Tag Archives: Memories

The Year in Review – 2013

Nicole from Three 31 has introduced me to this questionnaire. Here’s my take on this past year!

2013 Year in Review

What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
Got my own apartment, took a self defense class and went on a solo vacation. (Read more about my vacation here, here and here.)
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
If I did, I have no idea what it was…
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, there’s a few new babies in this world. Actually, quite a few. The closest is my new niece! Plus, Chalifoux, McCullough, be-here-any-day Deuel babies to name a few.
Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully, no.
What countries did you visit?
Canada
What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
More determination, stronger will, a new job, greater sense of purpose, bigger adventures and a partner in crime (would be nice).
What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory?
November 7th – The date my second niece was born.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
May 2013 – The rights of one of my photographs was purchased to use by a large corporation.
What was your biggest failure?
Letting what others say, think and believe get to me.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.
What was the best thing you bought?
Flights home to visit family, friends and to witness my friends wedding pretty much tops the list.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
All of my friends who “put up with me” during those difficult moments, haha. Seriously – I love y’all.
Where did most of your money go?
Besides bills – Live concerts and beer (they go hand in hand and there were quite a few) and gas… this girl likes to travel.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going home for two weeks, spending time with family, friends and seeing one of my oldest friends get married.
What song will always remind you of 2013?
Put the radio on a Texas Country station and I will tell you stories all day.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder? Definitely happier.
Thinner or fatter? Same?
Richer or poorer? Richer by experience.
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Speaking my mind – saying how I feel.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Being scared, hesitant or nervous.
How will you be spending Christmas?
In Vermont with the family!
Did you fall in love in 2013?
Sure did – with my niece that I haven’t even met yet. I probably fell in love with Texas a little bit more too.
How many one-night stands?
No.
Who were your best friends?
I have some pretty ridiculously awesome folks in my life. I’m not going to list them all but there’s Heather, Callie, Kasey, Margo, Chris, Lisa – my top guns.
What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?
I think you’d have to ask them!
What were your favorite TV programs?
HIMYM, Big Bang Theory, Mom, New Girl, Mike and Molly. I’ve gotten into football. I can’t keep it a secret anymore.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
What was the best book you read in 2013?
The Bible. I haven’t had a lot of time to read this year otherwise Texas Monthly is always top notch on my list, does that count?
What was your greatest musical discovery?
The Giving Tree Band. Right place, right time.
What did you want and get?
In hind sight, I think I got everything that I needed.
What did you want but did NOT get?
Good question, there were some things… maybe it’s about timing.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Seriously, I watched very few movies… I can’t even think of any right now. Ask and I’ll let you know if I’ve seen it.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 29. On my actual birthday, I worked and then went for a run.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Unlimited vacation with a personal shopper / assistant so I could travel the world and tell all of you fine folks about it, encourage you to go out there and check it all out for yourselves!
What kept you sane?
God, friends, family, running, driving my Subaru and music.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Jimmy Fallon. Melissa McCarthy. I’m not a huge celebrity person but they can definitely make me laugh and seem so confident.
What political issue stirred you the most?
The government strike. Voters should be able to fire as well as elect, let’s just keep it at that.
Who did you miss?
I miss my family and friends who are not nearby everyday.
Who was the best new person you met this year?
I met some really awesome people this year and developed closer relationships to those who were already introduced into my life.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
Everything happens for a reason, quit fighting life and just go with it.
Quote that sums up your year:
Oh there’s so many…
People Like Us Quote

2013 Giving Thanks

Everyday, I try to look back on the things that I am thankful. We lived in an extraordinary world and it’s easy to forget how blessed we truly are. Today, I’d like to take a moment to look back over the last year on what I am thankful for…

My health. I am able to run, enjoy yoga and continue to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

My family, which I was lucky enough to have add a new member earlier this year – Miss Audrey, my niece. They are an incredible support system, build me up when I’m feeling low, and always have a way of bringing happy tears. I’m blessed to have an amazing Memere, who I miss daily and has taught me many things in life.

Friends. Near and Far. When we get together it’s like a beat was never missed. Let’s talk about an incredible support system. Wow. Honesty, craziness, laughing until there’s tears and comfort. To new friends, connections and experiences. Forever thankful.

Opportunities. Where to start. An extremely large company purchased the use of a photo, shadowing and pursuing a photography “hobby”, trips to incredible places, randomly coming across beautiful places, doors open when you least expect them. Walk with one foot in front of the other, keep going no matter how difficult the road is. Keep going.

Music. Yes, you get your own category. I can never put into words what music does for me, nor the feeling of coming across musicians that completely blow me away. I’ve had the opportunity to attend many shows this year and it’s really helped to bring me to where I am. Nothing can replace the feeling.

My job, my car, my home. Never should these be overlooked, even if the job can be difficult at times. I am thankful.

Life events. Wow. 29 really surrounds you with life events. Marriages. Babies – my niece among many others who have brought a new beautiful life into this world and those who are on their way. We really are growing up folks.

Parts of the past twelve months have been pretty difficult. I know I’ve been pretty difficult. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support, laughs, new friendships, honesty, experiences, opportunities and everything that goes with it. I will never be able to repay those who have been my constant support. I love you all from the very bottom of my heart.

Let’s all make a little toast, raise your glass to the trains that we’ve missed, the ones that we’ll make and to remember to be thankful for those around us daily. We never know when they may not be here. Don’t let moments pass.

What are you thankful for this season?

We’re On A Boat!

Lake Austin 2013 I’ve recapped my recent trip to Lake Austin a couple times in the last month of Bill’s impromptu trip to Austin. Here are some of my favorite pictures to wrap it all up! We had such a good time out on the lake! These guys are some of the best and most fun to hang out with, bringing together Vermont and New Jersey in Texas! Can’t wait until our next reunion!

Lake Austin 2013 “Reunited and it feels so good!”Lake Austin 2013 Lake Austin 2013 Lake Austin 2013 Lake Austin 2013 Lake Austin 2013 Then we saw this fella trying to fly… I’m pretty sure if I even attempted this I would find my face going straight for the water. Yikes!

Lake Austin 2013 Don’t hate me Bill… the funny faces made it online! We’ll look ridiculous together! Lake Austin 2013 Awww – there, that’s better! Lake Austin 2013 Lake Austin 2013 Lake Austin 2013 Maybe I should’ve titled this post “Bill” – you’re pretty popular with the camera my friend! Until our next adventures!