Another year has come and gone, and it's time to do one of those run downs of my year.
If I could sum up 2012 in just a few words, I would say it was the year of finding myself. Figuring out who I am and what I like to do and then being that person and doing those things.
There were downs to the year, and I no doubt shed A LOT of tears in 2012 (maybe more than any year before), but there were also many, many great things that happened to me in 2012 and many happy tears as well.
January
I rang in the new year for the first time at a party downtown. It was a lot of fun and I did a lot of dancing. Getting dressed up and going out with friends is just so fun. With the exception of Cassie Jo's wedding in 2007, I'd never done anything like that on NYE and plan to do something similar every NYE. It's like an adult's homecoming/prom. Ha. Seriously, how often as a 27 year old, do you have an excuse to get a sparkly dress and go dancing all night? I have found that it isn't many.
I tore the meniscus in my right knee. Ouch. For three weeks I limped around and sat with frozen vegetables on my knee. It healed itself, thank goodness, but it put me out of commission from the gym and because of that I quit my 5K training and didn't get to run in the St. Patrick's Day 5K with the other blogger girls. :(
Molly turned 22. I went to dinner with her and friends at Cazuela's, a little mexican joint that I used to frequent with my friends when we were in college many years ago.
February
Cheered the Giants on to a Super Bowl victory. Madanna did the worst half-time show ever. That song was soooo annoying (L.U.V. Madonna!...gag!) The little girls at the party thought it was Lady Gaga! Ha. Just the Lady Gaga of the 80's and 90's. :)
Probably the low point of February (and 2012) was Valentine's Day, when I got dumped. Pretty much the worst Valentine's Day gift ever, am I right? I was super bummed about it, but know there is someone out there that will make me even happier and also not still see an ex-girlfriend behind my back. #karmaisab!tch
For Lent, I gave up Facebook, twitter, blogging (writing and reading) and all iPhone games. It was needed to keep myself from stalking (see above 'highlight'), but also because I felt so dependent on social media for entertainment and I wasn't allowing myself to have relationships and a life outside of my computer and my phone. Does anyone else every feel like that? It was such a good move, because it made me connect with people other ways and really helped me create better friendships.
March
Had my first beer. Yes, I know I'd been of legal drinking age for more than 5 years at this point, but I never drank. Ever! So when out with former co-workers for happy hour at World of Beer, I was finally persuaded to test out some of their drinks. I settled on a raspberry beer that I liked and had a glass of it.
One of the best things that I did in 2012 was
join a bible study. In February I started feeling this urge to attend church, so I started going to a large one in Columbus. Not exactly like the little Alma UMC, but it worked. I looked in to a bible study through the church, but they didn't work out. And days later, a former co-workers wife called and invited me to come to hers. I have loved going each week and really learning about the stories in the bible. It was great to meet other girls who were also struggling with anxiety and life purposes. I love how it's structured and traditional. I just love it! I hope to continue going for the next 7 years. (That's who long it takes you to complete the entire study!)
Kate and
I 'met' President Obama in March when he visited Ohio State. It was during spring break, so all of the students were gone, but it was also 86 degrees outside. It was soooo hot while we waited in line, but it was the first time either of us had seen President Obama in person and it was really exciting.
One day after work Molly and I were mopping about how we didn't have any exciting spring break plans, so we decided to go to
NYC for a few days. We left on a Friday morning, drove to a train station in Jersey, spent 24 hours in Manhattan, and drove home. Going there on our own was so empowering, at least for me anyway. NYC is someplace I never thought I'd go because it was too big or too far away and I was scared to go. But we went and survived and it was so much fun. It was really cold, and most of the 24 hours we were there was spent on a tour bus, but now I know I can go back anytime. It also showed me that I don't have to rely on someone else - parents or boyfriend - to do something. I can just do it. I can go and travel wherever I want and successfully do it by myself.
