It was a good year, though not in the way of travel and events. It was just a nice, stable year (for me, Cool was swinging up and down rapidly) which is what I needed. Here are the bigger moments that were important from 10-best:
#10: Getting to snowboard again
I love being good at things! And the instructors said I was a fast learner, and I felt confident on the slopes. It was good to be back in the bindings. Cool’s accident and resulting ambulance ride, emergency room visit (and those bills) lower this 2014 moment to closer to the bottom of the list.
#9: Bike Swap and Snowboard Swap
These were really exciting adventures! The research, the shopping, the event. And the dreams for our future sports endeavors–not to mention our purchases were super-fun. And Cool and I got along famously at both–no bipolar issues these weekends-whew.
#8: Finishing my post-bac at Riverpoint (and keeping my 4.0 GPA)
The anticipation had been killing me. I looked forward to this for TWO years, so when it happened it felt pretty sweet. This is low on the list because the huge accomplishment (in my mind) was a little underscored by others and didn’t receive the acclaim I felt it deserved. Finishing 27 upper-level courses in an entirely new and unfamiliar field–WITH straight A’s is a big deal in my mind–even if it didn’t garner me an actual degree.
#7: Two DMB shows–with SEATS. And Brandi Carlile to open both shows.
Usually this would take the #1 spot–and having 2 shows with seats–it SHOULD. But Cool and I had probably our worst fight ever the first Friday so it’s not the perfect memory I anticipated and desire. Obviously, it still makes the list because, hello, the Gorge, Brandy opening (and acknowledging our sign), DMB, the setlist game, merch, and SEATS!
#6: Being named a finalist in a noise-induced hearing loss prevention poster contest!
I enjoy showing my creativity, and who doesn’t like winning something? My poster will be featured at the annual AudiologyNOW conference and may even win! In which case I get all proceeds for the life of the poster. It’s cool and it’s exciting.
#5: The relief I felt when I quit veterinary assisting
Even though the financial consequences were scary, I instantly felt better. Removing those toxic influences was difficult, but well worth it. It was time to go, and I’m in such a better place since I did. I just had enough, and it feels good to be away.
#4: Going to MT over Independence Day and My birthday
This one’s slightly lower, because before we left home, Cool was an irritable turkey so that puts a bit of a damper on the memory. Pow-Wow is always fun, but this item is down in the rank because I had a bad allergy attack. Leaving pow-wow to stay at a hotel in Missoula was amazing. One of the best showers of my LIFE! The bathtub was full of dust, and my allergens (temporarily washed away). It felt nice staying in an oversized room with a TV and sleeping in a cozy bed instead of car-camping at the pavillion. It was partially so nice because it was an unplanned treat and everything fell into place nicely–which rarely happens to me. Also seeing how adorable Missoula is over my birthday weekend, and dreaming of “summering” there was exciting.
#3: Satisfaction of running 1 mile every day of the year
It’s a really big deal, because not only am I really busy most of the time–I’m lazy. I’m very proud to remain in shape, counter my poor eating habits, and do something not that many other people are able to achieve. I’m going to see how many days in a row I can keep this up.
#2: My parents visited!
We had a week full of family activities and my dad turned 70! Everyone (except Aunt Linda) was on their best behavior and I felt like a real family unit. I loved that everyone had fun and Cool was made to feel 100% part of the family. And all the free food and fun activities didn’t hurt my feelings either 😉
#1: The Sky-Fest Air Show
Was a genuinely amazing time, not ruined by bipolar, sunburns, or lack of funds. Cool and I were together and both of us happy and excited. We got to spend the day outside, and tour the planes, and spectate at the shows. We got burned and thirsty, but we were still in great spirits.
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