Well. Another year has come and gone and I have to say, 2012 was pretty darn awesome. I would rate 2012 as “above average”. Sure, there were some downs along with the ups, but overall I think it was a really good year.
Here’s a look back at how my 2012 goals went, by the numbers!
Mental Health
- Be thankful for one thing, every day (See 2012 in Daily Thanks below)
- Read from The Daily Book of Positive Quotations (365/365)
Fitness
- Run a sub-33 minute 5k (Race TBD) – Unmet
- Complete the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler around 2:05:00 (12:30m/m pace) - Finished in 2:00:46 – Cherry Blossom 10 Miler Recap
- PR at the Hagerstown Sprint Triathlon - Unmet
- Complete the Richmond Half Marathon - Finished in 2:57:40 – Richmond Half Marathon Recap
Hobbies
- Finish my 2009 scrapbooking – DONE!
- Start with current scrapbook pages and work backwards – Almost caught up!
- Read for 15 minutes, every day – (5866/5475) About 6.5 hours over my goal!
What I read in 2012

2012 Daily Thanks
January 1: I’m thankful the kids are so good when we stay at hotels.
January 2: I’m thankful that healthier food options are improving when we roadtrip!
January 3: I’m thankful that Emma has friends to play with at Jacob’s soccer games.
January 4: I’m thankful that I have a roof over my head and a furnace that works.
January 5: I’m thankful that I have the desire to be better at something instead of settling for the status quo.
January 6: I’m thankful that I have friends who push me past the point where I’m ready to quit on myself.
January 7: I’m thankful for Tums.
January 8: I’m thankful that everyone likes the new TV.
January 9: I’m thankful that I followed through with the first day of a new workout routine.
January 10: I’m thankful for a massaging shower head.
January 11: I’m thankful for the lettuce wrap bun at Red Robin.
January 12: I’m thankful the kids are so good at helping us pack for trips.
January 13: I’m thankful that I stepped out of my comfort zone today…even if it was a very little step.
January 14: I’m thankful that the Florida Welcome Center on I-95 serves fresh squeezed OJ!
January 15: I’m thankful for the look of joy on my kids faces when they watch fireworks.
January 16: I’m thankful my kids don’t expect us to buy too much for them.
January 17: I’m thankful for warm temps and heated hotel pools.
January 18: I’m thankful for my bed.
January 19: I’m thankful that there were no major meltdowns today (from me or the kids).
January 20: I’m thankful for adjustable seating arrangements in the car.
January 21: I’m thankful to be sleeping in my own bed.
January 22: I’m thankful for kids who listen and help the first time they’re asked.
January 23: I’m thankful my kids found an activity they love.
January 24: I’m thankful Dave doesn’t care how dirty the house is.
January 25: I’m thankful for pain killers.
January 26: I’m thankful that Dave is home!
January 27: I’m thankful for restaurants.
January 28: I’m thankful that I followed through.
January 29: I’m thankful dinner wasn’t a disaster.
January 30: I’m thankful that Dave is going to help Jake with his science fair project.
January 31: I’m thankful Dave takes care of dinner on the nights I’m not home to do it.
February 1: I’m thankful for whoever first came up with the idea yo pair peanut butter with chocolate.
February 2: I’m thankful the candy is gone.
February 3: I’m thankful for my DVR so that I can watch Ellen again.
February 4: I’m thankful for lazy days.
February 5: I’m thankful for scrap booking for reminding me to smile.
February 6: I’m thankful for hugs at bedtime.
February 7: I’m thankful for anti-inflammatories and ice.
February 8: I’m thankful for second chances.
February 9: I’m thankful for “thanks for helping, mom.”
February 10: I’m thankful Dave is home!
February 11: I’m thankful for date night.
February 12: I’m thankful for the PTA at Jake and Emma’s school.
February 13: I’m thankful for Dave (he made me say it, but it’s usually true).
February 14: I’m thankful I found someone who loves me, warts and all.
February 15: I’m thankful for Girl Scout Cookies.
February 16: I’m thankful that Emma has such a great teacher.
February 17: I’m thankful that Dave has the opportunity to work at home.
February 18: I’m thankful for Family Movie Night.
