Here We Go Again

It's that time again, folks. Apparently, it's the only time of year when I actually write a blog post. I do think about writing other things, and maybe I'll get back to it eventually, but I'm so easily distracted with EVERYTHING ELSE. There's a lot on my plate, so writing falls waaaaaaaay down on the priority list. I do write in my journal, and I'm on social media sporadically, but I've gotta do the year-in-review. They are pretty fun to do, and to go back and read, if I do say so myself. 

What did you do in 2016 that you’d never done before?
I started charging for my photography. It's always been a hobby until now, but it has kinda become a business. And I kinda like it.

Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

This is what I wrote last year (and the year before), and it still fits today: "Honestly, I don't remember what they were. Probably the usual, and I probably will." I do have a couple of resolutions for this year:
To finish the unfinished projects before I start more (there are so many . . .)
To spend less money on makeup
To be be unapologetically myself
To ask for what I want
(I don't think those would be iron-approved, but oh well. They are good for me.)

Did anyone close to you give birth?

I had a million social media friends who had babies. The closest to me was probably my sister's best friend Savannah, who let me take pictures of her sweet, tiny girl.

Did anyone close to you die?

Oh, man. 2016 has been pretty brutal on that front. My friend Doug Czerwinski (a.k.a. "Dougie Fresh") had been battling cancer for a few years, and he died in May. Karen Hoth, a friend from high school (we weren't really close, but our paths crossed fairly often) died in April, also from cancer. Another friend from work, Jayson Brown, died in December. My dearest friend Peggy's grandma died a few weeks ago, which has been so tough on her. And on December 31st, another dear friend lost her sister. Though I didn't know them personally, the deaths of David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Prince, Carrie Fisher, and George Michael also really hit me hard. I also had several friends get divorced, which isn't fun either. Gah. 

What countries did you visit?

No other countries; I did get into Nevada, Arizona, California, Wyoming and Idaho, though.

What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016? 

Confidence.

What date from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory?

February 6. I was able to escort my mother-in-law through the temple. What a lovely experience.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Becoming a "professional" photographer (i.e., earning money from it). Now to make it profitable . . . 

What was your biggest failure?

My lack of motherhood skills. I pretty much stink at it. Good thing I'm only limited to one kiddo. My photography drama with a certain family deserves a dishonorable mention, though. What a disaster that was. As was missing out on Tears for Fears, because I had to work, and I was fighting with one of my least favorite surgeons. Totally lame.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing major, but my feet are KILLING ME (turns out I have arthritis in both feet . . . YAY!). Allen, on the other hand, will be happy to tell you about his tummy troubles (which is also killing me). Apparently going gluten-free helps. Heaven help us all.

What was the best thing you bought?

My new-to-me 2006 Honda Pilot "Captain Jack," (since the color is Black Pearl), and also known as  J.T. (since it's a reliable classic like James Taylor, and bringing sexy back like Justin Timberlake). I mostly refer to him as Jack. He's a gas sucker, but pretty damn awesome.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Another repeat from last year: "Not mine, that's for sure. Grandma T (my mother-in-law), on the other hand, has been amazing." 

Where did most of your money go?

Bills. Car. Food. Concerts. Gifts. Pictureline. Bath & Body Works. Ulta. Amazon. Not necessarily in that order.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

It was another pretty epic year for entertainment. Here's the highlights:

2/20/16: Vance Joy (w/Elle King)--Saltair, with Allison
3/24/16: Salt Lake Comic Con Fan X--Salt Palace, with DeLayna
3/31/16: American Authors--State Room, with Allison
5/5-8/16: California (Harry Potter Land!), with Allen
7/14/16: Toad the Wet Sprocket--Sandy Amphitheater
7/21/16: James Taylor--Maverik Center, with Mom
7/28-30/16: Bryant Family Reunion @ Yellowstone
8/10-11/16: Shakespeare Festival, with Lynette
8/20/16: Sarah McLachlan & Josh Groban--USANA, with Allison
9/2/16: Salt Lake Comic Con--Salt Palace, with DeLayna
9/6/16: Toto--Sandy Amphitheater, with Dom
9/16/16: Def Leppard (w/REO Speedwagon)--USANA, with Dave & Lexy
9/26/16: Mumford & Sons--USANA, with Allison

What song will always remind you of 2016?

I haven't listened to much popular music. My favourite song of the year is probably "The Wolf" by Mumford & Sons. Oh man--that's good stuff. Hang on--that was number one for 2015. Oh well. It's good enough to merit two years in a row.

Here's my top 10 albums for this year. They weren't all released this year, but I spent lots of quality time with them.

