My 2013 was pretty shitty.

            Years that end in “3” just seem to stink for me. In 1983, my sister died. In 1993, I grew to hate school and dropped out of high school. I grew tired of my job and quit it. I became extremely broke and I remember by the time December of 1993 rolled around, I was destitute with very little positive outlook. It wasn’t until February of 1994 when I found a decent job that I stuck at for any length of time. It paid well. 1993 sucked though. 2003 was the year that we had to adjust to losing KinDee’s boys in a bitter custody battle. Work became slow and it became very hard to pay bills. I had a full time job, but after child support, there wasn’t much left because there just wasn’t much work to be had. Now I have just gone through 2013 and it has been a really trying year.

            First, let me start by saying that I feel blessed that I have a roof over my head and my kids are healthy. Those two things are the most important. However, this is a year that I lost a lot of things. First, I lost our school. In February they voted to end Valley and join with North Fayette and I opposed it vehemently. I had to take nerve pills to help me sleep. In March, my final remaining grandparent passed away, Grandpa Kane. That made me feel like crap. His generation is nearly gone and it feels lonely. Shortly thereafter, I watched as my neighbor moved out. The people who moved in are not like the guy who moved out. I got along well with my old neighbor. These new people just aren’t the type of people that I am friendly with. I don’t drink, I don’t ride motorcycles, and I don’t believe in letting your dog shit in another’s yard.

            I’ve had vehicle troubles left and right. My wood furnace took a dump on me. I got both of them fixed, but at a considerable expense. Everything has just been a giant struggle this year. Even this Christmas wasn’t as enjoyable as I would have hoped. It was just chaotic as hell. Both KinDee and I have had fights with our exes which have caused considerable stress. My health is still failing which depresses me. Our garden didn’t do for shit. Our beloved cat disappeared in August. I had my bathroom remodeled in August, but it wasn’t done the way I had hoped and I had a lot of stress from that. It has just been one thing after another this year.

            I know I’m missing quite a few things that went to hell this year as I quickly write this tonight. News stations like to take a look back at the year that was right about now. I’m doing the same here in written fashion. 2013 has been a crappy year. It could have been worse, but it sure as hell could have been better. 2012 wasn’t nearly as bad. I’m hoping 2014 is much better. I don’t seem to do too bad in years that end in “4”, but in a couple of those years, 1994 and 2004, big changes came to my life. I left home and moved to this area in 1994 and I bought my home here in Wadena in 2004. I really could use a good 2014 after the shitty 2013 I had.