See you later, 2012!

"Out with the old, in with the new!"  That's how the old saying goes, right?  I would love to say that 2012 was a fantastic year, but it wasn't.  I would love to say that no wrong came to me, but it did.  I would love to say that I'm going to miss 2012, but I'm not.  However, I cannot say that 2012 was all bad, because mostly, it wasn't.  In fact, I don't even think I can say it was a roller coaster.  If I were to present a basic chart to some business owners, they'd approve, because it would look something like this, with the year ending on a high.

Definitely not a roller coaster.  If anything, more like a swing.  The important part, however, was that it ended on a high note.  So what happened in 2012? Probably the biggest (happy) event of the year was getting my passport stamped for the first time.  This was the picture I drew of the Kinderdijk while in Holland.

A huge thanks to the overseas friends that put us up, and gave us the tour of the country, or at least as much of it as we could fit into a week.  It's still crazy for me to think that you could fit five of the entire country into one of our measly states of Utah.

To continue down the happy trail, I worked in the Lawn and Garden of the Walmart of the summer earning me a good sum of extra cash.  I've revamped a couple of the bedrooms in the house, and I've completely redone the living room.  I've taken a few vacations, one to D.C. to finally "meet" my little nephew, and then to Vegas for my first Cirque, which might I add was a pretty incredible experience.  I also got bored one day and bought a car!  As super impulsive as that sounds, it was actually in the works, just a little sooner than planned.  However, it was much needed considering the list of what is wrong with my Jeep continues to grow.  I do, however, still have the horse, so if I ever need its muscle, it's there.

Christmas Carol was definitely the highest high the year ended on.  I grew up in the theater.  There were years that I would do more than 10 shows throughout it.  I love getting on the stage.  So what happened? Life happened.  School got heavier, especially while still working full time.  Once I graduated, I was working three jobs while subbing in both Davis and Weber counties and working my first stint with Walmart.  I got married and was living life for more than just me, and I got my first teaching job which really consumed my time. (Not all last year) Without dwelling on the negative, let's just say that in my fourth year teaching, I have it under control enough that (other circumstances supporting) I was able to get back to me.  I got back to stage playing Fred, Scrooge's nephew in a Christmas Carol.  Honestly, one of the largest parts I think I've played yet.  I had my own cute little fake family, and loved them to death.  I'm definitely going to miss them. There's always next year, although, by that time, I think my Penelope will be too old for the part and we'll have to start a new.  Oh well, grow the family, right?

Looking back at the chart, you notice that a swing reaches it's low point, right? My divorce.  Not what I wanted, but when you're dealt the cards you're dealt, you do what you can with them, hope not to lose all your chips, and play out the next hand hoping for better.  That's about all I'm going to say about it.

So, 2013!  Here we are! Got some good roommates, got a new car, and I'm slowly renovating the house.  I have a great job. I have great friends.  I have great family, both blood and beyond.

Bring it on new year, I'm ready for you!

Resolutions:
* During 2012, I had the usual weight loss goal.  Not any specific numbers, but to undo the growing trend I was on.  At one point I was down almost 40 pounds. I wasn't lucky enough to keep it, however, I'm ending the year about 25 lbs. less than last.  Back story done, my goal is to do that again.  I would like to be 240 lbs by the end of 2013.

* Not allow myself to go another year without being on the stage, which has already been worked for me as I was asked to help them out with My fair Lady.  However, if nothing else, I think Scrooge is going to be a yearly tradition for me.

* In general, have a positive year. I realize, most years are the dreaded roller coaster, but if you focus on the peaks, the troughs don't seem so low.  So here I am starting this blog.  I am going to write here.  You're obviously going to hear some negative, some "bitching" as they might say, but my goal is to focus on the positive.  If you read it, and I'm being a Debby Downer, tell me to fix it, and I'll at least try.

Here's to the New Year!  Cheers!

"You're success and happiness lies in you.  Resolve to keep happy and your joy and you will form an invincible host again difficulties." ~Helen Keller