Another year comes to an end, and a new one is on the horizon. About this time each year I usually take a look back and reflect on my life and this year is no different. Well, I say that, but 2011 has most definitely been a year of change and growth. I've expanded my boundaries in so many ways, pushed myself farther than ever and it's been fantastic. The catalyst for so much change has been my relationship with Lee, as he's helped me grow a lot. Kind of like a flower that's starting to bloom. That's been my year.
What really strikes me, aside from the personal change, has been the amount of traveling I've done. I have never been so many new places in the space of 12 months! March was back to Berwyn/Chicago but then onto Las Vegas for a week. Which was lovely mostly because of being with friends. (I would welcome a chance to go back because there's a few things I didn't get to do.) The bonding I did with the Brits and Shanti was awesome. And, of course, it was the first time Lee and I had spent a significant amount of time together since meeting in September. That was...indescribable.
The Grand Canyon was utterly spectacular. Standing there on the edge, nothing between me and the emptiness, the relative quiet...I'd never felt more peaceful. I think the others were a bit freaked out about me getting so close to the edge, but weirdly enough I wasn't afraid. I felt close to God there, seeing the beauty of His creation.
Then in July a dream came true for me. Getting to visit England was...I can't put into words what it meant for someone like me who had read so much about England, about it's history, it's people, it's place in world history to actually get to travel there. I just can't. But the best part was going there to visit a person and being able to experience things with him. I wouldn't have had the fun or the happiness I had if I had gone alone. And getting to experience Lee's life was wonderful as well. I'd never been so content or at peace as I was there.
Then in October back to Berwyn for more SHIMMER goodness! But I also got to visit Chicago properly, visiting the Sears Tower, going up in it and seeing the view, and going to Twin Anchors for dinner. Absolutely lovely!
The wrestling I saw this year was also tremendous. I really think 2011 was a banner year in professional wrestling. Even in WWE, what they're doing with Punk, Danielson, Ryder, Kofi, Evan, and Cody is fabulous. Mark Henry, after so long, getting a good run with the WHC belt was cool and a long time coming. Even though his "program" with Nash afterwards deflated it, the second "Summer of Punk" was awesome. From his infamous promo to winning at MITB (a real MOTY contender) to blowing Vince McMahon a kiss - gold. Even though I wish Danielson had cashed in MITB at WM like he said, Henry's injury necessitated a quick fix so that's understandable. I just hope they give him a decent chance as champ.
I have no comment on the Divas division. It's crap and I've said my piece about it.
But I found more stuff to love in other promotions. SHIMMER continues to be my number one as far as all female promotions in America goes, but after watching the first Volume of NCW Femmes Fatales (taped back in 2009 - I'm playing catch up), I have become a big fan. I love seeing new faces I hadn't seen wrestle before. I'm saving the other volumes to watch later because I know I'll enjoy them immensely.
(That's what I do - if I know I'll like something like a book or a DVD, I'll put off reading/watching it. Makes the anticipation sweeter and the enjoyment higher when I actually do read/watch it.)
Also, 2011 was the year I really got into Anarchy Championship Wrestling, Chikara and various Joshi promotions. I'm still very uncertain about Joshi overall, but I'm learning - it's got such a rich and interesting history and makes me love Japan even more.
But back to SHIMMER, aside from OVW, it's the only wrestling I saw in person this year and I'm so happy I found it two years ago. It really renewed and revived my passion for wrestling, knowing there's a place that's about showcasing the best females from around the world. Everyone gives their all when they come in. Plus, getting to hang out with them at the afterparties is a trip, and I've made new friends in the bargain. Not to mention my first SHIMMER trip was were I met Lee.
A mini-rant, even though I sometimes harp on WWE for their misuse of their women, I find it strange when people complain but they don't seek out alternatives. Sometimes, when there's enough commotion about something, it changes and that's what I'm hoping for, but at the same time, I refuse to put my money towards WWE. If there's something I'm interested in, I watch on YouTube or, yeah, I stream PPVs. I put my money towards the companies that need and deserve it. Towards companies that treat their men and women with respect, as human beings as well as athletes. And I don't consider TNA at all, due to their treatment of Daffney, Dixie Carter's inept direction, the fact that they are so stupidly strict over their talent taking independent bookings, and the fact their women are still paid way less than the men (unless your Christy Hemme and get paid more than any of the KOs).
You want change? That's all well and good - hit them where it hurts, in the pocket book. Support independent promotions like Chikara, ACW, SHIMMER, EVE, NCW FFs, WAWW, PWWA and countless others.
DO NOT SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRITY. THERE IS A TON OF BETTER FEMALE (AND MALE) WRESTLING OUT THERE. JUST BECAUSE IT'S ON TELEVISION DOES NOT MEAN IT'S THE BEST. IT MAY BE MORE CONVEIENT BUT THAT IS NO REASON TO SETTLE!
Rant over. I'm good! ^_^;
This year I have grown so much as a person. I have discovered parts of myself I didn't realise existed, and those parts have blossomed. I've discovered I have far more patience than I ever thought I did, more courage and more willingness to accept when I am wrong about something. I'm a lot more open-minded now.
A lot of this has come through knowing Lee. There are people that come into your life and completely change you sometimes - for better or for worse. This has definitely been a case of the former. He has changed me, and I believe I have changed him. With his help, I've stepped out of my comfort zone on a lot of things and the results have all been positive. (Heck, after he gave me his copy of "Fast Food Nation" and I read it, I stopped eating McDonalds and I used to have it about every day! Haven't had it since September, it's the longest I've gone without eating it. :D) Hard to believe this all started in September 2010, at the SHIMMER afterparty at 39TEN. I can't help but smile when I think about it.
I have been beyond blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life. A little over a year later and I still enjoy talking to him each day, sharing things, laughing with him...I believe I'll never get tired of hearing his accent. It still thrills me. He brings me to tears with laughter. That's what attracted me in the first place, besides thinking he was really cute - he made me laugh from the start. He's intelligent, funny, beautiful and kind.
He's also a very private person so I'll refrain from going any further. But needless to say, 2011 was amazing because of Lee being part of my life. I love with him all my heart.
Going into 2012, I want to be more positive and a better friend to those who need one. I know I tend to be very negative on my twitter and facebook, a friend pointed it out to me not too long ago and to be honest, I had had no clue that's how it looked to others. I'm not a negative person for the most part - I tend to see the glass as half full. But there's so much negativity on the internet anyways, I want to stop contributing to it. I want to spread funny, interesting stuff. So while I'm not making any resolutions, I am setting goals.
To my friends, if you need someone to lean against, someone to talk to or someone to listen to you, I'm here. Reach me any way you want to or any way you can, but I'm always here.
Here's to 2012 - may the Mayans be wrong, may independent wrestling keep getting better, may there be more positivity and may plenty of opportunities come our way!
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