Monday, December 30, 2013

Goodbye, 2013

It was a pretty good year, all things considered - even with the great bathroom flood, the fridge breaking, and the A/C going out (twice) in the car, nothing bad happened that couldn't be fixed with cold hard cash, and after having some awful health scares in our family in years past, I'll take a monetary fix any day.  And even though I'm still dealing with my never-ending hamstring issue, it's small potatoes in the grand scheme of things. 

This year, life had a way of going in different directions than I anticipated - for example, how in the world did I end up being the organizer of our running club?  That was not on the horizon at all in January, yet by May, there I was, rolling with it.  I ended up having a really good running year, which is a weird thing to say considering I ended up injured and had to drastically cut back on the intensity of my running (and it wasn't all that intense to begin with, believe me).  Once I was able to run again after the injury, I was going so slow that there was plenty of time to laugh and enjoy not only the run but the company of my running buddies and all the craziness that comes with a long run...which, in turn, gave me a whole new appreciation for the sport.

In 2013 I celebrated the 5 year anniversary of my blog/beginning of my diet, which turned into my journey to fit (I HAD to say it!), as well as the 10 year anniversary of an important life-changing event for me.  Because of these experiences, I've gained the confidence to believe that I can succeed at doing some pretty hard things.  GO ME.

The best thing about 2013?  Without a doubt, it was turning 50.  I got to celebrate the event with family and friends, and I became the owner of the "I don't have to do that anymore" attitude, which has been incredibly freeing.  From not having to put up with (as much) crap, to not letting myself be anything less than I want...there's no waiting to do, or experience, all that life has to offer, and that has been pretty awesome.  I definitely don't have the financial means to do everything I'd like, and I don't always have the courage to jump in with both feet, but I am saying yes to more opportunities, saying no when I really don't want to do something, and overall I'm feeling more secure in what I chose to do with my days.  Being FIFTY is pretty fabulous.

The only thing I didn't get to do in 2013 was take drum lessons (well, that and go to Maui, but you can pretty much bet that's on my "to do" list every year).  The bathroom flood and all the chaos, cash and construction interrupted those plans, but 2014 will be the year I get some lessons and learn to play along to my favorite songs.

I'm looking forward to a healthy, happy 2014 - and I hope all of you will experience that as well!

19 comments:

  1. heres to another great for you and a BETTTTTTER ONE FOR MEEEEE.

    xo

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  2. I vote that when you get around to your drumming lessons, you and Lori come up with a duet for us. Which means, of course, that you need to visit this side of the country ;)

    Your Maui is my St. Martin. May we both get to go in 2014!

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  3. It HAS been a really good year for you! Fifty rocks! And I love that you're a glass-half-full type of gal. Looking forward to 2014 with you.

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  4. Looks like you had a great 2013 with many accomplishment! Her's to a happy and healthy 2014!

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  5. I thought for sure you would say "turning fifty was nifty!" Yes, I'll take financial setbacks vs. health setbacks any year! Here's to 2014!

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  6. 2013 was good to you, I'm glad! I hope your hamstring issues will magically disappear during 2014!

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  7. Yes - time for a drumming video, Shelley :D

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  8. I took drum lessons briefly in high school and wish I had stuck it out a little longer...I got too impatient having to go thru the basics when I already played the violin and piano...buuut whenever I hear a jammin' song on the radio with awesome drums I wish I had hung on a little longer😏. I think 2014 will be the year you become awesome at the drums!

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  9. Definitely GO YOU! I'm glad we're 50 together :) And when you take drum lessons, will you post a song for us like Lori does on her guitar? Pluuuueeeeeze??

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  10. So many people didn't like 2013. It wasn't such a bad year after all, I agree with you!

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  11. Here's wishing you an awesome 2014, Shelley! Kind of like 2013 but without the injury and the water damage. :)

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  12. You CAN succeed at some pretty hard things! Can't wait to see what you can do next year (hopefully injury-free!)! And I hope we both make it back to Maui one of these years - sooner rather than later :)

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  13. I don't know why I didn't find your blog sooner! You do not look like your 50 at all! Congrats on all you have accomplished!

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  14. I'm a new blogger and glad I found this. Congrats on your year. I so much want mine to change as well.

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  15. It sure was a good year for you and I'm happy I could be a part of it the entire year.

    I wish you a fabulous 2014 and look forward to another year of blogger friendship between us. Thank you for your support, for your great posts and for your trust in me (you know what I mean).

    And keep your fingers crossed that R. does win the lottery tonight because if he wins big he promised me I could come and visit you :)

    Thank you Shelley, love you!

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  16. It's so great the way you just rocked the turning 50 thing and recognized it for the empowering time of life it is--the Not Giving (as much of) a Crap thing is huge!!!!

    Hope 2014 is even more awesomer! :)

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  17. Shelley my friend, I think you had a fantastic year, and you definitely turned 50 in style!! I look forward to seeing what you do in 2014.

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