I have filled out this same Year In Review on New Years Eve every year since 2008. I’m not even sure where I found the original, but I’m sure it was on LiveJournal since that’s where I’ve posted it from 2008-2011. Last year was the first year posting it here, and I did some major editing of the format, but overall I’ve answered the same questions for reflection and for memory. Every year seems to get harder to remember everything from the past year. Thankfully I record a lot of events in my Google calendar.

You can read the past Year In Reviews:

2012
2011
2010
2009
2008

 

Life Events

Where do you live now?
Nashville, TN – in our home for 3 years this month.

Where did you begin 2013?
David and I spent our New Year’s Day in our home. I honestly can’t remember if David stayed up or I even stayed up, though I’m sure I did since I have most every year unless I’ve had to work early the next day. I can say for sure that we went to Red Robin for dinner New Years Eve.

What was your status by Valentine’s Day?
Married to David, together for 4 years at that time and married ALMOST a year.

What trips did you take this year?
Glamping at Dale Hollow with the Little Black Dress Club in January
Center Hill with some of the Introverts for crafting weekend in March
Las Vegas for MMS & The Extraterrestrial Highway in April
Memphis with Mom, Judy, Liz and Erica in May
Chicago with the LBDC in June
Holiday World with David, Lily, Jason and Cassidy in July
Louisville with Gisel in August
Pigeon Forge with Liberty and Rachel in September
Glamping at Center Hill with the LBDC in October
Disney World with the Overstreets in November
– That’s somewhere every month, except February and December. I guess I can’t say that I haven’t gone anywhere this year!

Did you know anybody who got married?
I know of a few people who got married this year, but we didn’t attend any weddings…or I can’t remember now!

Did you know anybody who passed away?
Shelton passed away on June 4th. He was 13.
My Aunt Dorothy Laster, who was my dad’s brother’s wife, on September 26th. She was 86.
I heard that Vernon’s Aunt Martha died on July 19th. She was 73.

Any new additions to your family?
Yes! Maggie was born April 25th and came to live with us on July 29th.

Have any life changing events in 2013?
Shelton passing away was a very life changing moment for me. He was more than just a dog, for sure.
Then, of course, Maggie joining the family has truly been life changing, as well.
I got a ❤ tattoo in April.

How old did each member in your family turn this year?
Tonya – 36
David – 43
Copper – 11
Penny – 6
Maggie – Born
Dad – 66
Mom – 59
Matthew – 29

Memorable Moments

January – First Glamping Trip
February – Birthday festivities
March – Crafty weekend, Tattoo
April – Las Vegas spa day, looking for aliens, inRL
May – several sets of house guests, Memphis
June – Shelton’s death, Chicago
July – Holiday World & Maggie joining the family
August – Wilson County Fair, Louisville
September – Pigeon Forge
October – David’s Birthday at The Melting Pot, Glamping Part Deux
November – Disney
December – Moving to a new office at work, Miss Mary Bobo’s

What was your best month?
November

What has been your favorite moment(s)?
8 days at Disney with the Overstreets
All sorts of LBDC events
Coming home to sweet fur babies
Reconnecting with Liberty after 18 years

Describe your birthday.
We celebrated my 36th Birthday at the McDonald’s where I had my 6th Birthday party 30 years ago.

2013 Events

What’s the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2013?
Get a tattoo

Made new friends?
Several new Introvert friends
Lots of LBDC ladies in Nashville, Chicago and Columbus

Were you in school (anytime this year)?
No

Did you have to go to the hospital?
Just an upper GI in July. Nothing serious.

Did you have any encounters with the police?
No

What sporting events did you attend?
Uhm…none! We didn’t even make it to a Rollergirls bout this year.

Did you make any major purchases?
David bought my first Mac in May.
David has helped me ALMOST get out of debt…just a few more months away 🙂
I got a new mattress!

Change your style?
After the weight loss surgery in 2012, my hair started thinning out a bit (which is typical). About halfway through 2013, it was pretty much back again. I cut it off in September (or was it August?), and I keep it short and curly now.

Start a new hobby?
Nothing new this year. I did a little sewing, lots more reading and watched tons of series on my iPad through Netflix and Amazon. Watching iPad and reading before bed is my new favorite relaxation at night.

What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Facebook…again.

What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Probably my writing again, though I slacked off more this year than last.

How many books did you read this year?
My goal was 50, and I made it to 47. I’d say that’s pretty good.

How many steps did you log this year?
Just over 1.5 million steps, which averages to 4200 steps a day. It was a lazy year with my walking. 1.8 million in 2011 was my highest recorded year in Fitbit, and to date I have walked 4,778,175 steps since I first got a Fitbit in December 2010. I have been known to go days or even a month without wearing it, so I know I’ve walked more, but not like significantly more.