April
I turned 27 this month. I was not looking forward to it at all. I was still being all moppey and I had to spend the whole day on a charter bus for work, traveling to Penn State. I had a horrible morning and just one thing after another went wrong before I got to work. I even boarded the bus crying. It wasn't until that evening when Penn State had a social hour for the students that I started having a good birthday. I played a few games of "Just Dance," something I never would have done before, especially not in public in front of college students. I would have watched. And I did good! And had fun! Then later, after the 'kids' went to bed, we went to a bar close to the hotel and had the best time. I sang karaoke (Spice Girls) and did a bunch of line dances. I really went out of my shell that night and had a blast. It showed me that I can be outgoing and have fun.
The reason I celebrated my birthday in Pennsylvania was because I was on a
work trip to Philadelphia. I got to visit Penn State, Philadelphia, the Hershey Chocolate Factory, the Liberty Bell, Longwood Gardens, downtown Philadelphia and so much more. On this trip, I also got to meet Laura, who was my virtual shoulder to cry on, and because of this trip, I got to spend a lot of time with Jill and Julie, and now consider them two very close friends.
I've always loved country music and think Eric Church has some of the best songs. Molly, and
I went to his concert at Nationwide at the end of April. He did a really good show. I thought I knew all of his songs going in to the concert, but I did not. I do know them now.
I ran my first 5K a year ago, and I totally sucked at it. I had not trained at all. So in March I started running every day and
ran my first 5K at the end of April. It was for our festival in my hometown. I finished at 31:something, but I was so proud because I only walked a short, short stretch. And looking back, I could have kept going.
May
Cinco de Mayo was spent
hanging with all of my college roomies for the first time in forever. It's seriously been years since we've had just the four of us hang out. And I miss them terribly.
My great-grandma and her twin sister were breast cancer survivors, so
I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race fora a Cure here in Columbus. It was a great day for multiple reasons. I ran the entire 5K race without stopping and it was just such a cool race. Bands all along the course, so many people cheering you on and the motorcycles in Thunder Alley - made me cry!
I voluntarily
DONATED BLOOD! This was another huge accomplishment because I have always wanted to donate but was so scared to actually do it. This was a big turning point for me, especially after I completed the 5K one week and gave blood the next. I just remember feeling so empowered. And also angry for putting things off for so long that I wanted to do because I was scared. Even though I did get a little light headed and had to have my feet propped up and wet towels put on my head, knowing that I helped someone in need was worth it. I'll do it again.
Memorial Day Weekend
I spent lots of time with the little brother. We set trot lines in the pond and went fishing. It was great to hang out with him so much. I definitely wish he was closer and we could do things together more often.
June
I went to 4-H camp went I was in high school and this year for work I got to visit another camp a few different times. Because of connections with the staff, I got to take a pontoon boat out on the lake, which was awesome. And then
I went zip lining. I was so scared, but I wanted to do it so bad and I was not chickening out in front of all of my students. And I did it. And I also did some of the other courses l and realized that I'd been a scaredy cat all my life for now reason!
Speaking of cats, I wanted one. Bad. My apartment was just so lonely when I was there by myself. Luckily everything worked out like it was supposed to and
Bowie joined me to create my little family. I'd never had a pet before but I really can't even imagine not having her around now. She's so fun and such a joy to have around. Except for when she's being moody and wants to be left alone. She is a true diva.
Another big thing that happened in June was the change of my hair color. It's been blonde most of my life, thanks to highlights, but I decided I wanted a change. So
I took it back to my natural color and for the most part I love it. I do like have blonde hair, but I was in need of a change!
And I bought a bike! A friend was selling hers and I snatched it up. I spent many nights riding around Grandview and on the bike trails. I had wanted a bike for so long. I used to ride every evening in Piketon. It's something I did with my best friend and even my siblings. We would ride for HOURS and talk. I didn't have anyone to ride with here in Columbus, but it was a great way to just ride and think.
July
Vacationing in early July has been something I've always done with my family. This year
we went back to the beach. Tyler didn't go, just Mom, Pop, me and Molly. I got my tan on, for the first time ever. Molly and
I also went parasailing. Something that we had both wanted to do for a really long time, but never had because we were scared. Payton also went with us. It was soo much fun. I can't believe I've gone to the beach for 20 years and never went before. Being out in the middle of the ocean and seeing the coast and the sea turtle that was under us....so beautiful! We did it on the 4th of July so I felt very patriotic looking at the US of A from up there!
