2011 Recap

It's the end of the year, and that means it's recap time! Can you believe that there are only 11 days left in 2011??

One neat thing about blogging is that it really is an online journal of what's going on in my life. Ironically, I've never been able to keep a "real" diary or journal, but somehow blogging has stuck. Being able to look back and read about what was going on in my life is a semi-surreal experience. When I was going through these old posts I had honestly forgotten about some of the things I posted about and it was wonderful to remember all that had happened.

This year was definitely full of ups and downs. Here are some of the highlights:
 
-- The year started with a bang - literally - when we were rear ended. I don't recommend starting your year off in the same way. While the car wasn't totaled (thanks to some fancy math by the insurance company), it was quite the dramatic start to 2011. Thankfully everyone walked away without any serious injuries.

-- I posted the honest truth about pit bulls for all the world to see. Read it, it's eye-opening stuff.

-- We fostered, and subsequently adopted, Heidi. She soon went on to become a Canine Good Citizen and covergirl. I also shared some tips about how to choose a foster dog and introduce them into your house.

-- I mostly completed the master bedroom. Things in there are pretty much still the same, although the room does have Heidi's crate in there now too. We're looking to "graduate" Heidi from being in the crate in the future so hopefully that won't last too much longer.

-- After bringing Heidi home, we lived in a four dog household for awhile. I shared that it's really not as crazy as it sounds.

-- Unfortunately our four dog status didn't last very long. Molly passed away just shy of her 14th birthday and I shared about how great she was to us. I still think of her and miss her, but I know her time had come. RIP sweet Molly.

-- I posted about my very special dog and how she changed my mind about pit bulls.

-- I shared a very serious photo of me as a child and let you guys ask me anything and I answered in two parts. I had a lot of fun with the ask me anything posts and I may do it again in 2012.

-- I raced for a cure and got to meet some other bloggers in real life (fun!!) (and I can't wait to do it again next year even though I've slacked off on running... again...)

-- I finally paid off our second car, a huge moment for me (and I captured it on film).

-- We got a heart-breaking diagnosis after Nemo had a seizure in the middle of the night and we've been managing his health ever since. No matter what happens, that little guy is getting the best life possible.

-- After a year of saving, I finally bought a DSLR camera and fell in love with it. I bought a bunch of accessories and a great lens to go along with it and completed a 12 week online course to learn how to use it better. I like to think my photos have stepped it up a notch or two on the quality scale since then.

-- We fostered another dog and I shared how it felt when she found her forever home. I started volunteering a lot more in 2011 and it feels great to be part of such an awesome community.

-- On the house front, we bought a new huge sofa that I love and I managed to complete a couple craft projects including a new light, wall art, a mirror, and end table.

-- We also ripped up the carpets in our house and laid laminate floors throughout on our own (I owe you an update on our progress! We're 99% done!)


Of course none of that captures all the great comments you've made and the awesome conversations and interactions I've had with fellow bloggers and readers. I feel like my little slice of the world wide web started to find its voice in 2011 and I can't wait to see what happens next in 2012.