1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
* Knitting. I've knitted three scarves in the past, but this time around I am knitting a hat. So far I have learned how to purl, knit in the round and cable. The hat isn't completed yet, but I am getting close.
* I danced on stage with my husband in the Nutcracker. We were part of the party scene. I have never danced in a performance before, other than in dance recitals when I was a kid. It was the highlight of my year. :)
*Visited my dad's childhood home. My dad's first few years were spent in Crawford, Nebraska. We had a family weekend over Labor Day where we all gathered at Fort Robinson, NE, which is just a couple miles away from Crawford.
*Saw the peloton of pro bicyclists go by as they raced into our city in the second-to-last stage of the USA Pro Challenge this past August. That was very cool!
* I danced on stage with my husband in the Nutcracker. We were part of the party scene. I have never danced in a performance before, other than in dance recitals when I was a kid. It was the highlight of my year. :)
*Visited my dad's childhood home. My dad's first few years were spent in Crawford, Nebraska. We had a family weekend over Labor Day where we all gathered at Fort Robinson, NE, which is just a couple miles away from Crawford.
*Saw the peloton of pro bicyclists go by as they raced into our city in the second-to-last stage of the USA Pro Challenge this past August. That was very cool!
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I never did officially write anything down, but here is what I was thinking as the new year (2013)rolled in...
* I needed to take care of my shoulder. The pain was increasing and affecting my daily life in every way. I began physical therapy in early March, and progressed through the hoops of nerve study, MRI, surgery in May, and then more physical therapy. By August I was officially pain free.
* I wanted a breast reduction. It was something that I have wanted to do for years. This year I got serious. It was part of the reason why I was having issues with my shoulder, anyway. I'd done years of chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, pain meds... Nothing was going to ease the discomfort of carrying those things around but to surgically reduce their size. I fought the insurance company for three months before I finally got it approved. Surgery was in October, and I have to say this is the single-most BEST thing I have ever done for myself. I am still very emotional about it - I am so incredibly happy with the results and the way I physically feel, now.
* Lose some weight. This went hand-in-hand with the other two. I will continue to have issues with joint and back pain until I get the weight off. I lost 20 pounds between July and October. Despite curtailing my exercise while I recovered from the breast reduction and all the culinary goodies that come with the holidays, I have maintained that loss so far. Very proud of that. :)
For next year...
* lose another 20 lbs
* save up enough $$ to take a family vacation next New Years to see my nephew march in the Rose Parade and go to Disneyland.
* spend more time with my extended family
* grow more than just weeds and basil in my garden
* actually DO those annual 694 hours of instruction time per child that I promise the state I will do.
* read 10 books. I have no problem with reading or even the desire to read. It's more about taking the time to actually do so.
I never did officially write anything down, but here is what I was thinking as the new year (2013)rolled in...
* I needed to take care of my shoulder. The pain was increasing and affecting my daily life in every way. I began physical therapy in early March, and progressed through the hoops of nerve study, MRI, surgery in May, and then more physical therapy. By August I was officially pain free.
* I wanted a breast reduction. It was something that I have wanted to do for years. This year I got serious. It was part of the reason why I was having issues with my shoulder, anyway. I'd done years of chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, pain meds... Nothing was going to ease the discomfort of carrying those things around but to surgically reduce their size. I fought the insurance company for three months before I finally got it approved. Surgery was in October, and I have to say this is the single-most BEST thing I have ever done for myself. I am still very emotional about it - I am so incredibly happy with the results and the way I physically feel, now.
* Lose some weight. This went hand-in-hand with the other two. I will continue to have issues with joint and back pain until I get the weight off. I lost 20 pounds between July and October. Despite curtailing my exercise while I recovered from the breast reduction and all the culinary goodies that come with the holidays, I have maintained that loss so far. Very proud of that. :)
For next year...
* lose another 20 lbs
* save up enough $$ to take a family vacation next New Years to see my nephew march in the Rose Parade and go to Disneyland.
* spend more time with my extended family
* grow more than just weeds and basil in my garden
* actually DO those annual 694 hours of instruction time per child that I promise the state I will do.
