Step 1:
Look back at 2014. Note all of the things you have accomplished both professionally and personally.
Luckily, I kept a "Good Things" jar this year. Here's what I found through reading my good things notes.
January:
Brian had the day off, and we actually got to sleep in TOGETHER! Brian made breakfast. Later, we went to Visalia and had Bloody Mary's and lunch -- just the two of us. Best New Year's Day ever! Accomplishment: Making the relationships in my life a priority.
Gave my own professional development session at Race to the Top Days. Accomplishment: Becoming an expert in public speaking.
Ian turned 18. Brian and I had date night so Ian and Rachel could have date night. How cool is it that I can trust him to do the right thing when he's out with his girl? Brian and I had so much fun. Had tacos with the Kinsers, danced, drank, and talked. Brian and Eric worked on the speaker box for Ivy. Accomplishment: Raising my son to be a gentleman.
Ian started college, and Janie made her first Bee Beautiful product (mascara). Accomplishment: Giving my kids a good work ethic.
Ian and Edmond went skydiving in Taft for Ian's 18th birthday. Brian, Mimi, Ian, Rachel, John, Pedro, Edmond, Alyssa, and I drove to Taft to enjoy the day. Accomplishment: Letting go of my babies and letting them experience life for themselves.
February:
Our 2 year anniversary! Brian bought me a teddy bear, a sign that says, "love," and a box of chocolates. So romantic! I bought Brian a clock. I know not romantic, but it's cool and made out of metal and license plates. Accomplishment: Keeping the love alive in a long term relationship.
For our anniversary, Brian got me tickets to see Rehab's farewell tour in San Miguel. On our way to Paso Robles, we raced a Porsche and a Kia. We met Eric and Stancie Kinser at the hotel (Paso Robles Inn). The concert was amazing! We met the band and partied with them after the show. Brian and Eric almost got arrested back at the hotel. On Saturday, Brian and I went antique shopping in Paso. We ended up dog sitting for a stranger in Kettleman City while she picked up her In N Out order. Best weekend ever! Accomplishment: Spending money on experiences instead of stuff.
Got my tax rebate. Woo hoo! Wedding money. Accomplishment: Being able to pay all of my bills all by myself.
March:
My first experience going to the Famosa Speed Way. Brian, Zoe, Raegan, and I went with the Reynolds and Cowboy Sal. I learned a ton about racing. We saw beautiful cars. The girls ate a ton of junk food. Brian knew lots of people there. So, we were privvy to the best parties. Accomplishment: Venturing out and trying new things.
Another birthday. 45 years young. Brian bought me beautiful orange heels. Janie, Tyler, and Kayden bought me cute jewlery, a workout top, and an awesome Dodgers cap. Ian gave me a cute frame for a picture from our upcoming wedding. Even thought I tripped and tore my face up at the Reynolds', my parents came over for China's take out. They bought me 2 tickets to see Journey and The Steve Miller Band. Went to lunch with Candie on Tuesday. We went to Monet's and ate and drank the afternoon away. I couldn't think of a better way or better people with which to spend my birthday. Accomplishment: At 45, I am at my best physical shape ever, more financially stable than I have ever been, and I am surrounded by people who love me.
Spring Break and my face is almost healed . Bought Ian's first suit. He looks so handsome! Bridesmaids dresses are ordered. Accomplishment: Becoming an expert at time management.
April:
Orange Blossom Festival. Road the Foothill Floozies trolley with my beautiful mommy. BBQ with the whole damn fam-bam at Aunt Kathryn's. Accomplishment: Getting involved in the community.
My first car show. Went to Danger Zone with Brian, Zoe, Rae, Jim, Terina, and Mikey. Beautiful cars! Accomplishment: Making time for friends.
Easter Sunday. All six of our kids were here. First time hosting Easter at our house. Had a grown up Easter egg hunt at the Reynolds' on Saturday. Had a huge lunch at our house on Sunday. Brian, Ian, Zoe, Raegan, Dakota, Edmond, Alyssa, Janie, Tyler, Kayden, Mimi, Papa, and I were all there. We played croquet and Balderdash. Of course, I won Balderdash. Accomplishment: I can host family get togethers and parties for groups with finesse.
