Saturday, December 31, 2011

10 Ways to End the Old Year and Welcome the New

1: What has been your most memorable moment in 2011?

Let's face it, traumatic moments stick with you more, so the most memorable moment is coming home to the death of my doggie.

2: How much have you changed overall in 2011?

I have learned a lot about how to work with my autistic student, learned about new changes in education that made me want to homeschool and, for once, happy that I am not employed as a teacher. I learned about publishing ebooks with smashwords, and how to do some promotion. Something has changed, something has matured. I look back on the past decade and see what my mother-in-law always says: "I would never go back to my twenties! They were the hardest years of my life!"

3: A person who has impacted your life in some way this year.

Just one?? We all learn from each other. I've met some amazing teachers and substitutes. Saw myself in a few of them! I've helped some amazing kids and young adults. Some of them helped me! I hope they all grow up to be caring and considerate individuals. Even the lady and gentleman who cut my hair (I only had it cut twice) this year gave me some advice. There are those that inspire me who are most influential. Those that support me leave marks, but those that love me leave the greatest marks of all.

4: Something you’ve learned this year.

I learned that I can publish ebooks on smashwords that people will read. I learned that I really don't want to be a teacher in this day and age. I want to love what I do, and while I am a good teacher, I can impact the lives of others without the politics of the educational system. I love writing and want to focus on that.

5: Describe an adventure you had this year.

I do a lot of complaining on my blog. Ranting is one thing, being honest is another, but who wants to read a bunch of complaints? When I was looking back for an adventure, I thought, 2011 was supposed to be a better year, and yet here I am dwelling on the things that broke, the stresses, and where was my happiness?

It's easier to write about the bad things that annoy you, to get them off your chest. Life is an adventure. There are bad things. I think the greatest adventure this past year was hiking in Turkey Run state park. Especially when we came up a trail and convinced ourselves there was a shortcut, but there wasn't and we had to backtrack.. Then there was the tornado warning and we all had to go in the basement! Later in the year we went to Holiday World and got rained out and drove home in a wicked storm.

2012's adventure? High school. (In August I will follow my student there.) And at the same time, Kindergarten! (My youngest starts school.)

6: Any words of wisdom/advice for anyone?

Focus on using your words wisely.

7: 10 things you want to say 10 people.

1. I love you.

2. I cherish our talks together.

3. Just because you forget about me, doesn't mean I forget about you.

4. Remember me when you win the lottery!! :)

5. Try harder to save money.

6. Watch for opportunities and don't be afraid to try, even if it seems everything is okay right now.

7. Things often come in threes, or when you are not looking for them.

8. Begin to see the wonder in tiny moments every day.

9. Failure is how we learn, so figure out what to do, or how to do it the right way. Keep trying.

10. You can learn to love life. Sometimes it takes more effort than you think. You have to learn to love yourself first.

8: Things you hope for in 2012.

I hope for.. money saved, words used wisely, a family trip, savoring the small moments, good health, and taking advantage of sunny days.

I hope a friend talks to me that I've been missing.

I hope to get an agent for the book. I hope to finish two or three more books this year.

9: What are you looking forward to in 2012?

Summer break!

10: Anything you wish to say to end 2011/start 2012.

The key to happiness is excitement for the future, so make every day count. After all, you don't know how much time there is.