* read 10 books. I have no problem with reading or even the desire to read. It's more about taking the time to actually do so.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My niece by marriage gave birth to a baby girl, EmmaRae, on July 31st. I got to see and hold her for the first time during our Thanksgiving visit. Such a sweet, beautiful baby girl. How I miss holding babies and smelling their scent and listening to their sounds. Sad sigh.
My niece by marriage gave birth to a baby girl, EmmaRae, on July 31st. I got to see and hold her for the first time during our Thanksgiving visit. Such a sweet, beautiful baby girl. How I miss holding babies and smelling their scent and listening to their sounds. Sad sigh.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My uncle Buzz passed away in early December, shortly before 2013 began. It has been a long year of 'firsts' where we did things as a family that were marked by his absence. I visited his grave for the first time yesterday, as Rylan and I were driving to Boulder on an errand. It was a spur of the moment decision. We had not been invited to the burial, but my mom had shared with me whereabouts in the small cemetery his grave was located, so with just a few minutes' searching we found it. There were three different Christmas arrangements there, by his headstone. He is missed a great deal.
In February my great-aunt Bernice passed away. She had been suffering for several years with Alzheimer's. She was a grand lady that loved to collect antiques. I remember going to her house, just down the street from my grandma's, to have tea, and then take a tour of her latest finds. She walked everywhere and was busy, busy, busy. She reminded me so much of my grandpa Orin (her older brother). She had a sharp mind and wit.. it was so sad when the signs of Alzheimer's began to take hold.
My uncle Buzz passed away in early December, shortly before 2013 began. It has been a long year of 'firsts' where we did things as a family that were marked by his absence. I visited his grave for the first time yesterday, as Rylan and I were driving to Boulder on an errand. It was a spur of the moment decision. We had not been invited to the burial, but my mom had shared with me whereabouts in the small cemetery his grave was located, so with just a few minutes' searching we found it. There were three different Christmas arrangements there, by his headstone. He is missed a great deal.
In February my great-aunt Bernice passed away. She had been suffering for several years with Alzheimer's. She was a grand lady that loved to collect antiques. I remember going to her house, just down the street from my grandma's, to have tea, and then take a tour of her latest finds. She walked everywhere and was busy, busy, busy. She reminded me so much of my grandpa Orin (her older brother). She had a sharp mind and wit.. it was so sad when the signs of Alzheimer's began to take hold.
5. What countries did you visit?
Maybe I should change this to say 'counties' so that I can actually write something here.
Maybe I should change this to say 'counties' so that I can actually write something here.
6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
A more peaceful household. Some days the chaos of the kids is just overwhelming.
A more peaceful household. Some days the chaos of the kids is just overwhelming.
7. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 22nd: shoulder surgery
Oct 10th: breast reduction surgery
Dec 31st: running the Resolution Run 5K - a goal of mine since July
May 22nd: shoulder surgery
Oct 10th: breast reduction surgery
Dec 31st: running the Resolution Run 5K - a goal of mine since July
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Losing the weight and regaining control of my health. Wow. Hard to put in to words how big this was.
Losing the weight and regaining control of my health. Wow. Hard to put in to words how big this was.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Getting control of the finances, record-keeping, bill paying... I have a continual pile of receipts that just will. never. end.
Getting control of the finances, record-keeping, bill paying... I have a continual pile of receipts that just will. never. end.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I got the flu in March, which really sucked, but otherwise it was a very fortunate year.
I got the flu in March, which really sucked, but otherwise it was a very fortunate year.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmm. My Fitbit! That little device was a catalyst for a lot of beneficial changes.
But honorable mention goes to the Keurig. :)
Hmmm. My Fitbit! That little device was a catalyst for a lot of beneficial changes.
But honorable mention goes to the Keurig. :)
12. What was the best thing you received?
A beautiful red mug with white and gold snowflakes from my husband. A total just-because surprise and very touching. :)
A beautiful red mug with white and gold snowflakes from my husband. A total just-because surprise and very touching. :)
13. Where did most of your money go?
Projects around the house. We replaced the old mish-mash of laminate and carpeting on the main floor with some beautiful Pergo flooring, along with new tile around the fireplace and paint for the walls. The rest of it went towards running gear, tools and curriculum.