10. What We Live For, American Authors
9. Wilder Mind, Mumford & Sons

8. Chaos and the Calm, James Bay

7. Sounds of Silence, Simon & Garfunkel

6. Johannesburg, Mumford & Sons

5. Dream Your Life Away, Vance Joy

4. The Essential Aerosmith, Aerosmith

3. Born in the USA, Bruce Springsteen

2. Greatest Hits, Bruce Springsteen

1. City of Black & White, Mat Kearney

I did make a fantastic workout playlist, which I listen to frequently. It's called "Rock It."
1. "Jaded" by Aerosmith
2. "Jungle" by X Ambassadors
3. "Looking too Closely" by Fink
4. "Miss Jackson" by Panic! At The Disco
5. "Waiting For The End" by Linkin Park
6. "Invisible" by U2
7. "My Body" by Young The Giant
8. "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark" by Fall Out Boy
9. "I'm So Sorry" by Imagine Dragons
10. "What We Live For" by American Authors
11. "Sugar, We're Goin' Down" by Fall Out Boy
12. "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith
13. "Mysterious Ways" by U2
14. "When You Were Young" by The Killers
15. "The Wolf" by Mumford & Sons
16. "Anna Sun" by WALK THE MOON
17. "Cedarwood Road" by U2
18. "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons
19. "Dani California" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
20. "Believer" by American Authors
21. "Dancing In The Dark" by Bruce Springsteen

You're welcome.

As for my top 10 songs of 2016 (or, the songs that have meant the most to me this year), here's the listl

10. "Georgia" by Vance Joy

9. "Human Touch" by Bruce Springsteen

8. "There Will Be Time" by Mumford & Sons

7. "Don't Wanna Fight" by Alabama Shakes

6. "Waiting For The End" by Linkin Park

5. "Hold Back The River" by James Bay

4. "Jaded" by Aerosmith

3. "Brilliant Disguise" by Bruce Springsteen

2. "Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen

1. "Here We Go" by Mat Kearney

This was actually a pretty hard list to compile, because I haven't been listening to a lot of music lately. I've become a bit obsessed with podcasts, especially Baconsale. Oh my gosh--they are so funny. And I'm nearly the same age as they are (I'm "an old,"), with a very similar background and interests. I've had to go back to the beginning and listen to old ones, so I can understand the inside jokes. So that's been a pretty big thing in my world. Love you, Kenny D, and thank you, Chunga!

Compared to this time last year, are you:

   Happier or sadder? Sadder.

   Thinner or fatter? Fatter. Blech.

   Richer or poorer?  Not sure.

What do you wish you’d done more of?  

Exercising.  Spending time with my boy.

What do you wish you’d done less of?  

Staying up too late.

How did you spend Christmas? 

In Logan, and at home

Did you fall in love in 2016?

With Kent, Joel and Jacob! Heck yes!

Who were your best friends?

Peggy, Heather, Stacy

What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?

I took loooots of pictures, which will hopefully become heirlooms for these awesome people!

What were your favorite TV programs?

Poldark, The Crown, Madam Secretary, Designated Survivor, The Mindy Project, 11/22/63

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I try not to hate people, but I'm really not a big fan of our president-elect.

What was the best book you read in 2016?

I didn't read a lot this year. The best is probably The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. My friend Annie became my personal librarian, having leant me many of these.

Harry Potter 1-7 (it's a tradition)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (which I actually really enjoyed)

The Light Between Oceans, M.L. Stedman

All The Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr

I've read more than this, but I can't remember what they were. I did get from 1 Nephi to Alma. Does that count for something?

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Bruce Springsteen. I knew a few songs, and I know I'm a little behind the curve, but one of my surgeons called him a "Poet Laureate," and I had to know more. WOW. 

What did you want and get?

Captain JT

What did you want but did NOT get?

A new computer and a Kindle. And a Nikon D750.

What was your favorite film of this year?

Fantastic Beasts was pretty good (B+). Rogue One was pretty good (B). Since it came out at the end of 2016, though I didn't see it until this week--La La Land (A). I haven't seen a lot of movies, TBH. Gotta get back on that.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I truly don't remember. 37. Gah.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

More sleep. 

What kept you sane?

Friends. PodBash. Good people at work and church and in my life. 

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Let's go with THE LIST. It changes, but these gentlemen are consistently top five:
1. Patrick Wilson
2. David Tennant
3. Chris Hemsworth (those arms . . . sigh)
4. Benedict Cumberbatch
5. Adam Clayton / Armie Hammer (tie)

What political issue stirred you the most?

2016 Presidential election. Everything about it was horrible. And it's only getting worse.

Who did you miss?