I ran my 3rd 5K in the end of July. I participated in the Color Run with Tyler and Lauren and two of Lauren's friends. It was so much fun. A lot more people walked than ran, which was kind of disappointed because those of us that did want to run got caught up in the traffic, but it was fun. We got really colorful. I would like to do it again, but I think next time I'll just be a volunteer because I think those people were having the most fun! And I spent a nice weekend with my brother.
I went to my first Columbus Crew game and had a good time cheering them on to victory!
Girls weekend trips are always fun, so
Brittany and I went to Chicago. We ate lots of cupcakes, watched the season finale of The Bachelor, sweated to death in the 102degree Chicago heat. We just had all kinds of fun. I'm so glad she and I have become such great friends this year. :)
I've always enjoyed working out, but
going to the free CrossFit Bootcamp each Tuesday night with Jenny at Columbus Commons was a routine that I needed. Desperately. It was a good workout and I fully intend to go next spring summer if they have it again. One day I was riding my bike home, (which was not a good idea since I was super tired and sore, but I'm not always the smartest) and I was just thinking about how things had changed so much over the past few months. When I would go to the gym back in the winter, I'd always wear sweatpants and this oversized shirt. I hated for people to look at me. I was just so insecure about how I looked next to those tan and toned college girls. And then on this particular night, I looked down and noticed I was wearing this fitted tank top and spandex shorts. And I remember thinking that I would never have worn that 6 months prior, but I felt so good about myself, partially because I was in much better shape, but also because I just had better self confidence than I ever remember before.
August
County fair season really picks up in July and August and that is one of my favorite summer activities. I made it to a few county fairs this year, including
Pike,
Hartford Independent, and mulitple days working and judging at the Ohio State Fair.
Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan played at the Ohio State Fair. They are two of my favorite country singers and that was probably
the best concert I have ever been to! It was outside in Crew Stadium and it was just so much fun!
The Olympics were in London this summer. So I spent many nights glued to the couch watching those. Even
went to a gymnastics get together with some fellow bloggers and watched Gabby Douglas win the All-Around Gold Medal! Go USA! I love gymnastics. I wish I could still do all of those flips. :)
I made another trip to Chicago to "chaperone" my cousin and her two friends on their senior trip. No chaperoning was actually needed because they are such responsible, well-behaved girls, but I was happy to go. I spent four days in Chicago while they went to the Harry Potter convention. I got to shop on Michigan Avenue and State Street. I jumped on the train and
went to a Cubs game by myself and made friends. I had brunch with an old friend! I just did whatever I wanted and it was glorious!
I joined Junior League, which is an organization of women that promote
volunteerism. I love it. I love volunteering and giving back. And
meeting other ladies my age that have that same interest is also another
perk! Yay for making friends!
September
Football season finally came back in to my life! I had always wanted to
have a tailgate and finally did that with the help of Cara, Julie and Fletcher! Two southern belles and two wannabe southern bells.
I also chopped my hair off. I stuck with the same color, but I had just gotten so tired of the long hair and I knew I was ready for a change! So I did it. And I love it. Although sometimes I look at other people with long hair and wish I had that, but then I look at old pictures of me with long hair and I think "ick!"
And
I relieved my high school glory days and went back to my high school's alumni cheerleader night and cheered for the streaks as they lost! Of course! But I tumbled! And stunted! It was cheertastic!
I also had a huge weight taken off of my shoulders towards the end of the month. I had a much needed 'last conversation' of sorts with someone that used to be a big part of my life that no longer is a part of it at all(i.e. ex-boyfriend). All of the things that had been collecting dust in my basement for more than a year were finally reclaimed. It was peaceful. It was needed. I had been a peace for a long time over that decision to no longer be a couple, but it was a wonderful feeling to be able to say it to his face and have that "we are both happy" confirmation. Huge relief. Huge. Huge. Huge.
