Year in Review

My wish for 2011 was: to complain less, love life, and remain content when things do not go my way.

In January:
I was working on getting things settled for the brand new kittens. Congresswoman Gifford was shot in Arizona and was in critical condition. I became an aunt!

In February:
Egypt was protesting Mubarak and trying to gain freedom. Rick made me watch old James Bond movies and told me about his childhood memories relating to them.

In March:
A Tsunami in Japan destroyed lives and cities. I began working on an ambitious 3rd wedding anniversary gift for Rick - a day calendar for his desk I made myself.

In April:
I gave him his gift which he loves (it goes from April 19th 2011 to April 19th 2012 because that's our wedding anniversary). The royal wedding occurred in London.

In May:
I raised the most money for my job's Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. Osama bin Laden was killed by American soldiers in Pakistan.

In June:
I finished a master's level Gerontology course and realized that I do really think I'd like working with the elderly. I got hit on by a 90 year old man at a local nursing home when I visited for grad school. I got an iPhone! I reconciled with my father.

In July:
I wrote a letter to the editor about the awesome work Turning Point does helping victims/survivors of domestic violence and it was published. There was a mass shooting in Norway of dozens of youth on a summer camp island.

In August:
Hurricane Irene reared her ugly head. The women in the eating disorder support group I lead brought me a beautiful sunflower, a beautiful card they'd signed, and other little gifts that had meaning to show their appreciation for me. I spoke at the Voice of School Health conference, presenting the topic of eating disorders to a bunch of nurses.

In September:
I chose my graduate research topic: Bullying and Eating Disorders in Women. It was the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I began my first MSW field placement at Turning Point.

In October:
Steve Jobs passed away. I turned 27. It snowed before Halloween! 10 inches!

In November:
Penn State sex scandals went public. I got excited for the holidays and family gatherings.

In December:
The world lost a great man when my best friend's father passed away, leaving a hole in many lives, including mine. I worked furiously to finish up my grad school semester and reached the halfway point of my 60 credit Masters degree. The cats celebrated one year with us and made it feel like 10.


What I've gained in 2011: another year of love with Rick, a niece!, another year of grad school education, another year of wisdom, a work-in-progress-but-nevertheless-better relationship with my father

What I've lost: a father figure with the passing of Mr. Liberman, another year of wishing for a child

What I've learned: that one life can touch hundreds of others in ways that do not become truly clear until the hundreds congregate in one place at one time, that time passes more quickly the older one gets - even at only 27

My best adventure: every-day work life at Turning Point!, my trip to Michigan to visit with Alicia and thus, my roadtrip with my mom and Grammy

My proudest moment: through VERY difficult courses, bogged down time, excessive work, and running around like a chicken with its head cut off, maintaining my straight A streak in graduate school!

My wish for next year: to work hard, keep positive, and spread joy and hope

Peace out, 2011! Welcome, 2012! :)