Todd, my work BFF who left without saying goodbye. I'm still not over it. 

Who was the best new person you met this year?

A few new co-workers (Keely, Paulie, Nicki, etc.). But the biggest influence in my life has been Jane Fjeldsted, who directs the Salt Lake Singers, the choir Paulie introduced me to. She is SO COOL and talented and full of life. If I can be half as spunky in my 40's as she is in her 60's, I would be everyone's favorite person. C'est vrai.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

There is not one road to happiness.

Quote that sums up your year:

From "Here We Go" by Mat Kearney

Around here (hey hey)
We've got a light here that's not going away
If all is broken and all is lost
Then I've been found,
So here's my heart
I'll give it over and over again.




And from "Human Touch" by Bruce Springsteen

Oh girl that feeling of safety you prize
Well it comes at a hard hard price
You can't shut off the risk and the pain
Without losin' the love that remains
We're all riders on this train

So you've been broken and you've been hurt
Show me somebody who ain't
Yeah, I know I ain't nobody's bargain
But, hell, a little touchup
and a little paint

You might need somethin' to hold on to
When all the answers, they don't amount to much
Somebody that you could just to talk to
And a little of that Human Touch

(PG-13 for this video)





Just do yourself a favor and watch/listen to both of these songs. They are AMAZING.

And that's all I have, friends. If you've read this far, you must really like me. And I like you too. A lot. Keep on keepin' on. And let me know how your 2016 went, eh?

Cheers!

Hold On To Me

Well, friends, another year has come and gone. It has been a big year--lots of ups and downs, good days and bad. I haven't done much blogging (er, any, really), but I have done a fair amount of journal writing ("this sh*t can't be hacked!") and Instagramming/Facebooking (not real verbs, I know). So I'm out there, just in a different way.

One thing I do think about throughout the year is what I'll be putting in this very post: my year-in-review. So here it is: a rundown of 2015 in all its glory.

What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?
I took the National Certification exam for surgical technologists. I am now officially a CST (Certified Surgical Technologist, though everyone calls us "scrubs"). Even though I have been scrubbing for 9+ years now, I've never been certified, because it wasn't required. Now it is, and It's rather a joke among my coworkers that we are all now so much better/intelligent/sparkly now that we are certified.

Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

This is what I wrote last year, and it still fits today: "Honestly, I don't remember what they were. Probably the usual, and I probably will."

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Dave & Lexy had baby #5 in August. I was so bummed not to be in Phoenix to meet little Asher on the day he was born, but I'm very happy to know my nephew now that they have moved back to Utah! Yay!

Did anyone close to you die?

My Great Uncle Wayne Bryant passed away in November. I didn't hear about it until a few weeks later; I guess there wasn't a funeral, which makes me sad. 

What countries did you visit?

No other countries; I did get into Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and California (the usual, I suppose).

What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?

An assurance that everything will work out the way it's supposed to.

What date from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory?

August 29. I won't really elaborate here, but that was the date of a pretty significant paradigm shift in my heart.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Passing the certification exam was a pretty big one. I also was promoted to a Tech III at work (the highest level you can attain within Intermountain). Not really big deals, but not too shabby.

What was your biggest failure?

I never got Benji into therapy. I need to get him evaluated and get that ball rolling. He needs more than the school can provide, and I need to buckle down and get it scheduled. 

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing major; just a really bad cold in October.

What was the best thing you bought?

Airline tickets and Disneyland. I need to fly more!!

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Not mine, that's for sure. Grandma T (my mother-in-law), on the other hand, has been amazing. 

Where did most of your money go?

Bills. Car. Food. Concerts. Gifts. Disneyland. Bath & Body Works. Ulta. Amazon. 

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Going to California in May with Allison for the U2 concerts! I'm still excited just thinking about how awesome it was!

What song will always remind you of 2015?

It's a tie between "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson w/Bruno Mars, and "Hello" by Adele. Here are the ALBUMS I spent some quality time with in 2015 (homework, you know).

10. Talking is Hard, Walk The Moon

9. 25, Adele

8. Just Kids, Mat Kearney

7. Sigh No More, Mumford & Sons

6. Smoke And Mirrors, Imagine Dragons

5. The Desired Effect, Brandon Flowers

4. VHS, X Ambassadors

3. Battle Born, The Killers

2. Young Love, Mat Kearney

1. Wilder Mind, Mumford & Sons

Some of these albums are a bit older, but I tend to listen to them over-and-over for a while. Songs of Innocence didn't make the list, because it came out in 2014, and I couldn't stop listening it to it then. I did listen to U2 non-stop while I was there for the concerts, and it was so great. 

