I feel like I’ve been approaching New Years with a “good riddance” attitude toward the old year for several years now. Life has just been dark and heavy. It hasn’t killed me yet, so I guess I’m getting stronger… Actually, I know I am. The world at large has been disappointing me for a while–apparently the Germans call that weltschmerz–but for the most part, I’m not disappointed in myself. I’m proud of how I’ve learned to use my voice and stand firmly for my values, for justice and compassion.
But I don’t feel like ending 2018 on a heavy note. I just want to celebrate the smiles. There have actually been a lot of cool things that happened this year! Lots of things to smile about. Let’s list them. In no particular order….
- I got to see Hamilton. Now I want to see it a hundred more times. But I’d settle for thirty-seven more times.
- Finally saw Pink Martini perform at the zoo. That’s been on my bucket list for years. The current generation of von Trapp singers joined them on stage, and led us all in a sing-along of “Edelweiss.”
- Gave a TEDx talk. No big deal.
- Saw Ingrid Michaelson’s holiday concert from the second row. There was another “Edelweiss” sing-along. How did that happen twice in one year?? (There were no von Trapps the second time.)
- I got a new baby nephew. He’s working out nicely so far. Think he’s a keeper.
- Started the Book of Mormon in January. Literally finished it the same day in October that President Nelson challenged us to read the BOM again before the end of the year. And I did it! I read the BOM twice this year. After never finishing one of those challenges before.
- I had a really great shoe year. Like, off-the-charts, good shoe year.
- A certain young someone starting college this year made my heart sing.
- I wrote a blog entry that doubled my previous record for most views… I’m a little irritated that it’s really not my best writing. I’ve done better. But a lot of people read my straw blog. It is what it is.
- Three visits with my niece and nephews. They’re the best.
- Saw Phantom of the Opera. Again. I never get tired of watching men sing-fight over Ch(K)ristine.
- Church dropped from three to two hours. Dreams do come true.
- Went to a P!nk concert, where our tickets were magically upgraded for no good reason, and she was basically doing crazy trapeze work right in our faces. While making amazing music. She’s incredible.
- People (barely) started requesting my writing for their publications. Eventually, maybe somebody will want my writing that actually pays for it. But for now, any interest at all in my writing is flattering, and opportunities to get my ideas (and name) out there are fantastic.
- Got tickets to see Michelle Obama speak in February. The event hasn’t happened yet, but we have great tickets, so I’m counting it as a 2018 win.
- I kissed an alpaca named Zeus.
- Finally got my act together and watched West Wing. I have no excuse for why it took me so long! But it managed to be there for me when I needed it most. #Seaborn2020
- Sat with Daria (yes, Daria from the radio) and her husband at a fun storytelling event that she was hosting.
- I accidentally ended up with a rubber ducky collection.
- So many tacos happened. Never enough. But so many tacos.
- I also finally watched Parks & Rec. Seriously, what was I even doing with my life before 2018?? How did such essential viewing take me so long?
- The 7th grade “Danny Boy” video. Oh my gosh, the 7th grade “Danny Boy” video.
- Best conversation ever with Ann Curry. I know I already mentioned TED, but I feel like Ann Curry should get a listing of her own.
- 7th grade secret santa was the most heartwarming thing.
If I continue down the rabbit hole of classroom moments that made me smile, I’ll never stop. My job makes me feel ALL THE EMOTIONS about a thousand times a day, which is beyond draining. But I also get to laugh a lot, which helps fill me up. So, I’m going to stop listing, and just end the year with this image. I’m telling you, it was such a good shoe year…
