That House on The Corner: Welcome 2012

Wow, hands down 2011 has been one of the most stressful years of my entire existence. Like really... how can something go by so fast yet drag on at the same exact time?!

This year had some rough patches--

I was CRAZY busy--- like forget your name, on more than one occasion, kind of busy.
Both of my parents have had some pretty unusual health issues resulting in emergency room visits and surgeries-- stressful to say the least.
We had to say goodbye to my dad's baby, our six year old Labrador, Indy, after she came down with Valley Fever. She was the best bad-dog we ever had and despite our best efforts we couldn't save her. The whole family was devastated. If you need a good cry, the whole story is here.
I experienced major burnout, and maybe even a little depression mixed in here and there from all the pressure and stress of planning a wedding, working sometimes 70 hours in a week between work and school, and taking on more than I should while dealing with all the other drama going on.
We said goodbye to our favorite roomie, Garrett as he left for graduate school down south-- but opened our door to a new roomie for a 3-month long stay.
We had to deal with splits, divorce, and moves in the family.
I'm still surprised our seventeen-year old poodle mix is still hanging on after being put on doggie-hospice back in September after finding a tumor on her lungs.
I realized my goal for having less stress was completely thrown out the window haha.
I didn't meet some of my 2011 resolutions (click here to see them)-- like eating healthier, working out more, and getting organized-- all thanks to having my plate a wee-bit too full...
Basically, I think Brandon said it best when he said, "We had enough drama this year for a mid-afternoon soap opera".

But, overall, I'd like to think the year was filled with a lot of really amazing things as well and that the good truly does outweigh the bad--

I really did accomplish a VERY good amount of resolutions from 2011, like reading more (it may only be 2-3 books a year, but I read them, and I enjoyed it!
I managed to put away some rainy-day fund money, but this year I really want to start saving more.
We finished our downstairs bathroom renovation.
Brandon left his old job for a new one that he really, really is happy with.
I became a substitute teacher-- while being a waitress-- and being in a master's program...
Our friends Blake and Victoria had a gorgeous backyard wedding.
My favorite cousin announced she and her hubby got married in dumb and dumber shirts in May after deciding an elopement was way better than planning a wedding just to please the family! --it was epic!
I hosted a bridal shower for my (now) sister-in-law, Erica.
Josh and Erica were married at Brandon's parent's home (and I was the photographer!)
We celebrated owning our home for two years!
I found a REAL diamond ring buried in our backyard!
I saw Luke Bryan and Tim Mcgraw in concert-- country girls should always shake it for Luke.
We took four separate sets of engagement photos to create a 4-season themed guest book.
My childhood friend, Allene, got married.
I started getting more comfortable asking for time off from work as a waitress so I could enjoy weekends.
I don't really know where the summer went--- but I think I enjoyed it.
I accepted a full-time long term substitute teaching position that allowed me to quit serving (thank GOD!) and has given me such an amazing opportunity to really test the waters of what it is like to teach-- and has me thinking I'll stick with counseling...
I discovered Pinterest.com -- and yes, it's been life-changing-- I've found a way to be even less productive!
Brandon and I had more weekends together to go camping and enjoy our time together.
I started, and finished, my first year in the M.S. Counseling program for Marriage and Family Therapy-- only a year and a half to go!
Our friends Lacey and Ricky had a wedding ceremony after he returned home from being stationed in Japan during the earthquake.
I spent a morning with my close friends and family to celebrate my bridal shower

23. I had a kick-ass bachelorette party in Vegas where my mom had one of my close friends flown in from South Carolina by surprise and I was "violated" by an Elvis impersonator during a photo opportunity (not joking!). I really should start sharing more on this blog...

24. I was married to the man I have loved since I was fifteen (or younger if you count the years I denied having a crush on him). The wedding couldn't have been more perfect!

25. We brought home our dream-dog, Moe! He's now 13 weeks old and 41 pounds of Saint Bernard cuteness. Seriously, he's better than we ever imagined!

26. We drove down to Carmel for our honeymoon and realized we did not take a SINGLE picture... but maybe that's a good thing-- if ya' know what I mean...
27. Our friend's Daniel and Allie bought their first home!
28. Josh and Erica announced they are pregnant! (Due June 2012!)
29.Two weeks later my favorite cousin announced she was pregnant too! (Due August 2012!)
30.We found out our wedding will be featured on DIY Bride!
31.We survived Christmas and I'm currently enjoying the hell out of having three weeks off work and four weeks out of school before the new year starts up!
32.And, oh yeah, we start our kitchen renovation TONIGHT!

All in all, I think this year was full of so many BIG changes. With every change there is stress, whether good, or bad, it is felt. We both hope this next year goes a little more smoothly, and hell, we even hope it is a little boring, but I guess that is the joy of life. We don't know what is going to happen. We know somewhere in there we can find balance, or even imbalance as we hope for more good than bad, but we just have to take life one day at a time. People with depression often dwell in the past, those with anxiety worry of the future, and those that are happy stay in the present focusing on what they have at the moment. I want to be happier this year-- more focused on where I stand at the moment-- enjoying my twenty-third year in life.

But of course, I love thinking about what is to come. Thinking about what I look forward to... This next year will bring babies, and my Saint Bernard will grow to be over 150lbs, and I will say goodbye to my sixth graders whom I have become quite fond of, and we will have a brand new kitchen to enjoy! Good things are coming, I just know it.

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In 2012 I have some simple resolutions:

To spend more time with my husband being a supportive and happy wife (the kind you actually want to spend time with-- rather than the hair-falling-out mess I've been).
Do more projects-- yes, these can be stressful, but I LOVE the creative outlet it gives me.
Get rid of stuff-- clutter=stress.
Put less energy into work (I think I've been giving too much) and putting more energy into school-- the classes I am taking mean more to my future than a "temporary" job even though I really enjoy it.
Start obedience training/socialization with Moe so that one day he can be a therapy dog.
Walk all three dogs more and spend time with my man at the same time.
Be more accepting of the changes we experience in life.
Be thankful more for what I have. We are so blessed.
As always, exercise more, eat healthier, and do more things that are just for me-- and yes, reading lame love-stories and bubble baths totally count!
Make an effort to do my hair and makeup-- sometimes as stress takes over I don't get dressed up-- I'm only twenty-three once... I should be enjoying the hell out of it while it lasts.
As Kenny says, "Unplug, unwind, and step out in the sunshine"... "live a little, love a lot".