2010.

in 2010....

i learned more about myself.

tried to focus on the present. if you are not happy with something, do what you can to fix it. don't focus on the past, it's the past and no changing it. what you can do is make the most of the present. and open your heart to other things.

tried to let go of any bitterness i have toward things in the past. and to reserve judgement...espcially if you don't know the whole story to a situation. all it causes is wrinkles and crankiness. and drives others away. and some gray hair may pop up faster too. i recognize this trait in many people, and it really bothers me. i hope they can achieve this goal too.

i learned you need to let others in, allow them to be there for you.

i found a new love for roasted brussel sprouts and broccoli. the crispier the better!

i learned that i really enjoy my friends, small as that circle is...... i rediscovered my love and appreciation for them and i treasure our times together, limited as it may be. and i learned to relish in our times together. friendship is something different. family is family and a wonderful thing, but friends are a saving grace more than you know. and sometimes the breath of fresh air you need. at least for me.

i learned that i want to live somewhere else. that somewhere else is someplace south. 3 states in mind. and the thought of doing it alone does not intimidate me the way it used to.

i became more independent, even if just a smidgen.

i started a love affair with almond butter and peach jam on toast. if i can make the jars last a week, i am doing good.

i learned that taking care of children, no matter the age, never gets easier.

i gained another angel this year. and know of so many others who have gained an angel this year too.

for the first time, i did some things that intimidated me. i vacationed alone for 3 days in disney. at the time, the thought scared me, and i decided to challenge myself and try it....and i was worried. but in the end, i really enjoyed it. i would do it again tomorrow if i could.

for the first time, i went to a movie by myself. this always freaked me out to go do this on my own. i know lots of people who have done this, but to me, it always was intimidating to do alone. i would do it again in a heartbeat.

for the first time, i really got more into cooking. and look forward to more. simple as it may be.

for the first time i ran 13.1 miles. and did it again months later. 3 times this year, ( 2 times in a race and once on a training run)....and it makes me proud to know i can do it, especially when it hurt (literally) me to run one block just 3 years ago.

for the first time, i also ran 14.5 miles. it makes me realize that maybe you can do anything you put your mind to.

i realized that if you tell me i can't do something, it pushes me to do it more. and to accomplish it.

this year has been a rather stressful year. both personally and professionally.

one of my proudest moments in 2010 was crossing the finish line of not 1, but 2 half marathons. i did it ALL by myself. both the training and the race. my other proud moment was that i stuck to it and did not give up. often times i wanted to. there were tears. and a tantrum or 2.

i realized my biggest enemy is myself.

i discovered a new favorite breakfast of vanilla yogurt, strawberries, grapes and peanut butter puffins (or multigrain cheerios). i had this 99% of the time this summer for breakfast. or lunch. or both.

2010 was full of many ups and downs. and these were just some of the standouts.

here is to 2011, and hopefully a more peaceful year. for one and all.

happy new year!