So Long, 2012

I don't know about the rest of you, but 2012 was a hard year.

That doesn't mean it wasn't a good one; there were just a lot of challenges and new, not-always-pleasant situations. Between reverse culture-shock, the loss of a dearly beloved, the additional loss of a dear old friend, college graduation, a new job, budgeting woes, a nearly-broken nose, mysterious bug bites, audition ups and downs, some nasty colds (the most recent of which I feared would ruin my sense of taste forever), and the constant concern that any choice I made could ruin, perhaps forever, any chance at greatness, there was plenty of stress I'd rather not remember, but also plenty that I've learned from. I owe a lot of these lessons learned to my other half -- he's been the best at reminding me when I need to stand on my own two feet, and when it's okay to cry on someone else's shoulder.

On the other hand, this year also brought my first apartment, my first musical solo, the discovery of Downton Abbey, a short story I could finally take pride in, a journey to new heights, the christening of my beloved Carson, the recognition of an ongoing undergraduate support group, my first time on film, my first professional acting role, my first successful work-out endeavor, a dream trip to NYC, a friend married, a friend engaged, many fabulous plays, many dinners with friends, never-too-many kids birthday parties, a raise, a two-year anniversary necklace, and, at long last, reconnection with my oldest friends and dearest family. All that sure takes the sting off the tough stuff!

Christmas back home was spectacular. I'm sorry to say I made no progress whatsoever on my running project. December is just a nasty month to run in! That's probably an excuse, but it might also be a sign that it's time to get real with myself and admit I'm not a runner. J took me to a bouldering gym yesterday, though, and I think I may have found an upper-body workout (or, as J insists, a sport) that's actually fun. I'm also hoping to find some open dance classes, now that I have some evenings free.

My knitting projects turned out to great success, at least as far as I'm concerned. I wish I had a better photo of the fingerless gloves to show you -- Mom kept both of the pairs I made! But I can show you the hat:

 

Excuse the selfie.

In other December news, the end of the world came and went. 

Mine looked like this:

Mostly I was grateful that by dying another day meant I still got to see this:

And this....

And this! I was quite impressed with my little town's favorite bakery -- their windows possessed all the drool-worthy appeal of a French patisserie!

I didn't watch half as many Christmas movies as I usually do. Mostly I was absorbed with knitting that hat and being a total HIMYM couch potato (or Netflix...eggplant...?) I also went to the mall way more times than I care to admit. I did manage to do a bit of baking, though. The recipe for this oven pancake is coming soon to Chic Galleria:

Earlier than I would've liked, I was back in Seatown. But its panorama wasn't too shabby either...

Much love and more to come,
LGPQ