Growth

What was an unexpected joy this past year?
Reconnecting with Liberty. It has been awesome to have her in my life again after so many years apart. We picked up like time had never turned.
British costume drama series – seriously! It makes me feel old to enjoy these so much, because when I was a kid Masterpiece Theatre was SO BORING!

What was an unexpected obstacle?
Losing Shelton. I still miss that little fella every day. I always knew it would be hard when the time came for him to go, and I was right. It was a really difficult decision to make to put him down, but it was without a doubt the right thing to do.

In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
This was not a good year for me emotionally. My weight loss has been stalled since early in the year, and I am dealing with a lot of emotional issues in my head. In May I made a change to my antidepressants, and I am still working on finding what works best for me. I haven’t yet found the answer to this emotional slump, but I am hopeful for 2014.

In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
Honestly, I think I grew backwards spiritually this year. There’s a lot lacking in that area in my life right now, too.

In what way(s) did you grow physically?
I’m working on finding out how to change that. See my emotional (lack of) growth above.

In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
I am easily scarred by the negative words of people, even months later. It hurts, and I have a difficult time moving on from them. They scenes play over and over in my head frequently.

What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
To choose my words wisely and sometimes keeping my words to myself is best. If I can be so easily damaged from other people’s words, then they can be, too.

Any regrets?
I say it every year: I try not to live with too many regrets. Just learn from them and move on.

Are you happy to see 2013 go?
I always look forward to the future and a new year.

Overall, how would you rate this year?
A couple of months ago, I realized that I have not felt well all year. I have taken steps to try to change that, but I don’t feel like I have gotten far. I feel my health declining when it should be getting better, including my mental health. There were very few terrible things that happened this year, and many great things that happened, but I just don’t feel well. Is it age? Is it my health? I really don’t know yet.

Create a phrase or statement that describes 2013 for you.
Sticks and stones do break bones, and words can still hurt, too.

2014 and Beyond

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
To Lose 30 pounds – There, I set a number this year!
To read 50 books.
To walk 2 million steps, which averages out to be almost 5500 steps a day.

To Love more
To Accept more
To Be more patient

What do you want to change in 2014?
Lose weight, save money…but what’s new with that?

What are you wishing for in 2014?
Health, love and happiness

What are you looking forward to in 2014?
My first nephew!
Trip to Venice, Italy for Julie and Diana’s wedding.

Notable Books Read in 2013

• Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh
• The Dangerous Animals Club by Stephen Tobolowsky
• Nickel Plated by Aric Davis
• The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
• Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
• The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg
• Stardust by Neil Gaiman

I have filled out this same Year In Review on New Years Eve every year since 2008. I’m not even sure where I found it, but I’m sure it was on LiveJournal since that’s where I’ve posted it every year. I thought I would post it here this year in my new blog (as of this year). I took out a few insignificant questions and added a few others, as well as re-ordered the questions.

You can read the past Year In Reviews:
2011
2010
2009
2008

 

Life Events

Where do you live now?
Nashville, TN – in our home for 2 years this month

Where did you begin 2012?
David and I spent our New Year’s Day in our home. We stayed up until midnight then promptly went to bed like old folks.

What was your status by Valentine’s Day?
Engaged to David, together for 3 years at that time.

Where did you go on vacation?
Savannah for the wedding in February
Center Hill for crafting weekend in March
Las Vegas for MMS in April
Orange Beach for Labor Day in September
Detroit for David’s Grandma’s funeral in October
Detroit for Thanksgiving in November

Did you know anybody who got married?
David and I in February
Megan and Todd in December

Did you know anybody who passed away?
Lucy Proffitt (David’s maternal grandmother) on October 8th. She was 94.

Any new additions to your family?
No

Have any life changing events in 2012?
Getting married in February
Weight loss surgery in July

How old did each member in your family turn this year?
Tonya – 35
David – 42
Shelton – 13
Copper – 10
Penny – 5
Dad – 65
Mom – 58
Matthew – 28

Memorable Moments

January – Game Night with the Introverts
February – Wedding in Savannah
March – Crafty weekend
April – Las Vegas for MMS
May – Gisel & Devin visited
June – Dad’s 65th Birthday
July – Surgery July 23rd
August – Wilson County Fair
September – Orange Beach trip for Labor Day
October – David’s Birthday at The Melting Pot
November – Thanksgiving in Detroit
December – Gingerbread Housemaking

What was your best month?
February

What has been your favorite moment(s)?
Marrying David and the whole Savannah vacation
Thanksgiving with David’s family
Christmas Eve and Day with my family
Gisel and Devin visiting for a week

Describe your birthday.
Pie in the Sky Pizza with the family

Favorite Night[s] out?
Savannah nights with the family, especially the ghost tour
Little Black Dress Club events

2012 Events

What’s the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2012?
Finally be approved for weight loss surgery

Made new friends?
The Chandlers – we met them late last year but really got to know them this year
Jennifer – My closet mate at work

Were you in school (anytime this year)?
No school, but I took a few classes at work.

