2011 had not been a good year workwise. A project that I’d done in 2010 had tanked, and the business was left with debt. I worked like a dog to rebuild the business and the brand, and by the holidays a year ago, I was wondering whether it was time to start over. Luckily, the work paid off. I had, workwise, one of the best years ever this year with stimulating projects, great clients, creative colleagues, and some cash in the bank.
A note of satisfaction: This summer, I celebrated the 25th anniversary of Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations.
Enough about work. If you want to see what I was working on, check the work blog. http://mgauerbach.blogspot.com/
If you’re on Facebook, you can follow my clients here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mark-G-Auerbach-Public-Relations/114375215268513
2011 hadn’t been a great year away from work either. One of my best friends of 20+ years, radio news anchor Bob Paquette died suddenly on Memorial Day weekend. I was completely devastated by his death.
Health issues have clouded my year, but all have been resolved successfully. A diabetic issue with high potassium in my blood has been resolved. Two eye surgeries restored my failing vision.
My take-away from the health scares, and subsequent vision loss and surgeries was: when you’re in crisis, you learn who your true friends really are. Thank you to all of them, from my Northfield Mount Hermon classmates to the pool buddies, and my pals, Chris, Michael, Amy, MathMan, Mark G, Young Chris, and more.
Facebook has kept me in touch with friends from all facets of my life. I’m thrilled that I got to caffeinate with 112 of them at least once this year, and caffeinate multiple times with others.
I didn’t travel much this year, other than some requisite work trips. I got a week in Florida with my dad and his girlfriend. Lots of pampering, laughs, pool and beach. I made it to New York a couple of times, once with pal Chris to see The Encores production of Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along” (superb) and once to meet CT Ballet friends Jerome Frazer and Kathy Sullivan to see “Forever Dusty”, a revue of Dusty Springfield’s music, which was mildly entertaining. Best times were pool days from Memorial Day to Labor Day, where I could adjust my work schedule to get an hour at high noon/prime tanning, and a couple of hours late afternoon.
I’m also grateful that my Dad, at age 93+, is healthy and happy. Shortly after my Mom died six years ago, a friend of theirs was widowed. My dad and his girlfriend, Lee, have been together almost five years. His and her families both hailed from North Adams, MA. They both think that they may have been kissing cousins from several generations back. So the folks I knew as cousins from childhood are now cousin sisters and cousin brothers. To gain a new family mid-life is a blessing. And, to see my dad happy and healthy at his age is a better blessing.
2012 ends on a great note. I’ve a good work life, a good play life, a great blended family, and the best friends anyone could ask for.
Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year to all.
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