New Years Eve

Hello and Happy New Years Eve!

It's that time of year where everyone reflects on their greatest accomplishments, their downfalls, their highlights and favorite things of the year. For me... this year was a bit of a disaster.

Bad Things about 2012:
I wasn't able to maintain my recovery, my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I missed two of my scheduled races, I got placed at an internship that has pushed me so far out of my comfort zone that it makes me want to cry.

But with all of the frustrating, maddening and dissatisfying things about 2012, there were a lot of great doors that opened to me this year.

Good things about 2012:
I got my first job as a mental health professional, I ran the Tinker bell Half Marathon, I got accepted to my number 1 choice of graduate programs, I started a blog due to a race challenge I put myself up to, I celebrated 5 years with the greatest man I've ever known, I finished my first quarter of my MSW program (barely), and I got to go to Disneyland for the first time in 4 years with 3 amazing women.

When I look at things from that perspective, it doesn't sound like my year was half bad. Mom is still recovering, and I got to spend so much time with over the last week that I am grateful that she has been given a second chance to live. As good as all this might be... I am ready to say Goodbye to 2012 and open my arms to 2013.

This is normally the time in the reflection process where you start to mention your RESOLUTIONS for 2013... but I am not going to do that. I don't really like creating resolutions, because I feel like they're a lot like diets....setting yourself up for failure. So instead, I am going to list some things that I hope to experience during 2013.

My 2013 Bucket List

1. Compete in 13 Half Marathons. While running the Operation Jack Half Marathon, I came up with the brilliant idea to run 13 Half Mary's in 2013 (13-13.1-2013). Granted... this may have been a moment of insanity while on an Endorphin High... I'm taking it VERY seriously. Well, as serious as I can. I'll share more about the details and race Calendar in my next blog post, so stay tuned.

2. Finish my First year of Grad School. This may seem like a no brainer, but after my first quarter it seems this may be harder than anticipated. With all the craziness of my mom's diagnosis and surgery I contemplated dropping out several times. Thankfully, I stuck with it and will be starting my second quarter in less than a week. Attached to this one, I am also going to try and put more effort into appreciating my internship and not being so judgemental to the entire process.

3. Take an active role in my Recovery. Although I have gone off and on the wagon several times this year, I am still committed to keeping myself healthy, wealthy and wise. I know I can do it, but I need to start putting more effort into myself if I want to see positive and lasting results. This means ACTUALLY going to OA meetings and not just looking them up and talking to counselors at my school counseling center.

4. Love more, stress less. 'Nuff said
5. Spend as much time as possible with my mom.
6. Cook more

I'm sure there is more, but these are all I can think of... and to be honest, I think that is more than enough to take on in one year. Anything else will have to just be a goal :)

I hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year!!!