It is now January 8, 2009, and we can look back over Petersky’s life this year and see how it has changed.

Many of what has happened over the year is growth in gardens already watered, tilled, mulched and fertilized over the last few years. Over the last few years she has put energy into cultivating friendships, and these continue to grow and deepen for her. She now has several people she feels she can spontaneously call “just to talk”, without a specific thing to talk about, and she feels valued by her friends, as much as she values them. Her marriage continues to be a ground for all the rest of her life, a relationship of loving support and fun. Her daughters are developing into strong, confident young women who will be able to realize their dreams because they have been given a solid foundation of thoughtful and validating guidance from which to base their growth. It’s this web of human relationship that provides Petersky with the day-to-day satisfaction and comfort that all humans need to feel happy and to have a place in the world.

Meanwhile, where there has been dynamic, highly visible change in Petersky’s life, is in the area of her job. No longer moldering, bored and underutilized, 2008 was the year that she found a new place to make her talents in communications – writing and public speaking – be appreciated as never before. Her analytical skills are put to use daily. Her ability to see patterns and connections and to find creative ways to solve problems bring new understanding and ways of thinking and acting to those around her. Her brain is in gear. She learns something new every day. She comes home energized rather than exhausted, and gets up each morning eager to get at the work that lies before her for that day. Her co-workers appreciate her quirky sense of humor and irreverent style. She is working towards values she believes in. Her vast knowledge of how nonprofits work is brought to bear. Her work marshals financial resources towards societal benefit and the world is a better place for her work in it. Further, what she brings to the work place is represented in a livable salary and benefit package, commensurate with her work’s value to herself, to the organization and to society.

Happily every day she swings a leg over her bike and pedals to work. The bike ride to work is no longer the high point of the day though – it’s just the prelude to greater fulfillment on all levels in her career.

And sure, she continues to ride her bike, safely and cheerfully, sometimes on the single, sometimes on the tandem. She completed an excellent tour in the sunshine with her husband this summer, as well as some other organized rides. She is looking forward to doing more touring with her husband on the tandem as the years go on.

There was less travel this year in Petersky’s life than there was in 2007, but that’s OK. She’s eagerly planning another international trip with her family for 2009.

And we shouldn’t forget – this has also been the year that Petersky also found a wonderful group of people to sing with. They were committed to each other and kind, supportive of each other’s growth as vocalists, and as spiritual beings. Music has once more returned to her life as a source of joy.

Finally, this is the year that Claire is represented at all levels of government by members of the Democratic, and largely by women. Claire can feel the satisfaction that volunteering to see these people elected meant success. Governor Gregoire easily wins re-election over Dino Rossi. Dave Reichert is voted out of office and Darcy Burner takes his place. And most excitingly, a Democrat has been elected president, and everyone is so very excited to see the historic swearing in ceremony in just a few days. Claire managed to get invited to an inaugural ball, and she is looking forward to wearing her new evening gown, while her husband looks very natty in his tux, as they, and all present, celebrate a new beginning for our nation.