It’s time for 2011 Teacher Year in Review . . .

It’s always tough to narrow things down to ONE – but here’s my list:

11. Favorite Movie – 50/50

I really enjoy watching movies, but this year one came at the right time and couldn’t be more perfect, HILARIOUS, and touching without being sappy or unrealistic. I can’t say enough good things about it.

10. Favorite TV Series – The Big Bang Theory

I have SOOOOO many favorite shows. It really is too hard to pick just one. But this is the first one to pop in my head, so it must be my favorite, right?

 

9. Favorite Restaurant – Wood Ranch Grill

I really don’t have a favorite restaurant. Lately I’ve been loving Wood Ranch Grill {the Raspberry Pomegranate Martini is AMAZING!}

 

8. Favorite New Thing You Tried – Blog Stalking & Pinterest

I know, I know… that’s 2 things. But seriously, I can’t seem to get enough of either!

7. Favorite Gift You Received – Cast Iron Enameled Pot {and diamond earrings}

I know. Strange. But I LOVE IT! I have wanted one of these pots forEVER! It is so awesome. {and the earrings were an extra bonus!}

6. Favorite Thing You Pinned – Aaahhhhh!!

This is WAYYYYY too hard, but I am posting a pic of a cake I pinned and made for Christmas. It was soooooo good.

5. Favorite Blog Post – uhm

I haven’t blogged enough in quantity or worthiness to truly reply to this one. But the iPod post has had a bazillion views…. so that’s pretty cool.

4. Favorite Accomplishment – Beating the crap out of cancer!

I’ve spent too many hours hating 2011, but in the end – Lots of positive came out of what would seem to be a rather *yucky* year. Cancer was found (would have been way worse if it wasn’t!). Cancer was fought with everything known to man. This month’s scans show cancer is gone. All-in-all… that’s not too shabby!

3. Favorite Picture – Overcoming vanity

The vanity part of cancer is HORRIBLE. The process of losing yourself is just… weird. Strange that this is a favorite pic, but it helps me see what I’m capable of and what I DID accomplish from the start to the worst day. I didn’t think I would take any pictures this Christmas because the thought of having this *look* as a memory was not fascinating to me. At all. But I love this pic of my daughter, my mom and I. Another reminder that you just gotta live life and enjoy. Focus on all that is WONDERFUL and never forget to LAUGH. {even at yourself! …. have a pic of me looking like Uncle Fester …lightbulb and all… I almost posted that, too!}

2. Favorite Memory – It’s gone.

I truly try to find something to enjoy in every single day. I have many, many favorite memories. The one where I felt the most elation this year, though was a few weeks ago when my doctor told me my scans showed no signs of cancer and that treatment was officially over.

1. Goal for 2012 – Enjoy

I’ve decided to just simply *enjoy*. I plan on using that word I NEVER use… NO… when I absolutely have to – so that I don’t get overwhelmed with the things that make me miserable. I will not stress about curriculum police, the ludicrous notion of 30 1st graders effectively learning to read, and all that other stuff I cannot control. I will enjoy my family and friends and continue to find the laughter in every day.

It was fun to reflect and appreciate. Thanks girls for the linky party! Go link up with my fellow So Cal ladies . . . Hadar @ Miss Kindergarten & Kristin @ A Teeny Tiny Teacher.