Trip to Tahoe for Janie's 21st. Papa, Mimi, Ian, Rachel, Janie, and I spent the weekend in Minden, NV. We drove through a snow storm through Tahoe on our way there. We ate tons, shopped tons, and had great family time. Accomplishment: I have become closer to my children this year, and I appreciate the adults they have become.
May:
Ian's prom finally came and went. Both he and Rachel looked beatuiful. Accomplishment: I helped Ian accomplish his goals of going to college, working through his relationship with his girlfriend, and getting a job this year.
Our annual Red Hat night at Farmer's Market. Jeremy "Elvis" Pearce performed. Had a great time with all the ladies. Accomplishment: Realizing age is just a number. No matter what our number is, we can still have fun.
Janie, Rachel, Rachel's friend -- Kim, and I finished our first 5K Color Vibe run!! Kayden and I made Oobleck later in the afternoon and made it dance on Grandpa's sub woofer. Had a BBQ at our house. The Reynolds, the Collins, Brian and Donna, the Kinsers, the Colemans, and our kids including Pedro and Johnny hung out. Once again Lindsay PD showed up. This time, we were too loud. Exhausting, fun day! Accomplishment: Running a 5K at the age of 45.
Mother's Day 2014 couldn't have been more perfect. Brian came home from work early. Janie took me and Mimi to lunch. Mimi gave me a little gift. Got a call and a card from the girls. Ian cleaned the house and my car. Edmond and Alyssa came by. Heard from Issac. Got a hug from Pedro. Hung out with Kayden. And Brian cooked dinner then watched a scary movie with me. Accomplishment: My children are the best people I know.
June:
My baby graduated from high school. He even gave the welcome speech at his ceremony. Accomplishment: I am an awesome mommy!
Johnny Cathey, Rachel Harrison, and Pedro Santiago's high school graduation. It was amazing to see these kids that I've watched grow up accomplishing their goals. Accomplishment: Being there for these young people as they have grown into young adults.
Attended Issac and Syndney's baby shower and went to Erin's 21st birthday. I am blessed to have so many beautiful people in my life. Accomplishment: Attending events by myself and not needing to have a man on my arm.
July:
Got to put my feet in Sarah's new pool, had a glass of wine with my daughter, and went to a BBQ at a friends' home. Grateful to see all the blessings bestowed on my family and friends. Accomplishment: Not being envious but being genuinely happy for the good things in my loved ones lives.
Diagnosed with breast cancer on 7/11. Accomplishment: Being able to have a positive attitude no matter what the circumstances.
August:
Blew bubbles in the park with Kayden and his mama. Accomplishment: Even though I'm single again, I have learned that there is still joy to be found every single day.
Hiked the flume with Ian and Edmond. Accomplishment: Even though I have cancer, I have kept up my physical activity and stayed as healthy as possible.
Set up my new office at Lindsay High School. Accomplishment: First time since I've been in education that I've had my own office.
September:
Scheduled and met with every teacher at Lindsay High School and John J. Cairns High School. Accomplishment: Made professional connections.
9/23 had a double mastectomy and lymph node dissection. Accomplishment: Knowing that boobs do not define me as a woman.
October:
Halloween was spent trick or treating with Kayden, Janie, Tyler, and Edmond. Then, we went to have pizza. Accomplishment: Learning how to move past exhaustion.
November:
Thanksgiving at Mimi and Papa's with the people I love. Ian, Rachel, Edmond, Janie, Tyler, and Kayden. Food was delicious. Accomplishment: Creating family traditions.
December:
Christmas was so sweet this year. Janie, Tyler, and Kayden did their own family Christmas morning. Ian, Rachel, Edmond, Alyssa, Pedro, Mimi, Papa, and I did ours at my house. It was so wonderful to have all my kids here with me. Then, we had lunch at Mimi and Papa's. Unfortunately, I got extremely ill. Dumb ol' immune system. Accomplishment: Feeling loved.
Now it's your turn. You have no idea how uplifting this is. I feel amazing right now. I have accomplished so many things, and I've had such a beautiful, amazing year. There have been so many changes. Things will never be the same, but that's OK. Change is good. Better things are on the horizon.
Part 2 tomorrow. Are you excited?