Our kids in June of 2012 and in December of 2015 outside NYC's American Museum of Natural History
Maybe every year is full of milestones; do I say that a lot in these December wrap-ups? Still, this year proves the cliché: it seems like we had transitions and turning points every few weeks.
I completed a 60-day yoga challenge, and then applied and was accepted to graduate school. I finished a book that will come out in late spring or early fall of 2016, (I am really, really excited about this one.) Christian graduated from college and is now a member of the adult work force. James left on his mission to France; Aolani moved away to pursue her lifelong dream of living in Hawaii. Hope had her first singing solo with the HS jazz band. Tess started high school; Daniel started middle school.
But some things stayed the same. Patrick continues to love his job; Anne remains the smartest, most entertaining kid at the elementary school. Moneypenny is delightful; California is relentlessly sunshine-filled. I'm glad for these happy constancies.
In 2015, as always, I kept track of the things I experienced. I always enjoy looking back through my diaries and reliving the year's highlights through the lists I keep.
Top Ten Books Read:
1) All the Light We Cannot See
9) Kitchens of the Great Midwest
10) Everything I Never Told You
Most Disappointing (not the worst) Book:
Fantastic Books I Read by People I Know:
(I don't rank books written by friends, but you should all read these.)
The Passion of Dolssa, by Julie Berry
Grace is Not God's Backup Plan, by Adam Miller
Top Ten Movies Seen:
10) Inside Out
9) Bridge of Spies
8) Mad Max: Fury Road
7) Creed
6) Woman in Gold
5) Trumbo
4) The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
3) The Martian
Top Music Downloaded:
5) "Get Lucky," by Daft Punk
4) "Ain't Messin' Round," by Gary Clark, Jr.
3) "I Need a Dollar," by Aloe Blacc
2) "Elle Me Dit" by Ben L'Oncle Soul
1) "People Say," by Portugal. The Man.
Favorite TV:
3) The Blacklist
2) Gotham
Favorite Websites:
3) Vicki Archer
2) Manger
Top Five Meals Out:
1) La Esquina, NYC
2) Lucques, West Hollywood
3) Picasso, Las Vegas
4) Providence, Los Angeles
5) Lucky Noodle King, San Gabriel
Yarn of the Year:
madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK, Geode colorway
My main resolution for 2016 is to do well in school while not neglecting my family or my awesome teaching gig. I'm pretty sure that'll take up all of my time. Deep breaths. Here we go!