2009: A Recap
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?
- Posted in: all about me ♦ blogging
Goodness, what a year! I’ve also been enjoying browsing back through my blog posts of the year. And I too am so glad that we connected this year through the blogosphere.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Happy New Year to you too! I’m going to be blogging a few more posts about “goals” over the next few days too, trying to start the year with renewed energy, but it always helps me to look backward first.