Looking back, I've realized that 2011 was a roller coaster of a year emotionally and spiritually. Those things are ok though. Sometimes you need a bit of a rougher year in some areas to make the good ones even better. I mean, don't get me wrong, it was a great year and so many fun and amazing things happened, I just struggled to keep my spirituality up where it's been in the past and I feel like I had a lot of tough personal decisions to make. Anywho...let's see how great this year really was!
1. What did you do in 2011 that you've never done before?
Swam with sharks (at the Golden Nugget pool) and vacationed by myself in Huntington Beach for the 4th of July weekend (I kind of decided on a whim that if I was going to be alone for it, I wanted to be alone in a great place! I hung out with my little brother a bit, and my friend, Josh, and his friends a bit. Oh, and I peed in a gutter in Huntington Beach. I had NO CHOICE! You'll have to ask me if you want more details on that. There's a first time for everything...) And I learned (sort of) how to play the guitar this year - just one song, actually.
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more next year?
As I've said before, I don't really make resolutions, but I do make a yearly theme goal thing. Last year's was for change (I think). This year it's pretty much the same, I definitely need change in my life. If I keep doing what I'm doing, I'm going to keep getting what I'm getting and I think that's the definition of insanity when you do the same things and expect different results. In addition to this, I'm adding following my heart/dreams/just going for things and not being afraid.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A better question would be, did anyone close to me not give birth? Sheesh! It felt like all of my friends gave birth this year. My sister in law, Renee, had my oh -so-sweet-and-cute-and-everything-great little nephew, August. My cousin's wife had their little Daymon just a couple weeks before August came. My Robyn friend had her sweet little London a bit earlier than expected. Becky had her little meatball, Julia. Liz had a rolly polly little Oliver. Lindsay had sweet little Sage, and Jacklyn had her tough guy, Simon. There might be more...so if I've forgotten you, it's not because you're not close to me and I don't love you...it's because my brain can't remember all of those babies!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thank heavens. I have counted my blessings in that department this past year.
5. What places have you visited?
Hmm...I went to the Seattle area, Portland, all over Southern California a few times, San Diego, San Francisco and all over Napa Valley, all over Southern Utah, Mesa Arizona (mostly Scottsdale to Tempe), Denver area a couple of times, and Canada. Mostly just running all over the place, and visiting friends and family. Oh! And of course New York City! I have been dying to go there for years and I finally went there this year and it was unbelievable.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Love ;) and more compassion
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched in your memory and why?
June 8-13th because I finally went to New York and had an incredible time. May 3rd because one of my best friends, Megan, married her amazing husband and it was the sweetest, most special day for everyone close to them. I could also note April 15-16th, because that was the first Ragnar relay race I did and I loved it bc it was with my best friends and we had the greatest time ever full of super fun memories that I will always cherish. (cheesefest, Meliss!)
8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?
Back to back 180-190 mile relay races. I did them on back to back weekends and survived! It was a little tough, but a BLAST! I actually finished a few quilts and some projects I've had on my list for a while too. Oh, and let's just note that there were 3 Relay races, 2 more Half Marathons, and a couple of 5k's total this year. Not a bad year!
9. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. I count my blessings for that too. With all of the running I do, I have been extremely blessed not to have been injured.
10. What was the best thing you bought?
My Garmin watch, or my little nano ipod (part II, since I lost the first one during Ragnar SoCal...single tear. He took his little nap sack and headed out into the great beyond in Carlsbad somewhere) who are my best little buddies. I also loooove my beautiful wool plum peacoat, and my new West Elm bedding. I redecorated my room a bit and I'll post pics as soon as I get new hardware for the dresser I refinished, and make a couple of new throw pillows.
11. Where did most of your money go?
That's an easy one - Running races. Hands down. Holy moly. I don't even dare add up everything I spent on gear, nutrition, travel, and race fees. Totally worth it though, no matter what the cost.
12. What song will always remind you of 2011?
A few actually...if I may. Empire State of Mind because of an amazing performance done in Ellen's Stardust Diner in NYC, I've Got This Friend by the Civil Wars because I'm obsessed with them and finally saw them live (magical)! Plus, I love that song and learned how to play it on the guitar this year. AND...Mumford and Sons, The Cave. Also, because I'm obsessed and I run to them all the time.
Service
14. What do you wish you would have done less of?
Worried about myself
15. What was your favorite TV program?
Oh gosh, you know me and my trashy tv addiction. But, I can't miss an episode of Modern Family or Happy Endings. And I'm currently addicted to PanAm, which is a new series set in the 1960's. So good!
16. What was the best book you read this year?
I read so many! I absolutely loved The Book Thief by Markus Zusak though. I recommend this book to everyone I talk to.
17. What was your favorite film of the year?
Naturally, Harry Potter 7 was hands down the best. Also, I'm a bit of a sinner...but Bridesmaids tops my charts too. I haven't laughed that much in a minute! Looking at the last couple of yearly posts, I guess I don't stray much in my movie favorites from HP and something that makes me laugh.
18. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I turned the big 2-9 in the Big Apple. Best. Birthday. Ever! I don't know how I'm going to top that whole week. My actual birthday included seeing a couple of apostles speak, going to the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET, eating ridiculously delicious cookies from Levain bakery, a walk in Central Park, a row on the lake in Central park, eating yummy chinese food, and killing a huge cupcake from Crumbs all by myself. I can't lie...I do my birthdays up right! And don't worry...I have some pretty good plans for 30 this year.
19. What political issue stirred you the most?
I really should just take this question out of the lot because it doesn't pertain to me. At all. I don't pay attention to politics. It's just not my thing.
20. Who was the best new person you met?
August was the best new person I met :) I just love him and my other little nephews so much!
Ok - cheesy sidenote...answering these questions and looking back has been making me more thankful than ever for my amazing friends and family. I have managed to surround myself with the best people, full of love, sincerity, and everything a girl could ask for. I am the luckiest!
4 comments:
August loves you too! What a great year, I'd do this too except it would include events like "grocery shopping by myself" and that time I went to Canada, again..."
great post, i wish i had done that many races last year! i saw your dang grilled cheese pic and that's what i'm craving now. you better believe i now make nutella style with bananas too!
I love running to Mumford! I have a book recommendation for you: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, though nothing is amazing as the Book Thief.
yay for new years!!! loved your look back :)
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