1. What did you do in 2014 that you’d never done before?
While the last two years have been years of immense change, this year has been pretty uneventful. I can say that I've never washed so much laundry! I also picked up running during the summer, and I am up to two miles without stopping. While this isn't a huge deal for most people, it is for me. We also made the decision to add to our family and are actively waiting with our agency!
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 decent amount, but I did not really maintain my blog.
My resolution for 2015 (as in 2013 and 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. I also want to add that I need to make quality time for myself more of a priority this year.
3. What places did you visit?
North Carolina, New Jersey, Maine, Vermont
4. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
I would really like to have traveled more. The year LX was born, I travelled every month but two. While I know that is not realistic, travel truly feeds my soul and I need it.
Also, I am hoping our next child will find us in 2015.
5. What dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory?
1/7: Nani died
8/22: LX turned 2
10/12: Broncos and Jets game
10/17-18: we went away for the night to the Honors Haven Resort (which was a small disaster, but we had fun anyway)
Summer: we camped, went to the lake, boated, and just enjoyed being outside.
6. What were your biggest achievements of the year?
Personally, that Dave and I are still so happy to be together and we love our little family. We really spent so much quality time over the summer and during breaks, and I love that we can stay so connected even when our work gets us so busy. Also, LX stayed much healthier this year.
Professionally, I have learned and grown a lot. My Teacher Leadership Program continues to excite me, and I like learning new techniques. I have a challenging crew this year, but I am enjoying the changes I have to make. I am co-teaching this year, and it has been a cool experience.
7. What were your biggest failures?
My biggest failure actually just hit me in the last few days. I have failed to take quality time for myself. I am a person who thrives in a busy environment most of the time, but it also allows me to neglect certain areas of my life that need attention. For example, myself! My hope is that I will be able to mindfully carve out some time for myself this year for more reading and writing.
8. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No :-)
9. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
So much time with LX! Oh, and my sister moved home! I can't believe I just remembered that. The summer was awesome between seeing our friends and family, and spending time just the three of us. Another small (but not really that small) is seeing LX's name with our last name on paper. It seemed like he would never be one of "us" so I still get giddy seeing that he is. Also, I went to a support group for women with MRKH, and I loved it. It was very empowering, and I met some inspirational women.
10. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
a bit of both actually
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 so 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.
I mentioned this above, but travel. I cannot explain how travel excites me. It makes me happier than just about anything else. I love trying new places and visiting old favorites. I hope to go to Montreal with my sisters later this year, and who knows what other adventures will come my way.
12. What do you wish you’d done less of?
13. What were your favorite TV programs?
Game of Thrones
Parenthood
The Good Wife
NFL
14. What did you do for your birthday in 2014?
LX was sick the week of my birthday. We each stayed home with him a few days, and my in laws came to stay the night and help out. When they were here, we got take out Thai and stayed in. We didn't actually get out to eat for my birthday, but we did have fun at Naturefest the following weekend.
15. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014?
To try to be happy with what you have, where you are and who you are with. I am someone who is always chasing the next big thing, but there is a lot to be said for accepting where I am, especially since it is pretty great.
16. My goals for 2015:
Be present, say thank you, love more!
Happy New Year!
