Starting Over.

Things end.  Things start.

Like this blog.

I stopped writing in it.  BAM.  Ended.

Sometimes things start anew.

I'm writing here again.  So, it has started.  Beginning.

BAM!

2013 was a rollercoaster.  Tragedies, big changes, finding love, losing love, facing death, facing pain, facing identity, losing home, finding home, losing family, giving up, getting up, starting over...
In 2013 I learned so much about positivity.  I learned that there are incredible moments in even the darkest days.  I learned this from my students.  I learned this from my Mother.  I learned positivity from being in extreme pain.  Funny. Not really.

2014.  The year of protecting hearts.  The year of adventures yet to start.  The year of music, education, work, health, reading, finding silver linings, trust, forgiveness, laughter, caution, acceptance, vacations, bike rides, new friends, new loves, new family.

I'm going to make this magical year happen.  The only way I know how to make things happen is to plan.  List.  To do lists...

Here we go- Ten things to do in 2014:

1.  Read one book (for pleasure) a month.  I know this goal sounds small, but being a teacher is a wackadoo job that takes up most of my brain power and time.  I love to read.  I miss it.  I don't want to miss it anymore.  Reading.  Boom.
2.  I want to beat my PR in the proud to run 10K.  This will be great motivation for me to get back to the gym.  Right now I am the weight I was when I graduated high school (stress weight loss FTW), but I'd really like to be healthier and feel stronger.
3.  Take Guitar lessons.  (Prepare yourself to be serenaded, ladies!)
4.  Move into my own apartment.  No roommates.  Ever. Again.
5.  Go to Europe.  See my birthplace.  See where my Grammer grew up.
6.  Take a Yoga class.  I know.  I know.  Scary.  I'm going to make AJ go with me.
7.  Finish the word wall in my classroom.  (You guys have no idea how big that is.)  I'm going to trick Mandy into helping me.
8.  Go camping.
9.  Host my sister in Chicago over Pride weekend.
10.  Consume art.  Go to at least 10 concerts.  Make sure to check out free nights at the MCA.  See as many plays as my budget will allow.  Consume it.  Boom.
11.  Lastly, I will read Infinite Jest.  (Maybe...)

Books.  Bikes.  Beers.  Back.

Currently Reading:  There are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz
Current Favorite Beer:  Little Sumpin' Sumpin'
Current Bike Riding Status: None.  (ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!  Chicago has a -50 degree wind chill)

Now, watch this...