Did you have to go to the hospital?
Yes, I had Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery on July 23, 2012.

Did you have any encounters with the police?
No

What sporting events did you attend?
Nashville Rollergirls

Did you make any major purchases?
The wedding was definitely a major purchase.
We also had to pay nearly $4K to get my Volkswagen’s transmission replaced.
We purchased new chairs for the living room.
I bought a new Alienware laptop.

Change your style?
I had a keratin treatment in May that straightened my hair for a while. It was cool while it lasted but really all I wanted to do was control the frizz. The wearing makeup thing that I did in 2011 didn’t seem to carry over very far into 2012.

Start a new hobby?
I can’t say that I started anything new this year, but I did read more this year than last year. I got a Kindle for Christmas last year that I have thoroughly enjoyed. There are a TON of free and lost cost books that I discovered this year that I might not have ever read if I didn’t have a Kindle.

What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Facebook!

What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Writing and blogging

Growth

What was an unexpected joy this past year?
Getting back into writing has truly been joyful for me. Writing daily in the months of October and November were very rewarding for me, but I found that having a daily writing prompt is what I need to write every day. Halfway through the month of December, and I haven’t written anything!

What was an unexpected obstacle?
The first year of marriage.

In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
I learned that I have many flaws that I need to learn to control or change. I am not easy to live with, and it’s not always easy to live with others. I need to manage my expectations of others better.

In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
With blogging again, I got back into the root of my Christianity. I sought out a new church that fits my beliefs. I am still learning every day to just love people no matter what.

In what way(s) did you grow physically?
I shrunk physically more than I grew, thank God! For a while after my surgery I was into exercising again, but when Fall hit I got back into my old routines.

In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
I have learned that with some people in my life, I have to stop projecting my expectations onto them or stop predicting how they will react.

What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
I have a food addiction that weight loss and surgery will never “cure.” I learned that just like any addiction, I need to focus on one day at a time.

Any regrets?
I’ll say it again: I try not to live with too many regrets. Just learn from them and move on.

Are you happy to see 2012 go?
I always look forward to the future and a new year.

Overall, how would you rate this year?
This year was pretty awesome again. David and I are still learning to live together, even after two years. It’s proven to still be a big adjustment for both of us, but it gets better every day.
I no longer feel like a newbie at work and definitely more comfortable with my role.

Create a phrase or statement that describes 2012 for you.
Just For Today

2013 and Beyond

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
Lose weight
Save money
Cook healthy meals
Usually the same each year, but I’m adding a few more items this year:
Love more
Accept more
Be more patient

What do you want to change in 2013?
Lose weight, save money…but what’s new with that?

What are you wishing for in 2013?
Health, love and happiness

Notable Books Read in 2012

• Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny Lawson – I discovered Jenny Lawson in 2011 when several thousand other people discovered her when she posted her blog entry, And that’s why you should learn to pick your battles. Her humor amuses me to no end, and I wish my style of writing was like hers. I patiently awaited the release of this book and was lucky that it came out the week that I was on vacation. I laughed so much that my husband read the book and insisted that his mother read it, as well. Her sense of humor isn’t for everyone, so if you’re not familiar with her, I suggest that you check out her blog first, because her book is very much like her blog entries. She is brutally honest about her relationship with her husband, as well as her struggles with depression and illness.
• Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue – I came across this book thanks to one of the Kindle newsletters that I receive for discounted and free Kindle books. I’m surprised I hadn’t heard of it before, as it seems to have garnered a lot of publicity when it came out 2 years ago. The story is told from the perspective of a five-year old boy who has lived his entire life in a single room due to his mother being kidnapped 7 years prior. I really learned to view life from a whole different perspective in reading this book and counted my blessings in the ‘normal’ life that I have lived.
• 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker – This book was discussed through an online book club that I follow. The idea is that the author took 7 areas of her life and concentrated on one a month to see how she could live a more simple and less excessive life in each area. It’s truly a learning experience in the materialistic ways that we have become accustomed. I have yet to have tried my own 7 experiment, but the book still resonates with me.
• The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson – I found a link to this book sometime in 2011 and bookmarked it on Amazon. When I got my Kindle and an Amazon gift card for Christmas last year, I decided to give this book a try. I was reminded after reading the book that the author is the cousin of a co-worker of David’s. I enjoyed this book because of the quirkiness of the family in the book. The parents raised their two children in a unique way, but the children longed to just be normal.
• The Quickening by Michelle Hoover – I really don’t know what drew me so strongly to this book. This was another Kindle deal that I found that I believe was a freebie at the time. The genre is historical fiction, and focused on the lives of two women over the course of several years. I enjoyed stepping back to what life was like nearly a hundred years ago and to see how different it could have been if I was born in a different time.