So this is the end of 2011.  I'm going to write a reflection for my own enjoyment.

January: New Year's I went to a dance party with tons of friends, wore a dress I borrowed and new heels I loved, went home, slept under an electric blanket with roommates, then out to IHOP for breakfast.  Turned 25.  I also enjoyed several snow days...no school.

February: Thought I had recovered fully from a broken heart, only to find myself vulnerable (and somewhat clueless) once again....no more details, only that it didn't work out, and that's what's best for all parties involved.

March: Spring Concert with my dear middle schoolers.  The most proud I was of them all year.  Hard month emotionally.

April: Much needed Spring Break.  I actually don't even remember what I did.  I think there was some shopping, sleeping, and coffee house time in there somewhere.

May: Crazy, crazy busy month.  Performances, graduations, and a new guy.  I also started living alone for the first time in the most adorable attic apartment.  And I got a cat.

June: Went to Florida with a friend for vacation, learned what it's like to have summer off as a teacher (and still get paid bi-weekly!), started dating someone I never anticipated even knowing.

July: Attempted to be productive, attended a middle school conference, braced myself for August's quick approach.  Got mononucleosis.  Living alone started not to feel so great.

August: Recovered from mono just in time--barely--for the beginning of school.  I found myself super-pumped to start again, and super-excited to see the students.

September: Found it difficult to have a semi-long-distance relationship between two busy teacher schedules and other activities.

October: I hated living alone.  Went to the doctor and found out some not-so-awesome but hopeful info about the ol' brain.  Fall concert success with middle-schoolers.  Pretty sure I love my job.

November: Decided to move in with the friend I vacationed with in June.  Plodded through school, deadlines got closer, lost more weight, but new insights into my thinking allowed me to rest better.

December: New apartment.  Holiday concerts.  Holidays.  Christmas vacation.


And here I am, in all of this post-2011 glory, listening to David Gray and thinking about what the next year may hold.  I'll be 26 in a few days.  I feel like I'm growing into a person that I like being.