Tuesday, January 15, 2013

2012 Letter

2012 was a good year. I haven’t had any big major changes in my life in a while, but some of the people around me have. I’m still with the same company, living in the same place, and driving the same car. So, my life has been pretty stable.

As you know, I have a goal to take one major trip each year. This year, I visited Poland, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic. I also did a half day in Slovakia. It was a great trip, but it went by way too fast! In Poland, I was able to go to Auschwitz and see the Black Madonna. I stayed in Warsaw and Krakow. In Austria, I was in Budapest. My favorite spot was the Vajdahunyad Castle. It is so magical! It has four parts: a Romanesque Chapel, Gothic Gate, Renaissance castle and Baroque palace. The grounds were amazing. And the surroundings were kind of misty. In Austria, I went to Vienna. They have some impressive castles and architecture. In the Czech Republic, I went to Prague and Cesky Krumlov. I really liked the small-town of the latter. I also really enjoyed Bratislava in Slovakia. Small-town feel with some great historical points.

I also traveled to Long Beach for my job. That was great because I got to so see some colleagues who I have grown quite found of over the years.

I am still working for the Port of Seattle. October 1, 2012, marked my 16th anniversary (included my temp time). I am grateful to have a job. The first 16 years went by so fast. I assume the next 16 will go by just as quickly. Time is moving!

Church is going well. I just released the first issue of our twelfth year. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. It continues to be something I enjoy. I know I was called to write, and my skills as an editor are improving. I am also an usher still. I have come a long way from my “mean usher” days. God has been good to me. God has surrounded me with wonderful people. I am truly blessed in this area. God has sent me a lot of love, and I am thankful for it. I am very excited about the anthology that is almost done.

My hair is coming along. January 8 marked three years of locking.

I have no idea of what 2013 will bring, but I am excited!

I hope you had a great Christmas, and I wish you a Happy New Year!



Questions from Yam’s Blog: Year Five

What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before?
I went whale watching and on a horse and buggy ride, and they were both awesome!

Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
My goals for 2012 were: Travel, publish an anthology for my church, and make what I eat count.
I did travel. The anthology is a little behind schedule. I just gave the final edits to the designer! I have been eating a lot better. I do need to watch my end of the day snacking though.
For 2013? Travel (smile).

Did anyone close to you give birth?
I type no with trembling fingers.

Did anyone close to you die?
No, which was a break from 2011.

What countries did you visit?
I went to Poland, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic. I spent half a day in Slovakia.

What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
I would like to have more of a dating life. I think I have a good life, and it would be nice to have someone to share it with.

What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory?
My trip days are always such a huge part of my memory in any given year. Travel is inspiring and changing. The U.S. election was also a big night, with mixed reactions.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I’ve had a goal to increase my “I don’t have a job” emergency fund. I’ve made some serious inroads. Also, the almost complete anthology is huge for me.

What was your biggest failure?
That’s an interesting question. One thing I have been working on is not letting anything destroy my internal peace. Despite any chaos and drama, I need to remain centered. I’ve made inroads, but I still find myself being taken in by dumb stuff. Need to keep working on it.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing major. I did catch the flu around Christmas. My health tends to be good.

What was the best thing you bought?
My plane ticket!

Whose behavior merited celebration?
I noticed that a lot of people are trying to accomplish their dreams. I am very proud of those people.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
This is an interesting question. I find it depressing when people just don’t tell the truth. Like, if you tell me you love me, then love me.

Where did most of your money go?
I splurge on travel. Technically, most of my money went on my mortgage.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Travel plans and plots on future travel plans. I was also excited to cross a few things off my bucket list like whale watching and riding in a horse and buggy.

What song/album will always remind you of 2012?
Nothing comes to mind.

Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? Happier
thinner or fatter? Fatter
richer or poorer? Richer

What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I could afford to do more travel.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
I need to build up the relationships that matter.

How will you be spending New Year's?
New Year’s Eve dinner at church then home.

Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Probably my friend Sophia who lives in Florida.

Did you fall in love in 2012?
No! But there is someone who interests me.
How many one night stands in this last year?
Do people do that? I don’t.

What was your favorite TV program?
I love Downton Abbey. I like watching syndicated programs of Seinfeld, The Office, 30 Rock, and I have discovered the Big Bang Theory is hilarious. I also like Game of Thrones, which I normally see at the end since I don’t have HBO.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don’t really hate anyone, but there are people who are not healthy to be around.

What was the best book(s) you read?
The 50 Shades of Grey series. Ha-ha.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
I love “Song of the Lonely Mountain” and “Misty Mountain” from the Hobbit.

What did you want and get?
I wanted to travel, and I was able to save enough money to do so.

What did you want and not get?
Last year this time, I was hoping for Mr. Right to come along. This is kind of a dilemma for me. I am comfortable and happy in my current state. I don’t want someone to come a long just for the sake of having someone. He was to be the right someone.

What were your favorite films of this year?
The Hobbit!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 38, and I had a small get together at a friends’ house. I also went to other lunches and dinners.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
As I get older, I realize that nothing external can make me satisfied. That has to come from inside. So, I will say appreciate for the blessings in my life.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?
Casual but cute.

What kept you sane?
Writing and my awesome community.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
The old favorites are still in play. I am hoping Alexander Skarsgard gets to play Christian Grey *_*.

What political issue stirred you the most?
I wouldn’t say stirred, but the issue of gun control is going to be interesting to watch unfold.

Who did you miss?
I miss my friends who live far away like Yamini, Mary, Sophia, and Molly.

Who was the best new person you met?
Do I even meet new people?

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
Actions do speak louder than words, as do non-action.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas' kiss
But You love me anyway