February 19: I’m thankful for hope.
February 20: I’m thankful for new plans.
February 21: I’m thankful for pizza delivery.
February 22: I’m thankful for friends who don’t think I’m crazy.
February 23: I’m thankful my daughter wears matching socks.
February 24: I’m thankful that science fair is almost done.
February 25: I’m thankful for relaxing days.
February 26: I’m thankful for Emma’s laughter.
February 27: I’m thankful for the opportunity to volunteer at school.
February 28: I’m thankful for an evening with friends!
February 29: I’m thankful for Jacob’s successful Science Fair project!
March 1: I’m thankful for the crazy song the kids made up that made me laugh until my sides hurt!
March 2: I’m thankful my life was blessed by knowing Don Adamshick.
March 3: I’m thankful that I’m learning to let things go instead of stressing about getting everything done.
March 4: I’m thankful for family dancing during “Eye of the Tiger”.
March 5: I’m thankful I can be a sounding board for Dave.
March 6: I’m thankful my friends don’t get mad when I play awesome words on Words With Friends.
March 7: I’m thankful that Emma thinks it’s funny when I headbang to The Beatles.
March 8: I’m thankful I live so close to the C&O Canal Towpath.
March 9: I’m thankful Dave and I got to take Emma out to dinner, just the three of us.
March 10: I’m thankful Dave and I got to take Jake out to dinner, just the three of us.
March 11: I’m thankful for such an awesome day with the people I care most about.
March 12: I’m thankful that Emma did her homework without arguing tonight.
March 13: I’m thankful for the beautiful weather!
March 14: I’m thankful for afternoon naps.
March 15: I’m thankful that I gave myself a sick day.
March 16: I’m thankful the allergy drops are working!!
March 17: I’m thankful we have a park so close to our house.
March 18: I’m thankful I can make people happy.
March 19: I’m thankful I was blessed with amazing parents!
March 20: I’m thankful for opportunities to change.
March 21: I’m thankful my body works the way I want it to.
March 22: I’m thankful this day is done.
March 23: I’m thankful for lunch dates with Dave.
March 24: I’m thankful for evenly matched soccer games!
March 25: I’m thankful for the sound of Jake’s laughter.
March 26: I’m thankful for lazy days.
March 27: I’m thankful Dave gets laser pointers from work so that we can torment the cat.
March 28: I’m thankful for tax refunds.
March 29: I’m thankful that Dave was able to fix the dryer.
March 30: I’m thankful I didn’t waste money on a lottery ticket.
March 31: I’m thankful for family movie night.
April 1: I’m thankful my body is strong enough to finish races.
April 2: I’m thankful the model train museum had a scavenger hunt.
April 3: I’m thankful the kids like the youth center at the gym.
April 4: I’m thankful for an awesome days with the kids.
April 5: I’m thankful I got to go to not one, but TWO art museums this week.
April 6: I’m thankful that my kids love the zoo so much.
April 7: I’m thankful that I haven’t cooked or prepared a single lunch or dinner this past week.
April 8: I’m thankful the Easter Bunny didn’t bring too much candy.
April 9: I’m thankful the kids go back to school tomorrow!
April 10: I’m thankful I’m sending the rest of the jelly beans to work with Dave.
April 11: I’m thankful for bubble baths.
April 12: I’m thankful that I can come in and post my thanks the next day because sometimes I forget.
April 13: I’m thankful for mint chocolate chip shakes.
April 14: I’m thankful for help around the house!
April 15: I’m thankful to be Jake’s mom.
April 16: I’m thankful for neck rubs.
April 17: I’m thankful for Glee.
April 18: I’m thankful for crossing long term projects off my to do list.
April 19: I’m thankful that…deep down…I know that Emma’s going to turn out just fine.
April 20: I’m thankful that my mom surprised me by making me all my favorite treats now because I didn’t get them at Christmas.
April 21: I’m thankful The Grandparents were able to see Jacob play soccer.
April 22: I’m thankful for a great weekend with The Grandparents.
April 23: I’m thankful for my neighbor who drove me to the ER.
April 24: I’m thankful for how much the kids have been helping me out.
