Linking Up With Nicole From Three 31 for the Finish This linkup
What did you do in 2014 that you've never done before?
Sold a house...I'd been trying to do that since 2011.
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions?
My New Year's resolution was to live my life with "intention" and to not mindlessly go through my days not appreciating my family, children, friends. I think I did a decent job of this, but it's hard to gage because a) there was really no actionable goals associated with this resolution and b) most of the year was so crazy with moving in with my the in-laws and having a baby...lots of the time was just trying to keep my head above water!
Will you make more for next year?
Yes. This year I plan on making 3 resolutions with actionable goals, so that I can track my progress. I do better with milestone and clear goals instead of making my resolution something abstract.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Well, I gave birth...so that counts, right? I had two girlfriends that I'm very close friends with have babies in June and November as well!
Did anyone close to you die?
My grandma Doris passed away this year, as did my Aunt Patty and my best friend's father. While I was not particularly close with any of them, each of their death's left a strong impression on me.
What countries did you visit?
Just the good old USA :)
What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
More peace, more calm. 2014 was just a bit insane with finding out we were pregnant, moving out of our home and into my in-laws basement for 6 months, then taking on a beautiful home that needed lots of work right away while taking care of a newborn..it was just...a lot.
What date from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory?
September 12th - Ryan was born!
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
The purchase of our new house. It was such a labor of love and heartache to get into our new home. I couldn't be happier with it.
What was your biggest failure?
I wanted to be more financially secure going into 2015. It just gives me something to work towards this year.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
No illness, but I do have a muscular/hernia injury from Ryan separating my stomach muscles so much that they aren't healing right. Luckily, I'm on the mend.
What was the best thing you bought?
Non-material - my son!
Material - beautiful, dark bamboo flooring that I've been dreaming of
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Katherine Quinn. This girl has just rolled with the punches every step of the way. From living in a basement for 6 months, to welcoming a baby brother. She is the embodiment of resilience and joy. She just amazes me everyday with her ability to go with the flow.
Where did most of your money go?
Selling our old town home almost wiped us out. Only in this day in age do you have to bring most of your life savings to crawl out from under a crappy mortgage...but onward and upward!
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The thought of making our new house a home, starting our life as a family of 4.
What song will always remind you of 2014?
My husband kind of nailed it when he said, "Frozen"...all the songs from Frozen, but mostly "Let It Go"
Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder?
Happier or sadder?
I think I'm happier. I feel so different, it's hard to say. I'm definitely happier.
Thinner or fatter?
Thinner or fatter?
Fatter....I went from being in amazing shape, to carrying a baby, now here I am 3 months postpartum...it ain't pretty.
Richer or poorer?
Financially- so so much poorer...but happier, remember? :)
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Not worrying so much.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Cruising the internet. It's an addiction
How did you spend Christmas?
In Key Largo with my family and in-laws. 80 degree weather was glorious.
Did you fall in love in 2014?
Yes! I feel in love with Ryan Lanman and I also fell in love with a new home (after a rocky start)
Who were your best friends?
Adam, Allison, Brooke, Lauren and Kim/Kate/Diedra @ work
What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?
I tried to be a sounding board and support for my closest friends, we certainly went through some shit this year (pardon my French)...I hope they would agree
What were your favorite TV programs?
My mother in law got me into Dancing with the Stars and I really enjoyed it, Parenthood, Walking Dead, Downton Abby, any and all award shows
What was the best book you read in 2014?
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown seriously changed my life. It's amazing.
What did you want and get?
A new house (are you seeing a trend here?)
What did you want but did NOT get?
The new bamboo floors installed by New Year's
What were your favorite films this year?
Interstellar and Fault in our Stars
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I spent Memorial Day weekend (my birthday) in Saugatuck, MI...I turned 32.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I didn't have to battle postpartum anxiety after having Ryan...I do not do the newborn weeks well.
What kept you sane?
Family, my mother and mother-in-law saved my life.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Kate Middleton - she's so classy and fun to watch
What political issue stirred you the most?
The shooting of Mike Brown in Ferguson, MO...and the ensuing discussions that followed. The actions of pope Francis, he really excites me.
Who do you miss?
Easy. Kate Bliss. She is such a wonderful friend and confidant. I miss her presence in the office every day.
Who are the best new persons you met this year?
I can't really think of anyone new that I met in 2014, but my new neighbors are shaping up to be cool people. Maybe when it's above 0 degrees I can get to know them better.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.
That sometimes life throws you curve balls, sometimes it doesn't go as planned and doesn't look shiny and perfect from the outside. But, that doesn't mean that it isn't wonderful, magical, and absolute gift...you just have to have the right perspective.
Quote that sums up your year:
