Bienvenue, 2013!

2013 is here, and I am still having trouble processing how quickly it came.

Since I got back to the USA in June, I haven't given myself any time at all to reflect. A lot has happened. I didn't get the job I was interested in in May, but I did get one a whole lot better for me. After months of storage-unit managing and cable company date entering, I sent out a letter of interest on a whim one weekend, not feeling quite ready to start applying for my dream job (teaching French), but knowing that September was fast-approaching. After a phone call, an hour-and-a-half car trip, and the most important interview so far in my life, I was offered a job teaching French, and the whirlwind that is now my life began.

I moved in with T and two days later I was an equal parts nervous, equal parts excited Madame, full of hope and positive energy for this school year. Now the 12 part of 12-13 is already over, and there is still so much I have to teach my students!

True, school has taken over most of my time, but the whirlwind has also been full of catching-up time with friends, reading, marathoning television series while I bake and clean and craft, and spending every free moment with T. We've got 8 months to make up for.

In 2012, I toured 5 countries, met friends in each of them, made a new best friend and added more chosen family members, was reminded how awesome the people I know are, finished two French diplomas with pretty stellar notes, and nabbed my dream job. At the same time, I got to know myself a little better and became aware of all the things I want to work on to become a better person, friend, and family member.

In 2013, I want to keep up the healthy eating habits I have adopted for myself, but more importantly, I need to get back into running, yoga, and meditation. My health has taken a hit since September. It's time to sleep the right amount and get my body as healthy as possible. It's the only one I have.

This year, a lot less sarcasm, a lot less letting myself get annoyed. No more yelling at the Comcast people, for example. I want to be more tolerant, more appreciative of all those around me.

And, I think most importantly, better lessons that encourage and inspire all types of learners, not just learners like me. This is the biggest one, the one I can't stop thinking about, the one that is driving me. I know it could take years to master, but I want to get damn close in 2013.

Happy New Year everyone! What big plans are up your sleeves?