April 25: I’m thankful for a good spine twist and figure 4 stretch.
April 26: I’m thankful for ibuprofen.
April 27: I’m thankful to be Emma’s mom.
April 28: I’m thankful for The Candy Kitchen.
April 29: I’m thankful for the handle bar in handicap bathroom stalls.
April 30: I’m thankful I was able to bike pain free.
May 1: I’m thankful that walking to school is getting easier.
May 2: I’m thankful for frozen pizza.
May 3: I’m thankful for rain to break the heat.
May 4: I’m thankful Dave is home.
May 5: I’m thankful Christie’s surgery went well!
May 6: I’m thankful for DVR so we don’t miss the Amazing Race finale.
May 7: I’m thankful that Emma’s laugh makes me laugh.
May 8: I’m thankful the car dealership had free wifi.
May 9: I’m thankful that tomorrow is a new day.
May 10: I’m thankful for pretzels and peanut butter.
May 11: I’m thankful that my mom is just as crazy as I am.
May 12: I’m thankful for good, deep belly laughs.
May 13: I’m thankful that I’m raising strong willed kids who have minds of their own.
May 14: I’m thankful that I’m raising kids that are always asking questions.
May 15: I’m thankful that my kids have a great doctor that they love.
May 16: I’m thankful that the weather was so beautiful today.
May 17: I’m thankful Dave is home.
May 18: I’m thankful for an awesome date with Dave.
May 19: I’m thankful that my sister and BIL made it here safely.
May 20: I’m thankful that Jake’s team had a win on their last regular game of the season.
May 21: I’m thankful for the stranger who shared their umbrella with me today.
May 22: I’m thankful that Dave listens to all of my emotional ramblings.
May 23: I’m thankful for the pigeon pose.
May 24: I’m thankful I’m done with the post-op boot.
May 25: I’m thankful for easier mobility and less hip pain.
May 26: I’m thankful that I married my best friend.
May 27: I’m thankful for quick, easy dinners that everyone ate.
May 28: I’m thankful for a great Mother’s Day present.
May 29: I’m thankful that soccer practice was cancelled.
May 30: I’m thankful for a beautiful night to sit on the patio.
May 31: I’m thankful for apple cores shaped like dogs.
June 1: I’m thankful for lunch dates with Dave.
June 2: I’m thankful that Jacob played so hard in his soccer games today
June 3: I’m thankful another successful soccer season has come to a close!
June 4: I’m thankful that jake still let’s me hug and kiss him in public.
June 5: I’m thankful Jacob likes to draw.
June 6: I’m thankful for beautiful weather so we were able to have dinner outside.
June 7: I’m thankful the kids had fun at the baseball game.
June 8: I’m thankful for last minute visits to the pool!
June 9: I’m thankful for our new patio set which only took us 3 years to pick out.
June 10: I’m thankful that our skit was so well received at church.
June 11: I’m thankful my toe is getting better faster than I thought it would.
June 12: I’m thankful that tomorrow is a new day.
June 13: I’m thankful for crushed pretzels on my ice cream.
June 14: I’m thankful that Dave made dinner tonight.
June 15: I’m thankful for pain free running!
June 16: I’m thankful for Trader Joe’s.
June 17: I’m thankful that Dave is such an amazing father.
June 18: I’m thankful my kids took a tiny step out of their comfort zones today.
June 19: I’m thankful that I tried new foods tonight that I really liked.
June 20: I’m thankful for an easy drive from Maryland.
June 21: I’m thankful for a relaxing day at my folks house.
June 22: I’m thankful for seeing my uncle and cousins.
June 23: I’m thankful for a chance to help my parents, no matter how small the favor.
June 24: I’m thankful for a great time with my family.
June 25: I’m thankful we took time to go to the park after dinner.
June 26: I’m thankful for Dave and how amazing he is.
June 27: I’m thankful for sitting out on the patio, talking with Dave.
June 28: I’m thankful that I’m not part of the 2nd Mass because the Earth has been invaded by Skitters.
June 29: I’m thankful we didn’t lose any trees in last night’s storm.
June 30: I’m thankful for electricity.
July 1: I’m thankful we did not encounter a tornado in Ohio.
July 2: I’m thankful for local restaurants with great food.
July 3: I’m thankful for cheesy Disney Channel movies.
July 4: I’m thankful that I’m with family today.
July 5: I’m thankful we had a great time playing laser tag.
July 6: Im thankful that there’s a Walgreens on nearly every corner in Illinois.
July 7: I’m thankful for a great ER staff that helped Emma.
July 8: I’m thankful to be home.
July 9: I’m thankful for a relaxing day at home!
July 10: I’m thankful for playing Tracball in the backyard after dinner.
July 11: I’m thankful for the chance to correct my mistakes.
July 12: I’m thankful Hairspray dance breaks while cooking dinner.
July 13: I’m thankful for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
July 14: I’m thankful I got to see my friends in DC today!
July 15: I’m thankful Dave figured out a way to text me from Canada.
July 16: I’m thankful that I have a family who loves me.
July 17: I’m thankful that orange highlighters make work more fun for Emma.
July 18: I’m thankful for increased run intervals.
July 19: I’m thankful we don’t have to get up early again until school starts.
July 20: I’m thankful Dave is home!
July 21: I’m thankful we got to have brunch type food with my brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and niece today.
July 22: I’m thankful for all of the support I get in my life.
July 23: I’m thankful that Jacob is getting better about trying new foods.
July 24: I’m thankful for the ability to laugh at myself.
July 25: I’m thankful I can laugh at my uncle.
July 26: I’m thankful for an awesome birthday.
July 27: I’m thankful I got to share in (most of) the Opening Ceremony with Dave and the kids.
July 28: I’m thankful we all watched archery together today.
July 29: I’m thankful Dave enjoyed his birthday.
July 30: I’m thankful that I ran 1/2 mile today before needing a walk break.
July 31: I’m thankful the power only flashed instead of going completely out.
August 1: I’m thankful that Emma didn’t argue too much when she wore her patch for the first time tonight.
August 2: I’m thankful our driveway is finally done.
August 3: I’m thankful we didn’t let a few speed bumps ruin our day at Hershey Park.
August 4: I’m thankful that we are READY for all of our guests this week!
August 5: I’m thankful my sister and niece made it here safely.
August 6: I’m thankful we had a great time at the aquatic park.
August 7: I’m thankful for an awesome run today.
August 8: I’m thankful that I am blessed with true, honest friends.
August 9: I’m thankful for pizza and wine.
August 10: I’m thankful for a washing machine.
August 11: I’m thankful for laughing so hard I snort.
August 12: I’m thankful that I can start catching up on my DVR now that the Olympics are over.
August 13: I’m thankful for homemade “I love you” cards from Emma.
August 14: I’m thankful for ant killer spray.
August 15: I’m thankful we didn’t find any new ants today.
August 16: I’m thankful for the opportunity to realize my initial snap judgement was wrong.
August 17: I’m thankful that my kids love my niece.
August 18: I’m thankful for awesome books that are made into awesome movies.
August 19: I’m thankful scrapbooking helps me remember silly things.
August 20: I’m thankful my daughter likes to dance in the rain.
August 21: I’m thankful for Big Bang Theory.
August 22: I’m thankful I’m not on Big Brother.
August 23: I’m thankful for peace after the storm.
August 24: I’m thankful for a good book club, even if we didn’t talk about the book.
August 25: I’m thankful Dave bought me Tetris.
August 26: I’m thankful the kids were on board with packing a week’s worth of lunches in one day.
August 27: I’m thankful for a successful first day of school!
August 28: I’m thankful for early bedtimes.
August 29: I’m thankful for pre-bedtime snuggles during old episodes of Tom & Jerry.
August 30: I’m thankful that Jacob is getting a chance to practice being a goal keeper.
August 31: I’m thankful that I got to have lunch with Dave.
September 1: I’m thankful that we made it to Philadelphia safely.
September 2: I’m thankful we figured out the bus system here.
September 3: I’m thankful the kids get excited when we talk about future trip possibilities.
September 4: I’m thankful I recognize the difference between exhaustion and blatant disrespect in Jacob.
September 5: I’m thankful to have gotten back into the volunteer workroom today!
