. I never go more than a week or so without thinking of them or their mother Amy. For the first year or two, I thought of them daily.

Five years ago this month, another tragedy happened, the death of three Pittsburgh police officers. I can honestly say I don't think of that too much, but at the time, that weighed on me heavily, and made me view the work of officers in a different light. 

But even though I will remember 2009 for mostly sad things, I also have a handful of wonderful memories and events that also linger in my mind. That was the year both the Steelers and the Pens won their championships. When your two favorite teams do that within four months of each other, it is just amazingly wonderful. I remember the final moments of both games. I especially remember standing on a ladder to watch the SB parade. I also remember the palpable joy and excitement around town and the constant wearing of championship shirts.

Personally 2009 (and several years after) allowed me to spend time with my daughter. We lived at the park, worked on reading skills, and just were together. It was great. We even took a family vacation, which I uncharacteristically planned months ahead of time, before the job loss. If I could turn back time, I would definitely go to those moments. I want my little girl back sometimes!

Maybe years down the road, I will no longer think of things before and after that period in my life. In fact, now that I celebrated one year at the current job, a job I still really like and that in many ways I feel as if I have had for years, I find myself using that as a new "marking" point. I cannot say how long I will be there (due mostly to funding issues), but I am hopeful that having gone through 2009, I can get through a lot, and find the positive. 

I wish I had a profound quote to end on, but I got nothing. Have a good one!