[An open letter to an odd year. Feel free to ignore]

Dear 2011,

I’ll miss you. It’s true. I’ve met better, more handsome and even smarter years but you, by no means were the worst year I’ve ever dealt with. Don’t for a second think I’m comparing you to 2001. That guy was an abusive asshole. You sir, are no 2001. 

But let’s face it, 2011. You could’ve done better. Let’s talk about what you didn’t do for me. The things we specifically talked about when we first met:

I’m pretty sure I said no hurricanes. Certainly no hurricanes that break stuff and keep my power off for more than an hour. And while we didn’t actually discuss it, the earthquake thing, though relatively harmless, was completely unnecessary. Both in the same week was just plain rude.

Taking one of my dogs? Not cool. The other dog seems fine with it. He was tired of the extra effort it took to steal her food when I wasn’t looking. I, on the other hand, didn’t appreciate it one bit. 

A series of bad, really bad, and forgettable dates. Couldn’t you give me one? Just one good date is all I asked. What’s up with that?

Joshua Jackson-less episodes of Fringe. What were you thinking? You were better than that and I expected more.

Leak in the roof of my house. Honestly, 2011, why? Do I look like I have new roof money just waiting around. Well, I don’t. You should know better.

But your most egregious error: A random run-in with my ex. I almost defriended you for that one. The previous 7 years seemed to get it. You did not. Shame, 2011. Shame. On. You.

I’m counting on 2012 to clean up your mess.

But it wasn’t all bad. Not really. Here are the good things you did for me, for us:

Promotions (plural!), international travel, Guinness (I thank every year for that one), amazing friendships (old, new, internet and IRL), Google+ (Hahahaha! Kidding!), the US version of Shameless (amazing), an unquenchable addiction to podcasts for nerds (Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, StarTalk, Nerdist, Dinobrain), the ability to jailbreak and unlock an iPhone (well done, us!), some really good concerts, some mediocre concerts, a decent number of UVA wins, my Nook (I’ve read a lot of good stuff!), and we can’t forget more Timothy Olyphant on my TV. That was awesome. Thanks, 2011.

Like I said, despite all, you will be missed.

Now as for you, 2012. You know what you did. You have a lot of work to do to make it up to me. And it’s only day 4. Call me ASAP. We need to talk.