October
The busiest weekend of my life was in early October. Junior League rummage sale, advising a
homecoming float building project, and Homecoming activities! So, so busy! But so, so, so much fun! Being able to watch the Ohio State/Nebraska football game on Saturday night was really the icing on the cake. What a great game! What a great season for Ohio State.
I've never spent a lot of time in Indianapolis, but I got to do so when
I went to a convention there for work! I got to meet many high school students interested in coming to Ohio State, spend more time with our current students (which I love!) and danced my booty off at the dance for high school students. Did anyone ever think that I would be someone to do the 'wobble' on stage or to lead a ballroom full of high school students in a dance to N*Sync's 'bye bye bye' that I was making up as I went along? Not me, that's for sure.
Being in Indianapolis also meant that I got to spend time with my college roomie, her precious new baby and
make an impromptu trip to Chicago to spend the night and day with my sister and nieces. It was fun to just hang out with them for a little bit and visit the campus of Northwestern and the United Center, two places I'd wanted to visit but hadn't had the chance on any other trips to Chicago.
November
I became an "aunt by love" when my best friend had her precious baby boy. I am so glad that I got to be there for his birth. I wasn't 'there' there, but I was in the waiting room and was just so happy for her and her new little family.
President Obama was re-elected on Election Day. I spent that evening with friends at dinner and then later at the ODP party downtown celebrating! So much fun! So happy to be a part of another historic election.
My high school made the playoffs, which is HUGE! This was the first time they'd done that in 15 years, and then they WON A PLAYOFF GAME! Go Streaks!
My final 5K of 2012 was in mid-November. I ran the Hot Chocolate 5K with my oldest sister, which was fun. She beat me. I guess older sisters are always supposed to be better at everything, so it was fine. :) I hope we plan many more together in the future.
December
My placement for Junior League this year was the Holiday Tour of Homes. As part of the planning committee, I helped with the planning of the preview party and worked during the following day. Fletcher decorated one of the houses, so I also got to help decorate, which was really fun and helped me get in to the holiday spirit and want to decorate my house as well.
My friend Julie is from Arkansas, so
we ventured up to that State Up North to watch the Razorbacks play Michigan. She loves any reason to cheer for the Razorbacks and against the Wolverines. It was our first trip to Michigan for either one. I took lots of pictures doing the "O" around campus, but surprising I really enjoyed their campus. And we visited another friend who lives there and drove down 8 Mile road. And yes, we totally jammed out to Eminem songs while we were on it. :)
I've not had a lot of people over to my apartment and have always wanted to host a little dinner or party and just never had. So
I had a dinner party/Ugly Christmas Sweater party. It was fun to have so many different groups of friends come together and (hopefully) have fun! I plan to make this an annual tradition with a different theme each year!
Working back on campus allows me the opportunity to do lots of activities offered to students, sometimes activities that I didn't participate in when I was a student. So this year
I went to the Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo as an advisor for the student council. I also went to the Light Up the Lake at Mirror Lake, where they all sing Carmen Ohio and turn the lights on! The students here are just great and I'm so glad they don't think I'm a creepy old lady! ;)
I tore the meniscus in my left knee. So running had to be put on hold. Especially the half-marathon training that I had be working on for so many months!
The holidays were great.
I visited my parents for a whole 10 days and it was marvelous. Lots of Hallmark watching, playing games, watching high school basketball games. Just perfect family time. We even went to the movies one night and out to dinner. Just like old times if we were all little kids.
New Years Eve was spent in Columbus with a huge group of college friends. I danced and danced. And just had the best time. It was great to ring in the new year with these people I've called friends for almost an entire decade. I feel like in 2012 I made a lot of new friends and became closer with friends that I already had. But it was great to spend time with the ladies that I was once so close with.
2012 was a great year. I obviously didn't include summaries of the lows of each month in this recap, but after typing the mostly good things (and just running out of room and time to share all of those!), I realize how incredibly blessed I am with my job, my family and my friends to share all of these incredible experiences with.
**I may come back to add pictures later. Or I might do another recap
post with pictures. But after working on this for more than a week, I'm
just ready for it to be posted and be done working on it!**
