Best of 2012

It's a new year, and I'm looking forward to whatever's ahead. Except for trips to Walmart. I know I'll be doing them, and I never look forward to trips to Walmart. But now for a quick look at the past year. Here are some highlights:

1. A yellow Miata. I had actually begun to think I'd never ever learn how to drive stick, because really, how many minivans come with a stick shift. It came at a great time, when I was starting to feel like I'd never leave the house without 3 kids in tow ever again. There's no back seat in that car, and it's a great date car, or a zooming around with the passenger seat and tiny trunk full of shopping bags car. Plus, at 35 years old, I learned how to drive stick.

2. Performing on my flute with my sister and parents. That was a wonderful opportunity for me to reacquaint myself with my old, disciplined, musician self. I worked hard, I prepared well, and I had a great time. And my kids thought it was really cool. It helped me remember that I can still play the flute with my kids hanging around the house.

3. Netflix is finally streaming some darn good stuff. Tim and I are addicted to Psych. I've watched all 5 seasons of Alias this year. Revenge is now on Netflix. The first season of Downton Abbey is there (um, waiting for season 2. Come on, people!). (There are also an endless number of Power Rangers series on there, but we're being positive right now.) I have discovered shows like Roswell and Burn Notice that I just kind of skipped over when they were new on TV. This may seem like a lot of TV. It is. But think about why I've been in front of the TV so much...

4. My sweet sweet little Joshua. He was born in 2011, but the majority of his life up until now has been in 2012. I spent the first 8 months of 2012 feeding him on the couch in front of my beloved Netflix. It's a good reason to watch TV. He is such a sweet baby, and I have enjoyed countless snuggles with him, day and night. He's a toddler now, really, so I'm celebrating his babyhood by remembering all those sweet times we had together.

5. Entertaining books. There are always great books to be had. I read some fun, if not super deep, books this year. You've already heard about "The Passage." And I thoroughly enjoyed a book called "What Alice Forgot." It was interesting and thought-provoking. And had some humor, too, which I deeply appreciate. I just finished "The Night Circus," which I also enjoyed. I read "Divergent" and "Insurgent" this year, too, and they were both a fun and interesting read. (Nothing too deep here, but please remember, I was enjoying snuggles with Joshua at 4am regularly. Not really in the mindset this year for deep thinking.) I love a good book. I can't wait to read more this year.

6. Reaching a goal. I lost some weight. It made me happy. 'Nuf said.

So, here comes 2013. I hope I can find more good books to read, enjoy spending time with my boys, discover more great TV, play my flute and enjoy it, and drive that Miata to all my favorite stores. I would also be glad not to gain all that weight back. (Evil evil M&Ms, teasing me from the pantry...)

Happy new year!