2022: Year in Review

 

1. What did you do in 2022 that you’d never done before?

2022 has been quite a year! I was SO busy, but each of my activities was very fulfilling.

 

Professionally, I accepted a position as a reading teacher in Kindergarten and first grade. While I haven't finished my master's program yet, I had enough credits to gain certification. I will graduate in May (yay!). The new job has been amazing. I underestimated the inherent joy of working with younger kids. They love school and are happy to be there. They have SO much energy, and that has really invigorated me. 

I joined the board of our local little league. It was a move that made sense since we give so much of our time already, and it feels good to do so in an official way. I am taking on the concession stand this year. I also do the music and the scoreboard for travel and little league, which is more fun than you might imagine! I coached Cecilia's baseball team in the spring. While it was fun, it is not something I will do again. I do not know much about baseball so I felt in over my head. I will leave the coaching to Dave as he excels at it.

Lucas's all-star team made it to the state tournament this summer! While they didn't win, it was truly an experience for all of us. Baseball has become such a big part of our lives, and I am so grateful for the friendships we have made as a result. 

My classes are wrapping up, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. My last class will be on May 10, which is only 128 days! Being a student while working has been tough, but it is also hard to believe that it is almost over. I am so glad I decided to make this career change. With teaching, it is discouraged to change paths (loss of tenure, etc.). I try to encourage others to consider how a small change might make them much happier.  

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

I did have gratitude around much of what we did this year, despite it being a stressful year. Whenever I think about what I would cancel, I never come up with an experience that I am willing to give up. In other words, despite it all, I get more out of what I do than I would if I didn't do it. Am I stretched thin? Yes. At the end of the day, I feel it is worth it. I want to be there for all of it. One quote that really defines me is: "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." ~Mae West

3. What places did you visit? 

We went to North Carolina in April and July, Maine in June, and Cape Cod in August. For baseball, we spent Memorial Day weekend in Oswego and a week in Endicott for states.

4. What would you like to have in 2023 that you lacked in 2022?

I want my Monday and Wednesday nights back! Those are the nights I have class, and I will be so excited to have those free again. 

5. What dates from 2022 will remain etched upon your memory?

The year was a pretty good blur so no dates specifically stand out. This year has been good and steady in terms of events. No major lows (thank goodness), and the highs were normal day-to-day stuff. For example, Lucas getting his first all-star hit or Cecilia getting promoted to a new horse. This year really showed that it is the small stuff that is the big stuff. 

6. What were your biggest achievements of the year? 

I have a 4.0 in my mater's program! Also, we have made some great strides with Cecilia's diagnosis and medication. She now has a 504 plan in place that gives her the best chance for success at school. 

7. What were your biggest failures?

I definitely dropped the ball with health and wellness. While I give a nod to the "fat and happy" mindset, I need to pay more attention to my health. I love to eat so I will be focusing on more movement.  I like running, but I have gotten out if it the last year. I hope to get back to that.

8. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Luckily no! 

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

We FINALLY found a rental on Cape Cod that we can return to each year. It is close to the beach, and there are two playgrounds nearby. This coming summer, we will spend one whole week there! 

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

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

poorer 

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

One thing I missed this year was local hiking. When Covid hit, we spent a LOT of time in nature. Baseball dominated our spring, summer, and fall weekends so we haven't spent any time in the woods. We used to walk in the nature preserve on Sunday mornings, and that was such a mental reset for me. 

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

Homework!

13.  What were your favorite TV programs?

Dead to Me

Dynasty

NFL 

  
14.  What did you do for your birthday in 2022?

We celebrated at our local pub! Also, our neighbors had us over for dinner.

15.  What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2022?

Time is the most valuable resource we have, and helping out is so important. As a result, I started investing more in our local community. I joined the PTA board and the little league board. I help out in the kids' school whenever I can. If I can offer a ride, I do it. It takes  village, and we have been lucky to live in our community. 

16.  My goals for 2023:   

I plan to learn to ride a horse this year! Cecilia has taken lessons for two years, and I will join her in the spring. 

I will also graduate with my master's in literacy. 

Happy New Year!