A Patchwork Life

Now that 2009 is over, I’m looking back, and blogging is always helpful in that respect. Even looking back at my looking back: 2008post was interesting–I always find myself amazed at what has happened, and turning up old memories I’m glad I haven’t lost. So here, month by month, is what I was thinking and talking about this year; warning, long post ahoy!

In January, I began the year with lots of blogging energy. I wrote about the historic inauguration, first-day jitters, and abandoned places. I wrote in my notebooks and fretted over a temporarily lost kitten. I also spent time thinking of reasons to feel good and John Updike.

In February, I felt a few twinges of fear, got a little irritated about Valentine’s Day, and thought about my many voices.

In March, I came out against quizzes, futzed around with template experiments, and introduced the girls to a galaxy far, far away.

In April, I began with some energy, writing about teaching with OneNote, but quickly remembered why it is the cruelest month. Life intervened, but post-hiatus, I was actually really productive, juggling big projects in every part of my life.

In May, I was evaluated, my “little” brother graduated from college, and my girls turned lucky number seven. Lots of milestones in the month of May.

In June, I made a first-grade book of memories for Lucy’s class while seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. My summer kicked off with a great workshop, and the first of many days at the pool. I was thinking a lot about work and greener grass.

In July, we continued the summer of Harry Potter, and I felt productive but overwhelmed after doubling up on workshops. I tried to re-center in a life where I was no longer a professor.

In August, I read and thought about modern marriage, and introduced my girls to Project Runway. We went on our first all-girls camping trip, I had a birthday, and we enjoyed the last days of summer.

In September, my girls finished first grade and started second grade. We saw a great rock show and I struggled with pacing myself, which would emerge as a theme in the fall. Finally, I felt proud of a new unit and realized I was one of those moms.

In October, I fell back in love with Pearl Jam and autumn. I taught The Killers and was productive and overwhelmed yet again.

In November, I grappled with my first Unbloggable Issue but recovered in time to reach a better milestone. Then I dealt with an unfortunate flashback and wrapped up a light blogging month feeling thankful.

Finally, in December, we traveled as a family and I took my first business trip. I spent some time with the Brownies, experienced some existential shivers, hunkered down for a legendary blizzard before looking forward.

Looking over a year in blog entries always reminds me why I blog. It’s a chance to reflect, to improve, to review and rejoice in all this year has brought me. I see how much happened to us, how much we accomplished, and how much I did or didn’t reflect on or record. It reminds me how lucky we are and how hard we work.

What happened to you in 2009?