2011. Whoa.

January 1, 2012

‎”…Before we pop the champagne and celebrate the New Year, stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To remember both our triumphs and our missteps – our promises made, and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures – or closed ourselves down, for fear of getting hurt. Because that’s what New Year’s is all about: getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about ‘what if’ and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight – and it will drop – let’s remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long.”

^I stole that straight from someone’s Facebook status. It fits for what I think is much of the intent of this blog… although I almost always just start typing, and next thing you know, word vomit.

It’s New Years Eve. The end of 2011. Nearly a new year. 2012 is going to be epic. It HAS to be. (This is what I tell myself because you should start each year with hope.)

This was a big year, which is starting to become a recurring theme in my life, and I like it. In addition to the 60,000+ miles flown this year, and time on continents, there was a six month fundraiser and a move across the country. I kept in touch with some of my closest friends, made a few new friends who I don’t know how I’ve lived without before now, and lost a few throughout the year. I guess that’s to be expected, though, when you move across the country. There have been SO many new experiences, and I can confidently say that I have done a LOT of growing this year. I guess you kind of have to when you’re largely “on your own”.

Nearly four months (I can’t believe it!) into my move, I’m about to return to San Diego after two weeks spent in Clarion and Pittsburgh. While I’m ready to be back (to get back to Pilates, have my own car, sleep in my own bed, work on this whole “living in San Diego thing), who would have thought that two weeks spent here would fly SO quickly?!!! Time spent in Clarion definitely took away from time I could see people in Pittsburgh, yet NONE of my time in Pittsburgh was wasted. The only night I didn’t do something was one evening where I surprisingly had no one that I had to hang out with (I had plans but bumped them to the following day).

There are definitely people that I didn’t get to see at all that I wish I had…

There are definitely SEVERAL people who I am thrilled that I got to see, but wish I had seen them more than what I did…

…and there are a couple people that I’m surprised that I saw, or saw as much as I did.

It’s really good to have such amazing friends. I seriously love each and every single person to death, both near and far. I’m one of those rare people who doesn’t believe that the closest friends spend a ton of time together face-to-face. Of course it’s preferable, but I know plenty of people who hold very special places in my heart that I haven’t seen in ages, or certainly don’t get to see on a regular basis.

So, in closing, so that I can focus on this movie, drink more wine, and not bore you to death– this has been one hell of a year. I have some big plans for 2012, and I hope that I can pull them ALL off. I really really do! I spent a lot of time coming home over the past four months, and really do plan to spend more time in San Diego… but even if I didn’t get to see many of my closest friends while home, THE INVITE IS ALWAYS OUT THERE FOR YOU TO COME VISIT ME, and I love you very very much whether you do or don’t, no matter how often I see/hear from people.

Nothing but love for you!

XOXO AP