Goodbye 2012

At the start of a new year, I like to spend some time reflecting on the previous year.  I love to look back and remember the highlights, the challenges, the successes, and the failures.  I also like to look forward, to set new goals, make new promises, and challenge myself to be a better person.  I love having a blank slate in front of me, the excitement of the unknown and what's to come.

As I look back on 2012, here are some of the year's highlights:

• In January, I started this blog!
• We took our annual trip to Florida in February and stayed with my parents for a week on the beach.  I highly recommend a beach trip in February.  It was bliss!  
• In May, we celebrated my sister-in-law's beautiful wedding.
• We took our annual Memorial Day canoe trip to the Eleven Point river.
• In June, I said goodbye to my full-time job.  The decision was a bit scary, but it has proven to be one of the best things I've ever done.
• In July, we went to the River Romp music festival.
• In August, we celebrated Liam's first birthday.  In fact, this entire year was filled with milestones for Liam as he learned to crawl, walk, run, climb, laugh, and talk.  He grew teeth, learned to eat solid foods and to drink from a sippy cup.  Each and every day, he grew into his own, little person and it was brilliant to watch.
• In August, I also started my new job as a graduate assistant, and I love it.  I love the flexibility, the task of researching and writing, and the fact that I'm constantly learning.
• In September, Andrew and I traveled to Colorado to spend a long weekend in the mountains and to see Further at Red Rocks.
• In October, I spent the month writing my comprehensive exams.
• In October, I also ran a 10 mile trail run, followed by a 5 mile trail run in November.
• In November, I received a CADRE Fellowship from NSF.  
• I made my first pie.
• In December, I passed the oral portion of my comprehensive exams.  It was a huge milestone!
• In December, I also cut 7 inches off my hair.  It was on a whim, and at first, I was filled with regret, but now, I love it.  Its still long, but much more manageable.
• I started writing in a real journal again on a regular basis.
• I became diligent about exercising this year and have fallen into a consistent 3-4 days a week of running.  
• Because of that, I lost 35 pounds, finally shedding the baby weight and a little extra.
• I finally found some work/life balance.  
• My husband and I grew together as we settled into parenthood.
• I found my confidence as a mother.  After quitting my job, I felt like I could breathe again.  A lightness returned to my life and I found myself really being present with Liam.   I soaked up our days together, nurturing myself as I nurtured him, and I felt that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Once again, we had a year filled with love and light and so many blessings.  I continue to be so grateful for all that I have and for the amazing people in my life.  I can only hope that 2013 continues to bring us such joy.

Thank you 2012!    

xoxo

M