25 years. 1 year.

Last year at this time, I was hoping to enjoy my birthday, only to have that wrecked by losing my job. I instead spent the evening getting very, very, um, full of beverages at the Billy Goat, accompanied by friends and co-workers, making it the bestworst birthday I've ever had.

This year, I can't get laid off on my birthday. So it should be an improvement.

In between, I've had a few years worth of, um, "experiences" crammed into a year. A couple months after getting axed, I broke an arm after my bike collapsed under me; that pretty much ended my summer in the first week of July. I had to move home. I tried, and tried, and tried to find a new full-time job. I had a very nasty crisis of confidence after months of nothing but frustration and a few close calls on the job hunt.

But it hasn't been all bad. I got back into Catholic church music on both the piano and organ and play at least two, sometimes more, Masses a week, picking up weddings and funerals. (C'mon out to Aurora to hear me. And if someone you know needs an organist for a wedding nearby, have them drop me a line.) I got to spend time with my family and get to know a few relatives better. I have two regular freelance gigs that, between them and the church music, amount to a full-time job with at least some flexibility. I'm in good health and good spirits. I'm saving money and paying down my student loans.

Slowly, but surely, I'm moving on. And things are looking up, thanks to a whole host of people to whom I will always be grateful.

First, my family, who took me back in and helped me get back to work.

My friends, who listened to me, supported me and helped me work through both the layoff and the arm injury. (A true friend ties your shoes when you can't do so yourself.)

My former colleagues, who sent along job info, sat me down for lunch and talked over what was next. (And bought me plenty of beverages to get me through my birthday layoff.)

More than a few told me I was headed for bigger and better things. It took a while, but I'm finally feeling that too. And if I'm lucky, when I turn 26 I'll be well along that path.

Cross-posted on my Facebook page.