I woke up bright & early this morning thanks to an 8am wake up call from the parking lot snow plow driver. I trudged through the snow (maybe 6-8") to The Grey Lady and brushed her off. After accidentally bringing quite a bit of snow into the car with me, I drove to fill up the gas tank and ventured on to Target for my annual late-December purchase.
That's right folks, the 2013 weekly planner and hanging calendar have been purchased...and you know what that means...a look back at 2012!
I've witnessed seven beautiful and intelligent young ladies change their last names while wearing a white dress. I've said farewell to friends who have changed their job titles and, as a result, some have also changed their mailing addresses. I've nursed bruises, pulled muscles and sore feet from dancing...like no one was watching, of course.
My little red suitcase has rolled through Providence, Tampa, Phoenix, San Diego, Hartford, Baltimore, St. Louis and Chicago airports; Providence, Philadelphia, South Norwalk and New York train stations; aboard a ferry to and from Nantucket; and through too many city streets and driveways to mention.
I've indulged in pizza with Tristen; guacamole with Jess and Tara; tea sandwiches and wedding cupcakes with the "Lovely Ladies"; pudding shots with the pub crawlers; Fenway fare with Dad, Tommy & the girls; life-changing reubens with Kate; San Diego fish tacos with Jeff, Lisa & Kate; and plates upon plates of chocolatey goodness in celebration of Denise.
I've toasted to good food, good friends and good news. I've walked the cliffs in Newport, climbed through a metal sculpture playground in St. Louis, gone completely overboard in wedding photo booths; and, even, hit a stranger in the face with a bouquet of flowers. I've broken up with my expensive trainer and started a strong relationship with my amazing boyfriend.
I've screamed for encores from Dave Matthews Band, Bob's Day Off and King Friday. I've met some great new family-to-be and friends; and have strengthened relationships that I've had for years. I used my very own RIPTA bus pass and was involved in my very first (and hopefully my last) hit-and-run.
I've been atop the St. Louis Arch, splashed in the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans and stood in LOVE park with the man I love. I've achieved my goals in the office and have taken on additional responsibility, looking for advancement within the company.
All in all, it's been a great year. No doubt, 2013 will be even better.
To everyone who has made me laugh so hard I have cried, thank you. To everyone who has dealt with me and my antics, thank you. To everyone who has made my day just a little bit better, thank you. To everyone who has helped me through a tough stretch, thank you. I truly appreciate it and I hope to return the favor one day!
Happy New Year!