September 6: I’m thankful that Jacob still gives me hugs in public.
September 7: I’m thankful Dave is home!!
September 8: I’m thankful I had a great day off.
September 9: I’m thankful Dave can help me come up with running routes.
September 10: I’m thankful that I implemented a Plan B instead of choosing to do nothing at all.
September 11: I’m thankful for afternoon naps.
September 12: I’m thankful for ice cream.
September 13: I’m thankful for realizing my own limits.
September 14: I’m thankful for getting back up after a fall.
September 15: I’m thankful for runs that make me realize I’m better than I give myself credit for.
September 16: I’m thankful for cold medicine.
September 17: I’m thankful a functioning dishwasher.
September 18: I’m thankful more restaurants are offering vegetarian burgers choices.
September 19: I’m thankful that Emma did so well at the dentist today.
September 20: I’m thankful I get the chance to see and hug and laugh with friends from all over the country.
September 21: I’m thankful I’m part of a community that loves me.
September 22: I’m thankful that I get to watch people take journeys that will change their lives.
September 23: I’m thankful that I got to hug and kiss on my family tonight.
September 24: I’m thankful I took the time to ice and rest my ankle.
September 25: I’m thankful that Jacob trusts me enough to talk about a problem he’s having.
September 26: I’m thankful my kids cheer me on when I work out.
September 27: I’m thankful when the staff at school tell me how great my kids are.
September 28: I’m thankful for babysteps.
September 29: I’m thankful Emma helped me bake today.
September 30: I’m thankful the kids fell asleep on the couch soon after the power went out.
October 1: I’m thankful I got my volunteer schedule worked put with the teachers.
October 2: I’m thankful that the kids liked the cookies I made!
October 3: I’m thankful that my kids make me laugh every day.
October 4: I’m thankful that my kids know that even if I’m sick and grumpy, I still love them lots and lots and lots.
October 5: I’m thankful Dave is home.
October 6: I’m thankful for the ability to replicate my favorite dessert at home in smaller portions.
October 7: I’m thankful for Tylenol Sinus.
October 8: I’m thankful for perfect weather for a long run.
October 9: I’m thankful my kitchen drawer is fixed.
October 10: I’m thankful my kids are crazy nut heads.
October 11: I’m thankful that Jacob says things like “I love hugging you.”
October 12: I’m thankful the kids are enthralled with Dave’s caving stories.
October 13: I’m thankful we found a hotel for the Richmond 1/2 Marathon.
October 14: I’m thankful we booked our next vacation.
October 15: I’m thankful that Emma was moved up to the next level of her gymnastics class.
October 16: I’m thankful I’ll never be a debate moderator…other than motherhood.
October 17: I’m thankful that the weather was beautiful enough to eat lunch on the patio today.
October 18: I’m thankful that we had good conferences with both teachers today.
October 19: I’m thankful Jacob decided to keep going with gymnastics.
October 20: I’m thankful I got to meet some of Dave’s coworkers tonight.
October 21: I’m thankful for Family Game Night.
October 22: I’m thankful that even though Emma lied and hid dirty clothes from me, it’s no indication of a future life of delinquency.
October 23: I’m thankful I took the time today for my long run instead of blowing it off.
October 24: I’m thankful I don’t edit movies as my vocation.
October 25: I’m thankful that I can make people laugh.
October 26: I’m thankful for Family Wii Bowling.
October 27: I’m thankful I was fully clothed when the maintenance man came to break open the bathroom door.
October 28: I’m thankful Dave finished the Marine Corps Marathon happy and healthy.
October 29: I’m thankful my kids are sleeping through the worst of the wind.
October 30: I’m thankful that the damage from Hurricane Sandy was all cosmetic and nothing structural.
October 31: I’m thankful that the weather was perfect for trick or treating.
November 1: I’m thankful that Emma is having a great school year.
November 2: I’m thankful tonight was the last night of soccer practice.
November 3: I’m thankful Jacob’s response to not making the semi finals was “SERIOUSLY? Well. At least we had a great season.”
November 4: I’m thankful that “fall back” only comes once a year.
November 5: I’m thankful that Emma finally found a fiction book character that she likes.