Projects around the house. We replaced the old mish-mash of laminate and carpeting on the main floor with some beautiful Pergo flooring, along with new tile around the fireplace and paint for the walls. The rest of it went towards running gear, tools and curriculum.
14. What did you get really excited about?
My surgery. It changed everything.
My surgery. It changed everything.
15. What song will always remind you of 2013?
Blurred Lines. I know, I know. Quit yer bitching. I loved that song. It began my walking playlist for months. I think too much has been read into the lyrics. It has a great beat! Nuff' said.
Blurred Lines. I know, I know. Quit yer bitching. I loved that song. It began my walking playlist for months. I think too much has been read into the lyrics. It has a great beat! Nuff' said.
16. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? B) thinner or fatter? C) richer or poorer?
a) happier - much happier! b) thinner - yay! c) I wouldn't say 'richer' per se, but we have improved the quality of some things in our life.
a) happier - much happier! b) thinner - yay! c) I wouldn't say 'richer' per se, but we have improved the quality of some things in our life.
17. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Schoolwork. Travel. Camping. Nature Study.
Schoolwork. Travel. Camping. Nature Study.
18. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Fretting about things I had no control over.
Fretting about things I had no control over.
19 How did you spend Christmas?
We stayed at home this year. We visited Santa a couple days before, shopped for gifts at the last minute... We went to services on Christmas Eve with my dad and brother and nephews, and then they all came over after for a spaghetti dinner. My nephews were sweet in saying that they loved the food and just hanging out with all of us together. After they left we bundled up and headed out to look at Christmas lights. We had a nice Christmas morning opening gifts, ate chocolate waffles for breakfast, and a turkey dinner at my mom's that afternoon. We did puzzles, movies, popcorn, hot cocoa and left overs for the remainder of the day.
We stayed at home this year. We visited Santa a couple days before, shopped for gifts at the last minute... We went to services on Christmas Eve with my dad and brother and nephews, and then they all came over after for a spaghetti dinner. My nephews were sweet in saying that they loved the food and just hanging out with all of us together. After they left we bundled up and headed out to look at Christmas lights. We had a nice Christmas morning opening gifts, ate chocolate waffles for breakfast, and a turkey dinner at my mom's that afternoon. We did puzzles, movies, popcorn, hot cocoa and left overs for the remainder of the day.
20. What was your favorite TV program?
The Middle and The Biggest Loser.
The Middle and The Biggest Loser.
21. What were your favorite books of the year?
Hyperbole and a Half: unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things that happened, by Allie Brosh.
Absolutely hilarious and way too close to home, all at the same time.
Hyperbole and a Half: unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things that happened, by Allie Brosh.
Absolutely hilarious and way too close to home, all at the same time.
23. What were your favorite films of the year?
Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Frozen.
Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Frozen.
24. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 42. We spent the day hiking and then a nice dinner at my mom's.
I turned 42. We spent the day hiking and then a nice dinner at my mom's.
25. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It has been such an amazing year of transformation, I really can't think of what to say here. Maybe if there was less arguing amongst the kids.
It has been such an amazing year of transformation, I really can't think of what to say here. Maybe if there was less arguing amongst the kids.
26. What political issue stirred you the most?
I am deeply concerned about what Common Core is doing to our nation's teachers and children, and what the Koch Brothers are up to. The implications are scary, and the thought of politicians and businessmen driving our nation's education policy and instruction just completely pisses me off.
I am deeply concerned about what Common Core is doing to our nation's teachers and children, and what the Koch Brothers are up to. The implications are scary, and the thought of politicians and businessmen driving our nation's education policy and instruction just completely pisses me off.
27. What kept you sane?
Exercise.
Exercise.
28. Who did you meet this year?
I met... some new doctors and nurses -all great at what they do!
I met... some new doctors and nurses -all great at what they do!
29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
Your mental and physical health is the only thing that you have direct control over. Do it. Today.
30. Best song lyric for the year?
"I went from zero, to my own hero"
-"Roar" by Katy Perry
"I went from zero, to my own hero"
-"Roar" by Katy Perry
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