My top 10 SONGS of 2015 (or, the songs that have meant the most to me this year)

10. "Moving On" by Mat Kearney

9. "Take Me To Church" by Hozier

8. "Polaroid" by Imagine Dragons

7. "The Crystal Ballroom" by U2

6. "Never Get You Right" by Brandon Flowers

5. "Avalanche" by Walk The Moon

4. "Unsteady" by X Ambassadors

3. "When We Were Young" by Adele

2. "Learning to Love Again" by Mat Kearney

1. "The Wolf" by Mumford & Sons

Popular songs like "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran and "Style" by Taylor Swift weren't bad, but they don't make the top 10. Sorry, Tay-Tay.

And the concert list for this year (it was pretty epic): 

Pentatonix (3/3/15, UCCU)

Mat Kearney (3/13/15, The Complex)

U2: Innocence & Experience (5/30, 5/31, The Forum, Los Angeles)

Train (with Matt Nathanson and The Fray, 7/19/15, USANA Amphitheater)

Imagine Dragons (with Halsey and Metric, 7/28/15, Energy Solutions Arena)

Walk The Moon (with Coin, 8/8/15, The Complex)

Brandon Flowers (9/28/15, The Complex)

Bastille (Nightmare Before Xmas, with Arcadia and Broken Kelby, 12/7/15, The Complex)

Seriously--it was a great concert season. The only one on the schedule for this year is Vance Joy @ The Complex, but I might need to go to Journey (USANA) Josh Groban & Sarah McLachlan (USANA), The Cure (Maverik Center).  I'm also hoping U2 will drop their next album soon ("Songs of Experience"), and with it more U.S. tour dates. We'll see how it all pans out!

Compared to this time last year, are you:

   Happier or sadder? Not sure at the moment. It depends on the day and how much sleep I've had.

   Thinner or fatter? Fatter, probably. I don't really keep track.

   Richer or poorer?  Slightly less in-debt, and I made more, so I guess I'm richer?

What do you wish you’d done more of?  

Exercising.  Spending time with my boy.

What do you wish you’d done less of?  

Staying up too late.

How will you be spending Christmas? 

Probably in Logan.

Did you fall in love in 2015?

Um...

Who were your best friends?

Peggy, Heather, Todd

What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?

I threw a baby shower for Alisa and organised a retirement dinner for Carol. I also made a photo book for Sarah & Chad's wedding.

What were your favorite TV programs?

Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Sherlock, The Mindy Project, Broadchurch. 

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Not really. I try not to hate people.

What was the best book you read in 2015?

I read quite a few books this year. The best is probably The Martian by Andy Weir (it was so good I read it twice!). Let's see if I can remember the rest: 

Harry Potter 1-7 (it's about time to read these again . . .)

The Cuckoo's Calling, Robert Galbraith

The Silkworm, Robert Galbraith

Career of Evil, Robert Galbraith

The Giver, Lois Lowry

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Jane Austen & Seth Grahame-Smith

The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom

The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman

The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Neil Gaiman

Bossypants, Tina Fey

How To Be Good, Nick Hornby

Funny Girl, Nick Hornby

This year (so far), I have read Brooklyn by Colm Toibin and Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson. Both pretty easy reads, but not spectacularly memorable.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

X Ambassadors. Good stuff!

What did you want and get?

An iPhone 6s Plus. Merry Christmas to me.

What did you want but did NOT get?

A Kindle. Sometimes toting books around gets old.

What was your favorite film of this year?

Star Wars Episode VII (I've seen it twice). The Martian was also very good, but the book was better. Mockingjay Part II and Selma were good. Inside Out was FANTASTIC. 

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I'm pretty sure I worked. I'll be 37 in a couple of weeks. Yikes!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

More sleep. And a car with a great sound system. 

What kept you sane?

Friends. Good people at work and church and in my life.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I'm currently crushing on Oscar Isaac. ("Poe DAMNeron, ammirite?")

What political issue stirred you the most?

Honestly, I try to avoid it. My car radio died, so I just listen to music. The bombings in Paris were tragic, but the political pundits make me crazy. I REALLY hope Donald Trump doesn't win the Republican nomination.

Who did you miss?

I don't get to see Peggy often enough, but she makes time for me. I miss Brittany Burgon--she hasn't responded to any of my attempts to reach her. Sad. 

Who was the best new person you met this year?

Todd (work friend). He makes me laugh.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2015.

The only thing you can control is yourself.

Quote that sums up your year:

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” 
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

So there you have it, folks (um, Erin--I'm pretty sure you're the only person still checking in! Thanks!). Here's to another trip around the sun. Let's make 2016 a good one, eh?