November 6: I’m thankful that in my small corner of the Internets, my friends are respectful of political differences and are still nice.
November 7: I’m thankful that I took 3 naps today.
November 8: I’m thankful that the kids are so good about pulling out their own clothes to pack for vacation.
November 9: I’m thankful that I have a family who supports my running.
November 10: I’m thankful that as bad as my leg hurt, I never doubted I would finish.
November 11: I’m thankful we’re home.
November 12: I’m thankful I had a lunch date with Dave today.
November 13: I’m thankful I’m able to pass on things I don’t need to someone who does.
November 14: I’m thankful for no pain during today’s run.
November 15: I’m thankful I can go to bed soon.
November 16: I’m thankful that even when I’m angry with the kids, they still manage to make me laugh every day.
November 17: I’m thankful for Sorry and Zelda.
November 18: I’m thankful for completed to do lists.
November 19: I’m thankful for getting lost in a good book.
November 20: I’m thankful our favorite Chinese restaurant delivers.
November 21: I’m thankful for Family Movie Night.
November 22: I’m thankful for an entire day spent with the three most important people in my life.
November 23: I’m thankful for days when I never change out of my pajamas.
November 24: I’m thankful for gained momentum and confidence with my runs.
November 25: I’m thankful the kids liked Star Wars.
November 26: I’m thankful I took the first small step towards a bigger goal.
November 27: I’m thankful tomorrow is a new day.
November 28: I’m thankful for the opportunity to see things differently.
November 29: I’m thankful for my kids compassion when I’m feeling less than my best.
November 30: I’m thankful I didn’t cave and buy the cookie.
December 1: I’m thankful for to go boxes.
December 2: I’m thankful that frustrations today could lead to progress in the long term.
December 3: I’m thankful Dave takes care of bedtime with the kids.
December 4: I am thankful that Dave didn’t marry me for my cooking.
December 5: I’m thankful I can laugh at myself.
December 6: I’m thankful for small pockets of quiet throughout my day.
December 7: I’m thankful for Family Date Night.
December 8: I’m thankful for sleeping in and staying up too late.
December 9: I’m thankful for The Amazing Race.
December 10: I’m thankful for Emma’s random comments that have nothing to do with the actual conversation.
December 11: I’m thankful Jacob did such a great job at his first chorus concert.
December 12: I’m thankful Dave makes me feel better about things.
December 13: I’m thankful that I don’t have to have it all figured out any time soon.
December 14: I’m thankful my kids know I love them.
December 15: I’m thankful for Glee.
December 16: I’m thankful for Sunday afternoon naps.
December 17: I’m thankful for Survivor.
December 18: I’m thankful that my triglyceride level is back down in the “normal” range, even if only by 1 mg/dL.
December 19: I’m thankful for laughing so hard I almost pee my pants.
December 20: I’m thankful I don’t feel like this everyday.
December 21: I’m thankful for date night.
December 22: I’m thankful for the Vince Guaraldi Trio.
December 23: I’m thankful our out of state presents are wrapped.
December 24: I’m thankful for road salt.
December 25: I’m thankful for every opportunity to dance with the kids.
December 26: I’m thankful we made it to Ohio safely.
December 27: I’m thankful for Christmas with my family.
December 28: I’m thankful we made it to Illinois safely.
December 29: I’m thankful we got to go out with Dave’s brother and sister.
December 30: I’m thankful for Christmas with Dave’s family.
December 31: I’m thankful I’m ringing in the new year with the people I love most.


I love that your daily thanks for the year are in this posts! A very visual reminder of your year! Looks like a good year to me!
It’s the little things that make you realize that it was all good!
I’m incredibly impressed by your goals and all the daily thanks. Kudos, my friend.
Thank you! I’m excited to do it all again this year!
Dammit! I’ve been reading fromThe Daily Book of Gloomy Quotations. I KNEW I was doing SOMETHING wrong!
Idiot
Sent from my iPhone
Great job on your goals! I love that you’ve been doing the Daily Thanks all year. I really need to be better at that.
It really does make a difference in my day!
Totally impressed with your daily thanks. I did it for the month of November and it was hard. Great job!
Sometimes it IS hard, no doubt!