[Image]By all accounts, 2012 should've been a great year: it was our first full year as a married couple, grad school wrapped up in April and I'd even landed my first professional appointment as an archivist a few months prior. Unfortunately, celebration plans were nixed at the start, as Valery was laid off from her job as a creative director—after a mere twelve years of climbing the ladder at our local arts & entertainment weekly. So much for loyalty.

In July, my father passed away—an occurrence I've barely acknowledged, on this blog or elsewhere, mostly as a way to avoid its affirmation. After eight years of battling cancer, he decided to forgo his diminishing treatments, opting instead to exit on his own terms: at home and surrounded by his family. In one final unapologetic gesture, he successfully shooed away the priest my mom brought over to administer last rites. Even as he was nearing the end at age 86, my old man remained consistent—his example will always be an inspiration.

November delivered the diagnosis that Valery's dad also has cancer. He's already preparing to undergo some intensive treatments, so we're cautiously optimistic about his health. We really don't have much of a choice.

Last month, Valery underwent a lumpectomy, and the week spent waiting to hear back from the surgeon was unsurpassed torture—on December 21st, the results came back negative (thankfully)! Consequently, after extending a heartfelt fuck you to the ancient Mayans, we were finally able to enjoy our holidays. Valery's still recuperating, but her continued health is the only thing I'm really grateful for this year. 

We hope this explains why GG&S has been relatively inactive over the past few months. Despite the fact that 2012 seemed genuinely apocalyptic, we're confident that better things are in store for us all in the coming year. All the best to you and yours!

GG&S