In true David Letterman style, here is my top 10 moments/events/experiences of 2011, in no particular order, with some pictures as illustrations!
1. Getting my job offer in January I whole-heartedly love my job. It's challenging and rewarding and a great fit. I also love my boss. This week he used some of his frequent flier miles to upgrade me to first class on our trip to Charlotte next week. This is just one example of the kind/thoughtful things my boss does for me.
2. My Paris trip. It was truly the perfect way to celebrate my 30th birthday. It was an amazing trip, and I will treasure that solo trip to Paris, and the memories I made during that trip, for the rest of my life. And luckily, most of those memories are well-documented on my France blog.
3. The Paris-themed birthday party that my dear friends Brooke & Amanda threw for me. Celebrating my 30th surrounded by family, friends, and delicious French-inspired food was the perfect way to celebrate entering a new decade!
4. Passing the Series 7 & 63 exam. I needed to pass these exams for work so was relieved when I passed both on my first attempt. Phew!
5. Meeting my nephew Charlie & niece Anna for the first time. I'm sure a proud aunt and was so excited to gain a niece and nephew this year - both of which are healthy and beautiful!
6. Passing the Level I CFA exam. I have never worked so hard for something and been so uncertain I would succeed, so I cannot really explain the joy and satisfaction of finding out I was one of the 39% who passed the level I CFA. I cried tears of joy and have probably never felt so proud of myself. But I definitely earned that pass as I was studied by butt off.
7. Being asked to be a bridesmaid by both Amber and Nora. I think the fact that I was asked to be in the weddings of two girls I met through blogging is a testament to the authenticity of relationships that can be formed through blogging. I was honored and touched to be asked to be part of their special day and am so excited to stand up there next to both of them!
8. Moving into my downtown condo. This was probably the boldest decision I made in 2011, but is the decision that has had the biggest impact in my life. This decision has made a HUGE improvement in my quality of life. I couldn't be happier and have no desire to ever leave this condo - although I don't own it, so eventually I will have to buy it or move out... but that is a decision for another time down the road.
9. Julia Child Night. The 3rd Annual Julia Child Night was simply amazing. I absolutely love planning this event with my aunt and look forward to our 4th annual Julia Child night next fall!! We have already discussed menu ideas! :)
10. PR'ing my Victoria half and meeting my sub-2 hour goal. I really did not think I would accomplish this goal. I have my coaches to thank for this, they totally changed my approach to training and it made a world of difference! In addition to PR'ing, this weekend was wonderful as I got to spend time with Amber, Lauren, and Leigh. We had so much fun exploring Victoria together. I would definitely do another trip with these girls in a heart beat!!
So there you have it - 2011 summed up in a selection of wonderful moments. It feels a bit braggy to list them out like this, but dang it, 2010 was EPICALLY HORRIBLE. Those closest to me know how hard that year was, so I think I earned a year full of wonderful accomplishments and memories.
What were your best moments of 2011?
24 comments:
What a wonderful year! I love how you created a top ten list of all your best moments - this doesn't feel braggy AT ALL! You deserved this wonderful year, everyone does! Many of these top moments were changes that you went ahead and made yourself. Such as, moving into your condo, passing the CFA and getting your job. I just love that!
My best moments in 2011 was probably quitting my job and entering grad school full time and officially beginning a career in the classroom.
2011 was indeed a very good year for you! What a great reflection.
It's kind of surreal to read these best moments because I remember reading about them before they were best moments - like when you were studying for the exam or still contemplating the condo move!
Happy New Year - may 2012 be even better!
What a year - so many big things between everything related to your job and exams, your trip, moving...wow, definitely a lot happening - no wonder you've been so busy!
2011 was a pretty awesome year for you! Hope 2012 is even better! Time sure does fly - I can't believe that is already the end of the year!
Fantastic list and a great year :) You definitely deserved it and when you look at this list, basically everything on it you made happen for yourself, either by taking charge and moving/booking a trip, or studying hard for tests, working hard at running, being a great friend to Amber and Nora, etc :)
You really did have a great year..and you deserve to own that you had a great year!!!
2011 wasn't totally the best for me. Ongoing issues at my old job, the break-up, etc., etc. Things are looking up for 2012 though! I can feel it.
You had such a great year, and I don't think you should look at this as bragging so much as celebrating a wonderful year and many life-changing events that occurred over its course!
My 2011 wasn't as momentous as my 2010 was, but some great moments were finishing my second marathon, my summer trip to Toronto, Montreal, and Boston, and making so many running friends.
Bravo! I think it's a grand idea to acknowledge the wonderful events of the year! It was a jam packed powerful year for you! May 2012 bring you the same or better if that is possible!
I still have a 2011 year in review post to write, but your list is amazing! That's a lot to have happen in one year. Huge!
Whew! I get tired just reading this! You live a full life, Lisa! And, what wonderful highlights!!!!!
Here's to 2012!
What a great year, huh? I don't think it's braggy at all, only a great way to reflect on the last year and to appreciate the positive things in your life! I think it's great!
I had a good year this year; my favorite things were probably running a marathon, traveling around the world and learning to eat better (again!)I also spent a lot of time doing home improvement stuff with my parents, which was very rewarding!
It's so funny how we posted on the same topic again, but with different versions! Hehehe.
You had such a FANTASTIC year and I'm so happy it was a good one for you. I think I started reading your blog towards the latter part of 2010 so I don't know everything that went on but I'm glad 2011 made up for the crap that was 2010.
My best moments from 2011 were graduating from college, every moment of my cruise :), and getting my job offer! It's been a pretty good year for me, too.
What a wonderful year you've had!! I hope your 2012 is just as good if not better!! :)
Love this post! I remember this time last year when you said you were really looking forward to 2010 ending and you needed 2011 to be a good year for you, well clearly it was a REALLY good year and I'm so so happy for you! Can't wait to see what 2012 has in store! XO
What a great year you've had! So much fun stuff. I'm going to be doing my recap tomorrow. Happy New Year and I hope 2012 is the year we meet! I'll be in MN in May. :)
I LOVE themed parties and Julia Child night takes the cake!
You really did have an amazing year, Lisa. So much fun to read this recap - I hope you bookmark it for days when you're feeling low.
I think my best moments in 2011 are all based around one theme: Introducing Gavin to the world, finally!
Here's to St. Louis in October, hooray!!! =)
Lisa, I love this post! Especially as a new-ish reader, I loved seeing all the best things about your year :)
Your Paris trip sounds so exciting. My Greece trip was definitely one of my highlights, which I'll definitely be blogging about when I review my year in a couple days.
Can't wait to see what 2012 holds for you girl! Those two weddings are definitely going to be awesome, I'm sure. :)
Oh my GOSH! Lisa, you really knocked 2011 out of the park. You always impress me with how much you are able to accomplish: studying for these insanely hard tests (and passing), being a social butterfly, traveling all the time for work, training for half and full marathons and seeing family on a regular basis. Whatever man falls in love with you is going to be a darn lucky one! I hope 2012 is just as awesome for you.
Love this!!!!! One of my top moments of 2011 was my sister's wedding.
Great list! Super jealous of your first-class accomadations!
These are terrific moments! My bests involved meeting blog friends in lots of places. Maybe next year, you!
I love this recap! (And ok, that I made it in here too.) You did so much fun and amazing stuff in 2011 and I know this year will totally rock for you too. Thrilled to be along for the journey!
Post a Comment