2014 In Review

I have always liked these lists/questions, and 2014 was a year of transition. Let’s do this!

  1. What did you do this year that you have never done before? Became a parent! It’s only been 1 month, today, and it’s been a real roller coaster ride. Ozzie’s birth was a traumatic experience, and I am so grateful that she is safely here, healthy as can be (albeit a bit petite!). I also learned just how much the changes in hormones during the postpartum period can impact perspective. Thank God it was only for a short period – I felt so incredibly unlike myself. My little girl is the sweetest, darlingest, charmingest munchkin I could have ever hoped for. I can’t wait to watch her personality grow over the coming years. It’s also amazing to watch Walter’s journey into fatherhood – he’s simply a fantastic father!
  2. What one word best sums up and describes your experience last year? Change. Walt finished grad school. We had a child. I started a new job with a sister company, and entirely new peers. We moved to Dallas, away from our family and friends. It’s truly been a transitional year… one that has been rewarding but difficult. It will be interesting to see if we stay in Dallas long-term.
  3. What are you most happy about completing? My pregnancy. Toward the end, I was seeing a level 2 sonologist twice a week, as well as my OB once a week. It was a stressful time, and I am quite happy it’s over. Not to mention that I can wear my pre-pregnancy wardrobe again!
  4. What are you most grateful for this past year? The fact that Ozzie was safely delivered via c-section – our little Thanksgiving miracle!
  5. What was your biggest achievement of the year? In 2014, I started 2 different new jobs, at various times during the year. As I transitioned into both roles, I was challenged to learn the new role and build my network even more. There were times in both roles that I questioned why I left my previous role(s), where I was very comfortable and felt competent. As I’ve gotten further into both jobs, I’ve been really grateful for the opportunities, and proud of the work I have done.
  6. What were your favorite TV programs? Doctor Who, with the latest regeneration. House of Cards. We recently watched all 7 seasons of Sons of Anarchy. I loved the first 4 seasons… seasons 5-7 were incredibly depressing and sad. After moving to Texas, we started watching Friday Night Lights – it was a nice change, from SoA to this feel-good, family show about High School Football in Texas. As an aside, our town just won the TX State Championship for HS Football. This is a big deal, apparently…
  7. What were your favorite books? This year, I read approximately 25 books – everything from YA fiction to UnBroken to Recipe Books. I finished what is published of GRRM’s Fire & Ice series in January, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, I think the best series I read was Patrick Rothfuss’ The KingKiller Chronicle. I am excited for the publication of the final book in the series! I also read GoldFinch. I adored the first 2/3s of the book, but the conclusion left me quite disappointed. The Russian character, Boris, was one of my favorite parts of the book, particularly when he is younger. I find Russians completely fascinating, and have ever since I started reading Russian literature.
  8. What song will always remind you of this year? As usual, not just one. Sam Smith’s Stay with Me, Lana del Ray’s West Coast, Coldplay’s Magic, and Iggy Azalea’s Fancy.
  9. What did you wear often in your closet? Maxi Skirts, particularly as my pregnancy moved through the summer months.
  10. Describe your style of this past year in one word? Maternity Wear. Ugh.
  11. What events or memories from 2014 will stay with you forever?
    • Winter
      • NYE Party at Harding Manor
      • Tiffany & Riley’s wedding
    •  Spring
      • Puerto Rico Anniversary Trip
      • Got pregnant!
      • Pig Wizard Trivia
      • Walter Graduates
    • Summer
      • Flatmates with Aaron C Thomas (amongst being a fantastic bartender, he also made me a MEAN chocolate cake! Although food is not his only forte, it’s one of his best…)
      • Rhode Island/Mass Trip with Connie Cannon
      • Sapphie’s visit to VA
      • We’re having a girl!
    • Fall
      • Our fantastic baby shower in Orlando
      • Our new state, city, and house
      • Ozzie-Bear arrives!
      • Total lack of adequate sleep…

Here’s looking forward to 2015. God bless us, everyone!

I am a fangirl.

I once went on a rampage about the sadness of the Hunger Games series. I was depressed for several days.

I recently finished Allegiant – the 3rd book in the Divergent series – and stubbornly refused to buy in to the ending (while simultaneously experiencing appreciation for the non-Hollywood ending).

But my friends – NOTHING can compare to Doctor Who 7.5. 

 

Image

This is amazing.

This is amazing.

The Voyager has been in space longer than I have been born. It just left our solar system, and is headed into ‘interstellar space’.  What amazes me is how close it looks to the Oort Cloud on this graphic, and yet it will take the Voyager 300 years to reach it. That’s roughly 270 years or so until it does. 

I love space.