Dear 2005,

It’s been great getting to know you over the last number of months. I know that when 2004 first mentioned that you were coming I was a bit leery. You seemed so distant.

It probably didn’t help that I hated my job at the time, felt like my star was really starting to rise and was doing regular interviews with the press. I just didn’t have time for new friends, nevermind one which would be around every single day.

You see, despite the ups and downs of 2004, I was quite comfortable with her. I, generally, knew what to expect. I felt like I was in control.

But you, 2005… Oh, no, I haven’t been in control. Hell, things have been going so fast since we got to know each other that I could barely keep my pants on.

Every other year I’ve ever known has been slow and friendly. They allowed me to get to know them a little bit before launching into the thick of things. But no, not you. No, immediately upon meeting you I hand in my resignation. Yeah, it was a good first day together.

Then within 2 weeks I was fired. A week later I was suddenly in Napa Valley speaking at a conference. 2 weeks later I was at another conference. And the next week at another.

And from there things just started getting crazy. Border incidents, signing a book deal, TV, radio, newspaper, magazine interviews, hate mail, death threats, and 2 cross country move.

And, really, things never slowed down. It’s been a gangbuster time with you in good ways and bad ways. I’m still standing, though, which is more than I can say for some of my friends. Some days you’re a massage therapist, other days you’re a heavy weight boxer and others you’re a traitor to the cause. I never know quite how to paint you and, looking back, I’m not sure you deserve to be painted.

Oh, we’ve had some good times alright. Who could forget opening up my first book, or starting b5media or my boys’ birthdays or finding a real home where we really fit for the first time in years (maybe ever).

So, while I have lots to be thankful for in our relationship, I also don’t mind saying goodbye. It’s been, well, it’s been a trip getting to know you but I won’t be sad to see you go. Every day was certainly an adventure, though, and I think every guy needs a time like that to look back on and smile. And, thankfully, whenever I look back on our relationship I will be smiling.

I guess what I’m trying to say is “thanks.” I’m pretty sure I mean it too.

You called me up the other day and said you wanted to introduce me to your friend 2006. Typically I’d be leery of any of your friends. But you said she was much more “funloving” than you were and that she had lots of “personality”. Hopefully that doesn’t mean she’s ugly. I guess I won’t really find out until we meet in a few weeks.

Sigh.

Well, I guess we’ll be saying “goodbye” soon. Not “see you later”. I’m not very good at goodbyes, so I’ll just say it right up front.

So long, 2005, and thanks for all the fun, fish, frollicking, friskings, formalities, fuming and flinching. It’s been a worthwhile relationship.

Your inside joke,

Jeremy Wright