This outline represents bones, no fleshy bits of story. However I liked Tom Cormier's idea of reviewing the calendar and digital pictures before 2013 closes.
So much of the time the moments merge and are forgotten, and pretty soon days and months pass, and then finally years and I'm left wondering, "What did I have for dinner?"
As a personal historian and now Legacy Advocate, I'm always looking for tools to help trigger memory so I was excited to be reminded of the treasures in those paper calendars I keep stored in my closet. I'll definitely utilize this tool for clients.
Of course, once I recapped the year I wondered if it wasn't a bit lacking for the juicy bits; a good cup of coffee with a friend, a wonderful dinner, a summer night that lingered. But then I realize those moments are the food we take with us whether we "remember" them or not.
Below is 2013 in review. There were some great highlights. Thanks to Tom for the idea!
Sherry’s 2013 In Review
January
Oliver and Rachel were in DC and we were once again empty nesters
Andrew and Alex had moved to St. Paul just a few months before
I was making trips to Iowa City to meet with client Dan
Greg and Christine visited us for the RAGBRAI launch party and got snowed in an extra day.
I continued to work as the Executive Director for Windsor Heights Chamber.
I participated in a writer’s group that meets once a month.
Thrilled over Downton Abbey on PBC
Hooked on Mad Men
It looks like I was still working on the Hammer project
February
Began some work with client Bill
Began work with client Helen
Met Leng through WH affiliation
Saw The Book of Mormon with David at the Civic Center
Work on Frances and Lorren project continues
Oliver and Rachel return to Iowa
Pope Benedict resigns (first to do this in 600 years). Pope Francis elected.
March
Take daughter Rachel to OBGYN appointments.
Go to St. Paul to see Alex and Andrew
Endure the Spaghetti Dinner fiasco
April
Friends John and Kathy are married
Baby shower for Rachel
Grandaughter Athena is born April 21: Beautiful, hopeful, Rachel struggled, Oliver almost didn’t make it.
Drake Relaaaaays #32 for Pagans
Launch business brainstorm group for WH Chamber
Began work for Mary Kay on her writing project
Boston Marathon Bombing
May
Began work with client Jan
Began work on kitchen remodel
David finishes his first full year in his permanent teaching position
June
Well-baby visit for Athena
Began work with client Becky
Cleaning like crazy for upcoming wedding of Alex and Andrew
Defense of Marriage Act overturned by Supreme Court
July
Continued to prep for wedding in August
Got rid of loads of boxes of books and other clutter
Stained deck with David, one of many things
August
David heads back to school after summer break.
Andrew and Alex get married on August: beautiful summer weather, planning, lack of planning, merge of families, not merging families, children issues, Alex sings, mother of the bride issues, beautiful Alex, reception joy, family gathered.
Went with Rachel to Athena’s well baby visit.
September
Went to Chicago for a couple of days to hang with Regina: Rat!
Began work with client Connie
Realized I need to quit my Chamber p/t job
October
My trip to China: crowds, Laura, new people, hotels, smells, pollution, food, Great Wall, walking, bus, tour, spitting, toilets, homesick, tour guides, pearls, jade, pagodas, temples, Buddha, local neighborhoods, markets, water, skype, typing at night.
Government shutdown
November
Did the big Shop Where You Roost event. My idea for this event and the accompanying art contest, “What Do You Want to Be?” David a huge help. Went well.
Alexandra attempted the race at Living History Farms: Freezing!!!
December
A Christmas miracle, we are all home together: Rachel and I made Shepherd’s pie.