For the third straight year, I welcomed the dawn of the new year by running/hiking a 10K race. If it seems impressive to be doing something active while the rest of the world is recovering from a hangover, this is the course map:
When I reached the 2 mile mark and started the climb up the hill, I took the opportunity to reflect on the many good things that happened in 2013.
- I am blessed with good health, and such blessings have been shared with my close friends and family
- Successful correction of uterine septum
- Competed in 5 swim meets, 1 open water event
- Joined Cross-Fit gym
- Started playing tennis again
- My cat A's diabetes is in remission!
- Sad goodbye to our friend Pierre. We're gutted that you were granted such a short life, but we were so fortunate to have been a part of it
- Andy Murray wins Wimbledon!
- Co-worker gave birth to two healthy boys
- Another Ex-pats reunion at a wedding in Arkansas -the Green Penguin lives on!
- Family vacation in Hawaii
- Celebrated seven years married to the love of my life
- After the bombing during the Boston Marathon and days of terror that followed, the city celebrates the Red Sox winning the World Series
- First IVF cycle -yielded 4 usable embryos
- 5 bloggers finally had their babies. 15 finally received BFPs and are still pregnant. (5 in the past two months -take that Infertility!)
- Completed 2 Half Marathons (almost established a new PB), 12 10Ks and 1 5K
- New fuel pump resuscitates my 10-year old Jetta
- Finished painting kitchen cabinets!
When I reached the top of the hill, I selected one particular song as I prepared for my descent and started thinking about the new year (side note: this was our wedding song).
When all the dark clouds roll away
And the sun begins to shine
I see my freedom from across the way
And it comes right in on time
Well it shines so bright and it gives so much light
And it comes from the sky above
Makes me feel so free makes me feel like me
And lights my life with love
I see my freedom from across the way
And it comes right in on time
Well it shines so bright and it gives so much light
And it comes from the sky above
Makes me feel so free makes me feel like me
And lights my life with love
And it seems like and it feels like
And it seems like yes it feels like
A brand new day, yeah
A brand new day oh
And the sun shines down all on the ground
Yeah and the grass is oh so green
And my heart is still and I've got the will
And I don't really feel so mean
Here it comes, here it comes
0 here it comes right now
And it comes right in on time
Well it eases me and it pleases me
And it satisfies my mind
Yeah and the grass is oh so green
And my heart is still and I've got the will
And I don't really feel so mean
Here it comes, here it comes
0 here it comes right now
And it comes right in on time
Well it eases me and it pleases me
And it satisfies my mind
And it seems like and it feels like
And it seems like yes it feels like
A brand new day, oh
A Brand New Day
And it seems like yes it feels like
A brand new day, oh
A Brand New Day
Even though 2014 did not end the way you had planned, you have accomplished a lot! I am so impressed by the kitchen and the athletic feats and how you balance all of that with work, infertility, and writing this great blog!! I look forward to cheering you on in 2014!
ReplyDeleteI always find it therapeutic to count my blessings. We really are so blessed in so many ways and it's easy to forget that when we are in the depths of infertility. I am so sorry 2013 didn't bring you your take home baby, but I an glad you had many positive moments this past year. Here's hoping that 2014 will be YOUR year! I will be here to cheer you on :)
ReplyDeletep.s. I always work out on Jan. 1 too, not only is it a great way to kick start the year, as you said it feels good to be working out when others are nursing their hangovers! haha
Such a great way to ring in the new year! You certainly do have a lot to be grateful for from 2013! I truly hope 2014 has even better things in store for you, like not being able to run next years 10K because you have a poopy (literally poopy) baby and your boobs are leaking. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a hell of a lot of good stuff to reflect on. I really need to do the same thing, as I often reflect on all the bad stuff instead. Here's to both of us getting what we want in 2014. So happy to have found you. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, Jane. The song lyrics made me teary--a perfect song for the end of your run and the start of a new year. And how lovely that it was your wedding song as well. I also wanted to tell you thank you for my Christmas card! It made me smile to get it in the mail. Wishing you all good things in this new year.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see a list of good things that happened. Hoping for more good things for you this year and a baby in your arms in the near future.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to start off the year. I usually spend that time watching the Rose Parade, though never with a hangover. I gave up going out on New Year's Eve many years ago.
ReplyDeleteI hope 2014 is the year you kick infertility's ass!
I'm loving all these past year reflections. You did so much! Awesome! What a beautiful hike and song too. Good for you to kick some ass NY morning!
ReplyDeleteJane, I admire you so much. You are able to reflect on all the positive things you have done this past year, when you very well could be stuck in the negatives. I love all of your athletic accomplishments!
ReplyDelete