(Zoo, Ice Skating, Fireworks, Whaling Museum, Peach Picking, Strawberry Picking, Apple Picking, Pumpkin Picking, Haunted House, Nature Hike, Picnic, Crabbing, Clamming, Dinosaur Museum, Museum of Natural History, Cupcake Shoppe, Go to the Movies, Go out to Dinner, Make Dinner Together, Beach, Lighthouse, Build a Snowman, Garden, NYC Christmas Tree, Aquarium, Concert, Yankee Game, Black Friday Shopping, Mini-Golf, See a Play, Go to the city, Red Mango, Make Pillows, Watch Movies, Dancing, Sleepover, BBQ, Belmont Lake, Prepare for 2012.)
William and I have been making to do lists for ourselves since last year. Much of our 2010 list was accomplished, but unfortunately, some things were a little too out of reach for us. This year, we compiled a new list, of what I feel are more attainable goals. Much of the list are for future dates, but some have become traditions for us. It felt good to create a new list and start anew, all while waiting for the seasons to change to get other tasks done.
Saying goodbye to 2010 was an anticipation for me. To say the least, it just wasn't a very good year. I try to always be an optimist, and I definitely did achieve a lot last year, but overall, it was a tough period to get through.
I just couldn't wait to say goodbye to the bad times. Like dropping my keys (house and car key included) down the sewer, endless car repairs, transmission failure, issues at work, and just my all around bad luck/clumsiness.
I couldn't wait to turn my back on bad memories, either. Like my brother moving out and disowning my family, the pain and bitter feelings that he caused not just myself, but the entire family, my grandfather's cancer scare over the summer, my mom's bad experience with several jobs throughout the year and ultimately being unemployed for the majority of the year, my grandmother and mother crying over my brother's absence from family events/holidays, and trying to plan my parents' 50th birthday party alone, without my sibling.
Sure, 2010 had its good times. Despite the rocky start to the year, I managed to keep all my grades up, finishing my spring semester with a 4.0. My fall semester I finished with a 3.88. I felt more comfortable and ready in the classroom, while given the opportunity to observe high school English classes. This last semester I had amazing professors who taught me so much about the education world and the English world.
My parents, friends, family and boyfriend were always there when I needed to confide in them. Each time my car gave me trouble, William made me laugh. Both my grandparents and mom and dad insisted on footing the bill each time that silly car needed work done. My friends were always there when I just didn't to talk about what I was dealing with.
It may seem trivial and even cliche, but there's something about beginning a new year that makes me feel like I've truly been given a fresh start. I'm more optimistic about 2011. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I can't help but feel like this year will be more promising.
I know this is a little late, but Happy New Year.
