2012- That's a Wrap

As I am writing this, it is New Years Eve and sorting through all of the blog posts, Twitter updates, and Facebook statuses all reminiscing over 2012.

Some people seem to have happy memories of the past 12 months (or at least make their internet face make you believe this) while others appear to be happy 2012 is over and a new year is starting. Everyone is recapping everything (myself included - check out my book and music recaps), while also frantically trying to get their plans done at the last minute so they can celebrate. 

Oh America, we do love to procrastinate on these things, don't we? 

I will probably be spending the night with a friend watching movies, playing games, and watching the ball drop while eating unhealthy food.

A few days ago, while I was going through my own reflections on 2012, I wasn't sure what to think. At first I had all of the negative emotions I'm noticing a lot of people my age have about the new year. Feeling as though I'm in the same place as I was 12 months ago. Not going anywhere. Not getting any of my goals for the year completed.

Then as I thought about it... 2012 wasn't terrible after all.

• I was able to see three of my close friends get married, one of these weddings included a road trip with two of my good friends and catching up along the way. 
• My roommate moved out suddenly, but after the great roommate search of 2012 and several changes of plans later, I'm living on my own (with Bandit) in a small apartment that I love and suits me much better than my other one did.
• I made a few new friends in February, some of which have become my best dog sitters.
• I got an iPad - which is my new brain.
• My inner-geek was on cloud nine most of the year. Hunger Games, discovering Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, How I Met Your Mother, and Vampire Diaries, Les Miserables, The Hobbit, Lizzie Bennett Diaries, etc. Now if only something new would happen with Harry Potter...
• Seeing Les Miserables on stage for the first time.
• After being in Cape for a few years, for my fifth summer here I was able to fulfill my dream of taking the youth up to Chicago on a trip to see my hometown. It was amazing.
• Going to Joplin, MO for the second time to help kids at Camp Noah.
• Winning NaNoWriMo for the 5th time, even though it was the worst novel I've ever written. However, it did lead me to having some wonderful ideas for my books that might just save them.
• Participating in Video Every Day August (VEDA).
• Began to volunteer at Prodigy Leadership Academy twice a week- and love it.
• My childhood dog, Josie, died. Then at Thanksgiving we welcomed my parents new puppy, Indy, to the family. (Much to Bandit's dismay... he gets annoyed by the new addition I think.)
• Being involved with every show by River City Players whether it was on stage, doing lights & sound, or simply helping seat and greet. With each show we almost become a little family. We fight, bicker, get on each others nerves, etc. Yet, through it all we work together, laugh and cry together, and make something beautiful (hopefully) in the end.
• Finally getting off of my rear and putting my goals into action by flying to New York City over Memorial Day and seeing my first live Broadway show, Newsies. 

Sometimes, I feel like I get so caught up in the everyday mundane part of life, and then think that is all there is. I find the times I'm sad, angry, lonely, depressed, that I ignore those moments which I loved. 

2012 had a lot of ups and downs, just like any other year. I made mistakes, got angry at people, was lonely, got depressed, and had frustrating days. But I'm glad that now when I look back I can see it was not so bad after all, in spite of all of those other things.

So here's to you 2012. We survived another apocalypse (thanks by the way, Doctor!), and another year. 

Tune in tomorrow for my thoughts on 2013.