This is how I wanted 2012 to be. To make big strides, to nail everything, and to burn forward a bright new path. But like everything worthwhile, that takes time. And while there were no monumental changes there were some new experiences that enriched my life and can be built upon ...
1. My family and I saw a dusting of snow again for the first time in 9 years during a winter vacation back to Columbus. We had a mini snowball fight, froze our asses off, sat by a fireplace with hot chocolate, and got to check out the new favorite Mexican restaurant. I got to see how my mother was adjusting to her new life and gave my brother some sound advice during his drunk dial.
2. I was invited to participate in my first business expo despite having no real experience in business or networking. I am not much of a schmoozer but learned a lot about the art and met some really cool people too.
3. I gathered up enough acceptance to spread some of my father's ashes. I sat blurry eyed as they drifted down into the bay, off the pier of one of his favorite places. It was one of the areas where he said he wanted to be. We all said goodbye to him somewhere else he liked, (for other reasons), but I think that spot meant more to him. I'm glad I was able to give him his last wish.
4. I finally agreed to share my weight loss story for a local paper. I don't like to remember all of the years weight was an issue for me nor do I want that to define me, but I do want to be able to convince people to stop letting obesity hold them back! There are incredible programs that, (if you truly commit yourself to), can give you back your life.
5. I went on my first family vacation, complete with all my brothers and sister to Washington D.C. It only took until my mother turned 70 to finally get around to all of us coming together but what can I say. We're dysfunctional. We got to see building after building built on the dreams of our forefathers and a club event after club event built on the dreams of my Bear brother.
6. I stepped into more classrooms as a substitute then I ever expected and did not shout any profanities. I can't say I didn't get pissed and lose my cool at times but I did get through all of the lesson plans and kept everyone safe. I was even recognized at the grocery store by a fellow student who gave me a hug and told her mother I was her favorite teacher. (I must have had some extra caffeine that day.)
7. I was given a shout out at an annual Healthiest Employee event and I'm not even Jennifer Hudson. Maybe if I pursue singing I can beat out Beyonce and win an Oscar too.
8. I started to tutor. My 4th grade scholar in the making has ADD so his main problem is focus but I know has the ability. He's beginning to pull B+'s in Math and show more organization in his writing. He hates to write and sees no point in it. Them there are fightin' words in my book.
9. I've been introduced to some Indian people and have discovered some beautiful cultural customs and some incredible food. Why did it take 38 years to come across this?
10. My 12 year old son is "in a relationship"?! What's stranger is the girl reminds me of myself, so I can't completely dislike her. Right now, they only see each other in school but what happens when he's older? I really wish I could avoid the topic of dating until he's in college.
11. A few years ago, my dad wrote a Christmas short story for his grandchildren. One of his neighbor's sent to a newspaper and it was published. This year I've decided to make it into a book. It can be passed down to the youngest grandchildren who didn't get a chance to know him.
So there it is, a start of more to come. Here's to hoping 2013 is a better year!
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