2013 Year in Review

2013 Year in Review

1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?

This year I learned how to be a working mom.  It has been awesome to be back at school as I truly missed teaching.  It has not been without its challenges also.  Time seems to go by faster, and there are just not enough hours in the day to do all I want to do, and yet I am more fulfilled than ever.  Staying home last year was wonderful, but I was missing the deep satisfaction I get from teaching.  

We celebrated our son's first birthday and finalized his adoption.  The joy of both of these events is indescribable!

Out SAT business also got up and running this year.  It took a lot of time and effort, but it was successful in both the fall and spring.  I am just getting together our mailing for our third session.

I also began taking piano lessons from my sister Amanda!

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? 

I didn't really make any last year, but I still need to work on my diet and exercise.  I did read a fair amount, and I semi-maintained my blog.

My resolution for 2014 is to live in a state of gratitude for all I have been given, most of which I do not deserve.  And also to not let the decisions of others make me angry.  

3. What places did you visit? 

North Carolina, Cape Cod, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island

4. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?

Nothing.

5. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory?

7/24: finalized LX's adoption
7/5: Our 5th wedding anniversary and the trip to Newport, RI
6/4: Our second nephew Peter Chase was born
8/22: LX's birthday
7/20: meeting LX's birth father
11/9-11/11: Sister's Weekend in Manchester, VT

6. What was your biggest achievement of the year? 

My biggest achievement was being me!  I am so sad to see some of my friends lose themselves as people once they became moms, and I really work hard to not let that happen.  I am still a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a teacher.

  
7. What was your biggest failure?

 I have let my filter off somewhat, and I probably offended some people.  I am a fairly opinionated gal, and I sometimes struggle to keep my opinions to myself.

8. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No :-)

9. What did you get really, really, really excited about? 

LX had many exciting milestones, including walking and talking.  He is all-around adorable and fun.

I also got really excited about the travel we did this year.  While it was significantly less than last year, I did go to two new places (Manchester and Newport).  

10. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder?
happier
b) thinner or fatter? 
fatter
c) richer or poorer? 

richer

11. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Honestly, writing.  I was a major slacker this year, and I could play the "I'm s busy" card, but in reality I just did not make time.  I would like to say that this year will be better, but I can't promise anything.

12. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Letting other people's decisions bug me so much.  I have a couple of friendships that are dying, and I just cannot seem to pull the plug even though I want to.  Instead I let myself linger in this unhappy, judgmental place when I would rather not be there.

13.  What were your favorite TV programs?

Breaking Bad
Big Bang Theory
NFL
Orange is the New Black
Keeping Up With the Kardashians

  
14.  What did you do for your birthday in 2013?

We all were home sick on my birthday this year!  I am guessing Dave and I went out to dinner, but I couldn't tell you when or where we went!

15.  What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013?

I don't write about Dave very often on here, but I re-learned that I have the perfect partner for me.  I love how we have adjusted to being parents but also still put a ton of effort into our marriage.  I feel lucky to have such a great husband, and I try everyday to show him how grateful I am.

16.  My goals for 2014:   

Be present, say thank you, love more!

Happy New Year!