Ponderings & Pensées: 2012: My Year in Review

Whew! We survived the Mayan Apocalypse... that was a close one! It's a good thing the weathermen are always wrong...

2012 was full of its ups and downs, but I am happy to report that there were far more ups, and with 5 days left in the year, I've been reflecting on all that has gone down. Here is a summary of the highlights:

1: It was my first full year back in New Orleans.

I took this photo myself, yes I did.

After six productive, good years in Memphis, in the middle of 2011 I returned to the motherland. 2012 was the year I became reacquainted with my city in a new way and once again settled into life in and around the Big Easy. I can't say it wasn't without its hiccups, but getting back to life in the place I'm meant to be is unbelievably fulfilling, and I'm proud to once again call it home.

2: I hit Dirty 30.

As it turns out, 30 is a lot like 29 - so much so, in fact, that it didn't really freak me out as much as everyone said it should. 30, for me, has been a year of self-discovery and has helped me realize just how much potential I have. That can't be a bad thing. ;)

3: I went hiking at Clark Creek.

My girls and I had a fun little adventure hiking this pristine and wildly beautiful place. Being in nature like that is a truly spiritual experience for me, and even though it can be physically challenging, hiking has been one of my favorite things since my very first hike in the mountains of France (near Pic St-Loup) in 2003. While I lived in Memphis, though, I didn't go hiking in the states one time. I'm sure there must have been a great place or two to hike within a two-hour drive in any direction, but for some reason, I just never made time to find out. The discovery of a place like Clark Creek was like water for my thirsty soul, and I can't wait to go back again when it warms up a bit.

Clark Creek Natural Area - Woodville, MS

4: I lost about 20 pounds.

In February, I made a decision. I started working out regularly and watching what I ate, and I persevered and accomplished what I had wanted to for a very long time. I got healthier and more fit, and not only was it one of the major highlights of my year, it's one of the accomplishments I'm most proud of in my life. :)

5. I got a beautiful new tattoo covering my back.

And 4.5 hours of pain later, I absolutely love it. :)

6. I did the Warrior Dash.

Doin' it to it ~ raawwr

It wasn't long after I started going to the gym I affectionately call "Average Joe's," that the manager there told me about this 5K he was participating in known as the Warrior Dash. After looking into it, I realized that an extreme 5K was exactly what I needed to work toward. Nevermind that I'd never completed a standard 5K. I was going to do Warrior Dash and convince anyone I could to do it with me. And WE. DID. IT. I can't even describe in words how much fun it was other than to say I will do it again.

7. I bought a house.

This adorable lil gem is mine all mine. She's little, she's cute, and she's perfect. We should name her Stacie.

Kidding!

But seriously, we should. :P

8. I travelled to Canada for the first time.

Having sweet friends all over the world is something that makes my life particularly rich. I ain't got money, honey, but I have peeps from one end of the planet to the other. You can take that note to the bank. ;)

This year I was fortunate enough to be able to go to Toronto and Montréal and spend some time with some very dear friends, and I learned that I love Canada. The people, the food, the culture... from the moment we arrived until the parting "adieu," I was swept away with laughter, fun, and friends in a country to which I shall surely return.