Farewell, 2012 // Thoughts On This Year

Today is the very last day of an entire year, which is always a strange concept to me.  Maybe it's because time seems to accelerate as you grow older, so each year appears to pass more quickly than the last.  For me, 2012 came and went in a flash, but carried a sense of calm.  In 2011, I got engaged on the first day of the year, got married 10 months later, and had to say goodbye to my furry soulmate Bubby dog, just a few days before the year came to an end.  These were all major life events, so in comparison, 2012 was much less outwardly eventful for me.  It was a quieter year, but one of simpler appreciations and discoveries, where I really learned how to make time for myself.

Like everyone else, I faced challenges.  I lost one of my dearest friends, Margarita, in April, and my sweet Aunt Kathy in October.  It was also my first year without Bubby by my side in 16 years. This was especially difficult during the first few months of 2012, when Robbie was on the road almost nonstop, and I had excessive amounts of time alone to think in the cold Chicago wintertime.

There were also a lot of incredibly wonderful moments.  I took one of the best vacations of my entire life (aka our very belated honeymoon) to beautiful, blissful Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I experienced weddings of and new babies born to dear friends.  I helped my grandmother celebrate her 98th birthday.  I took lots of day trips with friends and family.  I traveled to San Francisco, Austin, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Colorado, Michigan, and Mexico.  I saw the most successful holiday season my businesses have had in years. 

Right now, as I prepare to welcome 2013 (and my birthday!) tonight with my husband and friends at the famous Tabernacle theatre here in Atlanta, I'm feeling especially grateful for all of you.  Thank you guys for making 2012 Bubby & Bean's best year yet.  I hope your New Year's Eve is filled with fun, and that your 2013 is bright and beautiful in every way.  I'm looking forward to sharing another year with you all.