What a Wonderful Year

I’ve never been one to make sweeping resolutions; I’ve just found it more effective to set yearly goals, something I can check off a list.  Last year I was very ambitious and set a different goal for each month.  In all honestly, I’m not quite sure where the list even went, and of the things I can remember, several remain unchecked such as going on a backpacking trip or learning piano.  However, focusing on the positive, I did start volunteering my time with Big Brother Big Sister and worked diligently on improving this very blog.

2012 was a banner year for me, especially compared to the three years before it.  I’ve always been fortunate to have a wonderful support system of loved ones, as well as a cozy roof over my head for which I am so thankful.  Finally though, this year, I hit a stride with my career and personal pursuits, such as this blog, volunteering, and most importantly travel, and I feel much closer to achieving the life I want to live.

The year was full of some amazing highlights, including ringing it in VIP style near Times Square with more than enough champagne to go around.  On that same trip to New York City, Roark found out he was selected for an internship at one of the city’s most prestigious recording studios, and soon after was promoted to a manager.

In March we celebrated our five year anniversary, which is a huge deal, but in our normal low-key fashion, we spent it at home with takeout from the best pizzeria in the city and Battlestar Galatica on Netflix.

We also hit a milestone of our third (and last) trip together to Bonnaroo.  I always said I would never go back unless Radiohead headlined, and even then I would think twice because of the heat.  So this time we continued the year in VIP style, with air-conditioned bathrooms and private viewing areas, which was so worth the money.

Finally this fall, I used my passport for the first since we flew back from France in 2009.  We took a real vacation to the most fabulous ocean resort in Mexico for a week.  Besides lounging poolside and wining and dining, I managed to overcome my irrational fear of fish, snorkeling on the reef where we even saw a Barracuda.

After returning, I threw myself into the blog, updating it to this new format, as well as improving my cooking skills by becoming a cheese maker.  Then there was my first trip to Washington, DC, which included a teary-eyed visit to the Vietnam Memorial on Veteran’s Day and an exciting expedition riding a Segway.  The year ended with thrilling news of being selected as an Employee of the Year by the local business paper, having been nominated by a coworker.

I hope it’s not hubris, but I have a feeling 2013 is going to be just as great, if not better, than 2012.  Already, plans are in the works for trips to visit my sister and new (yet, still unborn as I post this) niece in Montana, as well as a possible jaunt to Ireland for my childhood best friend’s 30^th birthday.

Staying true to setting goals, I’m looking forward to improving my fitness, now being able to run after a long recovery from an injury.   I have a 5K planed in January and have already shaved two minutes off my time.  I’d also like to try meditating more, plus keep up my financial goals, since both help me to feel more calm and secure in the world.  And, last but certainly not least, for the blog, I’m going to work on continuing to improve my photography by attending some classes, as well as work on hosting more giveaways (the first of which will happen in January, so stay tuned!).

What about you? Do you make resolutions or goals?  What are your thoughts and reflections on this year, and what do you hope to accomplish in 2013?  I would love to hear, so please comment below.  To all my wonderful readers of which I am so thankful for, I wish you a happy and healthy 2013 and look forward to connecting with you in the New Year!