As 2011 draws to a close, I feel a compelled to do a “year in review” post of some sort. Not because I think anyone cares about my year, but for myself. It’s important for me to remember and remind myself that while there were definite lows, there were many more highs and happy mediums.
Ahh, 2011…
January: Traveled to Venice, CA with man-go-round
February: An obnoxious amount of crafting, writing, cooking experiments, hibernation…
March: Visited parents in Arizona. Tackled Camelback this year (and it tackled me back).
April: Started a new part of my job, setting up social skills groups at work.
May: Man-go-round and I packed all of our things and moved to the east side to a “deluxe townhome in the sky.” We had one last party at the “treehouse.”
June: My beloved Volkswagen is FINALLY paid off! Hooray! Man-go-round and I also started our “one fun excursion a week” plan for the summer including trips to the zoo, Minnehaha Falls, Walker Open Field, the Trylon, and more.
July: Joyous to hear one of my stories would be published in Wildflower magazine!
August: Celebrated 5 years with man-go-round with a fancy schmancy trip to Oceannaire for whiskey, escargot, crudites, and baked alaska.
September: Rushed to the ER with an entangled intestine. Had emergency surgery to remove the dead intestinal tissue and spent the remainder of the month hospitalized and stuck at home. Boo. Ended the month with a family get together which kind of brought me back to life.
October: Girls weekend in Chicago listening to jazz, seeing art, meeting up with cousins, and partying at Second City show.
November: The warmest Thanksgiving I can remember- starting off a memorably warm holiday season!
December: Our first (adult sized) Christmas tree. Celebrated the start of my 27th year with dear friends, and Christmas with dear family.
Despite some of the “tears” (surgery and its hideous aftermath), this really has been a great year. I’ve had “fears” about something bad happening again, or about whether I’m really going after what I want for a career and more, but mostly its been a year of celebrations (“cheers”) and realizing how lucky I am to be living the life I have. Health scares, especially when they come out of nowhere, can really show you how lovely people can be when you need it. Some of my “tears” were not of fear or pain but of joy, for all of the “Dears” in my life.
Thank you.
…and what’s on the agenda for 2012, you might ask?
I’ll tell you next year 😉
Cheers!
Meri
Meri–here’s hoping that 2012 is full of more cheers and dears, than fears.
Thank you- and to you as well!
What an eventful year! Hope you have a great new year!
Thanks! Happy New Year!
Great set of photos, my friend! So glad you made it through your intestine ordeal, and here’s to 2012 being the best year yet! <3
I agree, I’m feeling very optimistic! Happy New Year!
The best year in review post I have read. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2012! No fears, and lots of cheers!
Wow, thank you! I”m surprised anyone even wants to read it besides me, and maybe my mom haha. Happy New Year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR chick, may this new year bring you happiness and health.
Happy New Year to you too! May it be filled with lots of blessings… including lots of diet coke 🙂
Sounds like you had an amazing year, and glad you’re OK after your hospital trip!
I moved, graduated from my masters program, got married, adopted a dog and a kitten and started a new job, so pretty crazy as well…no trips to the hospital though! This year…we’re moving again (from Mpls to St Paul, long story…) and probably traveling somewhere in the US (Montana hopefully?) But I’m ready for a relatively uneventful year this time around, knock on wood… 🙂
Wow- your year is quite impressive! I hope for more great stuff for you for 2012~ Good luck with the move 🙂
What a year it has been, Meri! September was a bummer, but you have emerged from it stronger and wiser, I think. And, as a sidenote, I think there are a few others of us who learned a thing or two from you in the process. Happy New Year, little sis! Love you.
I sure am lucky to have family like you guys. I have never appreciated it more, and don’t intend to forget it! Happy New Year Jen!
I hope that 2012 is filled with cheer and love and joy and peace and all of that other good stuff! 2011 was a crazy year for me…I’m curious to see what 2012 will bring. 🙂
I’m curious to see how your year goes too, on either blog 🙂
Happy new year! Hope this year is awesome. Loved the “year in review” post.
I hope your year is awesome too. Cheers!
Hoping your 2012 brings lots of cheers and happiness and less surgeries!
Agreed! Happy 2012 to you too!
I’m finally getting around to reading the last 5 blogs and now I’m on my new computer too! What a year, honey! And yes, it was full of fear in September for your family too but we are so blessed that you came through so well. You proved to be quite the trooper ?trouper and we are very proud of how you tackled your recovery. Here’s to many more wonderful times in 2012 and keep up the adventuresome and creative spirit! Love, Mom
thanks mama- you know that I’ll be much more creative with my new tablet! Maybe even annoyingly so 🙂