I've always wanted to be "a blogger." I read scads of blogs, though I confess I'm not good at commenting. I get so much out of them - I've learned things, laughed, admired people's courage and moxie. I've tried a time or two to start my own. This one may not be any more successful, but I'm going to TRY! That's what counts, right?
I'll confess, the impetus for starting tonight is a) I'm spending NYE alone, and need something to do and b) I really want to do that year-end survey everyone else is doing. So here we go!
1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
I moved to Indianapolis! That was the big, defining moment of the year. But there were others, as well - attending my grandfather's WWII ship reunion was really special, especially since it was a mini-family reunion.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My biggest resolution in 2013 was to get a new job in a new city - check! I taught in Garden City, Kansas for three years, and that place was so good to me. But I was desperate for a change, and I worked my butt off filling out applications, and I made it happen.
2014 goals can be separated into two categories, personal and professional:
Personal -
1. Read one non-fiction book a month
2. Work harder to meet new people and make new friends in Indy
3. Work harder at maintaining the friendships I already have, with friends all over the globe
Professional:
1. Classroom management is an ongoing point of emphasis for me. That's not changing.
2. Less procrastination (of course, as I say this, there are papers begging to be graded...)
3. Maintaining a positive attitude at work, no matter what
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A few acquaintances/friends. But the one I care about the most, my sister-in-law, hasn't yet. Any day now, I will be an aunt to a precious niece and nephew.
4. Did anyone close to you die?My grandfather, unfortunately.
5. What places did you visit?
Not too many new places - most of my travel was wedding related. That did take me to Michigan, which was so fun. But I went to Nashville for the ship reunion, my beloved Minneapolis for work, and Denver for my birthday.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
More confidence, less anxiety.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 19 - November 2 - November 16. Some of the absolute BEST people I know got married this year, and all three weddings were just wonderful. So much love, joy, and some seriously kick-ass new people I got to spend time with.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a new job in a new city was definitely the biggest.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Some situations at work - that's all I'm going to say on that subject.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major, really. Some small sickness, of course - that's the life of a teacher. But every year I go without severe knee issues is a success in my book.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Honestly, most of the material things that improved my life this year were gifts - tickets to NCAA tournament games and a new TV (...to watch basketball). But I might say the dress and other things I purchased to be a bridesmaid in my dearest Bridget's wedding.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My students'. Sure, some of them drive me crazy. But again and again, they blow me away with their kindness. I have seen my 7th graders stand up to bullies, include others even when it is not easy, and show compassion to everyone, including me. They are the reason I can drag myself to work every day too darn early.
13. Where did most of your money go?
Food - eating out, unfortunately. Stuff for school. General life expenses.
14. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The new job, the weddings, new friendships with some amazing new people.
15. What song will always remind you of 2013?
"Mine Would Be You," by Blake Shelton. There is a moment that will be permanently etched in my mind - driving down 74 W, this song turned up incredibly loud, singing along while crying, and just letting things go. I needed this song to put some nails in some very old coffins. That is what music can do.
16. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? Happier.b) thinner or fatter? Thinner - so grateful for Jennie and BBL.c) richer or poorer? Richer
17. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Called or written friends. Thought before I spoke. Pushed myself out of my comfort zone to meet new people.
18. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Overanalyzing.
19. How did you spend Christmas?
With my family and my best friend's family, just like we do every year. We were missing 4 of the 12, which was sad - but they were gone because of babies and honeymoons, which are happy things. So we laughed and talked and played Celebrity and missed them, but it was okay.
20. Did you fall in love in 2013?
No. But I was reminded of what butterflies feel like, and I'm deeply grateful for that.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
Grimm. Elementary. Criminal Minds. Chuck (old, but I rewatched it and still love it). There are more, but those come to mind first. I watch a lot of TV.
22. What was the best book you read?
I'd put off reading it for way too long because I hated Looking for Alaska, but The Fault in Our Stars is every bit as good as everyone said. I devoured in about 2.5 hours. Left Drowning by Jessica Park was great, though not as good as Flat Out Love, which remains one of my all-time favorites. 7 was seriously thought-provoking. And there were scads of urban fantasies throughout the year, which I read like people eat potato chips.
23. What did you want and get?
A new job!
24. What did you want and not get?
A teleportation machine. Seriously, it would fix so many problems.
25. What was your favorite film of this year?
I'm not much of a movie person, but I did love Catching Fire. Also, I watched Pitch Perfect and Friends with Benefits over and over.
26. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?I turned 25 in Denver, with some great friends on a very fun (though... interesting at times) trip.
27. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More new friendships in Indy - but I'm so grateful for the ones I'm nurturing now.
28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
Go to work in professional clothes, come home and immediately put on pajamas. Repeat.
29. What kept you sane?
Text messages and long phone calls with friends who don't care how much I overanalyze things. New books. Basketball. My students.
30. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
My crush on Mason Plumlee is still going strong.
31. Who did you miss?SO many people. I never got to say a proper goodbye to my old staff at my school in KS, and that sucks a lot. I miss many people from that town. I also miss all my college friends, who are still in Minneapolis for the most. My high school friends are far more scattered, and I miss them a lot as well.
32. Who was the best new person you met?
I can't pick just one. My Indy 20-30 people for sure. The teachers I work with. My students, of course. A few people I won't specifically call out... but they can probably figure out who they are.
33. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
Go for it. I wanted a new job, and I worked for it and it happened. In other, more personal situations - I just went for it, and I was glad I did. I'm trying to be more fearless, which is not my natural state.
34 Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Baby, if I had to choose, my best day ever, my finest hour, my wildest come true - mine would be you."
