Reflect: 2012

This year was not an easy one. The year began with a sudden onset of pain and fatigue, to discover several months later that rheumatoid arthritis had taken up residence in my body and that it was a permanent companion. I was not able to finish the final semester of my dance degree due to financial constraints. I spent many months unemployed, adding to the squeeze. I uprooted and moved far away from my family, friends and home. I'm still nursing a homesick heart.

But despite the rough road that 2012 has been, the blessings and gifts helped me deal with the trials.

I got certified to teach the first year syllabus in the Vaganova (Russian) ballet technique. I got engaged. I got married. I moved across the country with a partner in crime. I'm getting reacquainted with West African dance in my new city. To name a few.

And the people! Oh the people in my life... I've never been without good supportive people, but this year I feel like I paid closer attention. My life would be a hot mess without my peeps.

I'm terrible, absolutely terrible, about writing thank you notes. I wish I weren't. I have no idea why, but sitting down to write out few thank-you notes just overwhelms me. It feels like such a chore. Lamesauce, I know. I'm working on it. Baby steps, folks. For the record: I have finally started my wedding thank-you's... hella late, yes, but as my blog indicates, this is how I roll...

Bronco girl in Steeler country. The Broncos are in the playoffs, I might add. Holla!

So for everyone who supported, friended, helped, guided, listened, liked and loved me this last year, near and far, old friends and new, THANK YOU. The lack of a thank you note in your mailbox is not the reflection of what I feel in my heart. Genuine, full, raw GRATITUDE. I'm one lucky lady.

First dance performance in the 'Burgh. Sorry for the blur. African dance moves too fast for my Crackberry.

Looking back on your 2012, how do you feel about it? Maybe you feel grateful, content, inspired, but maybe not. It's okay. This is real life and life is stupid sometimes. Please share, I'd love to hear about it!

xoxo

J

On the tail end of moving and a big THANK YOU!

Hey all... After a tiring weekend of packing and moving, I'm almost there! I'm leaving work early (here in a few minutes) to go clean the old digs and turn in my keys. Kinda sad, but my new digs are sweet!! Things are a mess and there are boxes everywhere... this morning I couldn't find my shoes and had to search for my undies, but don't worry, I found them, so no commando today, lol!... but it will get organized sooner or later. Hopefully sooner, because I can't do an underwear hunt every morning, ha!


I'm excited to organize my bedroom furniture and decorate it all snazzy. I also get a bathroom to play with. I never really got around to that in my old digs, but I definitely want my rooms to reflect me and my personality. I'm all over the 'net looking for inspiriting photos... that'll be another post in the next day or so.

And THANK YOU for all your suggestions on a new Better Late Than Never feature! I love all your suggestions! I might do as Kristin suggested and do more than one! I'll be doing something thinking and mental organizing this week, and get back to you with what I decide. And I'm still open to suggestion, so check out this post to leave more comments.

Ooo-wee... a new place to live, new stuff on the blog... exciting, fun stuff up in this joint!

xoxo J