There has to be a special name for the time between Christmas and New Year’s, as this time seems like one of those rare moments in the year when everything is calmer, the streets are quieter, and everyone’s trying to catch their breaths as they brace themselves for the new year. Don’t you just love this particular time of the season? It’s like a denouement to a complex sequence of events, you know?

Man, I can’t believe 2011 is coming to an end! Looking back on the year that was, I’d say it was a great one. Now it wasn’t all smooth sailing, I doubt there’s even such a thing; however, on a scale of one to ten, with ten being awesome and zero being lame, I would say 2011 is an eight. Not bad, right? Are you as excited as I am for 2012? What kind of resolutions have you made for the new year? I have high hopes for everyone, whether you believe in resolutions or not. If you’re big on making annual goals or a list of some sort, good luck! I am actually making one for 2012.

Before I forget, I want to thank you all for being loyal readers, despite my intermittent blogging. I appreciate you for sticking it through with me. I hope to be able to up the ante around here for all of you.

So, perhaps now is the perfect moment for me to remember the highlights of my 2011, yeah?

January

We kicked off 2011 to a great start by welcoming the year with the masses in San Francisco. The mood was so festive, despite rain. What an experience it was!

February

I bravely took a new feat — knitting! I have always wanted to learn how to knit, but back then it didn’t make sense to knit woolens in a place where humidity levels were ridiculously high and the seasons were either hot or wet (or both). For my first knitting project, I made a cardigan in acrylic. Consequently, this was the beginning of my yarn addiction.

March and April

I remember baking and cooking up a storm in the kitchen during these months. I was so diligent with making monthly menus. If only I could be consistent with following through with the ones I made! Check out some of the recipes I tried that got the thumbs up from the mister and the son:

Red Velvet Cupcake, Jalapeño Poppers,
Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage,
and Halibut in Artichokes and Tomatoes

May

In May, we welcomed the cutest and fluffiest member of our family — Autumn. Fluffy kitty is fluffy. Need I say more?

June

June was one of my favorite months. Huzzah to completing an entire school year with the program I was assigned to! Another huzzah to being offered to teach in the same program for another year! (Because I seriously hate moving shelves and desks!) Further, I found out I was chosen to participate in a two-year mentoring program by the school district I work for. We’re talking direct staff support and training by the experts in special education here. How exciting, right?

July

This year’s summer school was a lot of fun! No finalizing IEPs, no typing reports — just four solid weeks of having fun in the classroom with my students. No pictures, though, due to privacy. You know how that one goes.

August

BEST. MONTH. EVER. Aside from celebrating my birthday with tons of shoes (Is there any other way?), I finally got my ovarian cyst removed, and later in the month found out that it was benign! What a relief!

September

We celebrated my son’s sixteenth birthday. Yup, it’s been sixteen years, and I still can’t get over it.

October

October was a crazy month! I held five frickin’ IEPs in one month, four of which were triennials. Who does that sort of thing?! Thank god it’s over, and I lived to tell about it!

November

November was a low point for my family and I. We mourned the tragic death of my uncle on my dad’s side. Read about it here.

December

Highlights of this month are: our 6th year anniversary, my driver’s license, finally! (Hah!) and spending Christmas with the most important and special people in my life! Oh, and let’s not forget the shoes! *grin*

Happy New Year! May your 2012 be just as wonderful, if not better, than 2011.