Let’s face it: not everything we bloggers put out there is a gem. In fact, if I had to estimate my gem to non-gem ratio, I’d say it’s about 10% gem/90% non-gem, and that’s probably on the generous side.
Anyway, I thought I would comb through every post I published in 2013 to create an end-of-year wrap-up list, in case you want to do a little reminiscing on the cusp of the new year, or maybe you’re just looking for reading material.
By the way, just so we’re clear, each post I qualify as a “gem” must satisfy one or more of the following Melisa-determined requirements:
1. well written
2. got a great reaction from readers
3. favorite family story
4. good recap of a milestone
OR
5. none of the above but I just liked it a whole lot
Pretty strict guidelines, you know?
In January I wrote about my extremely odd struggle with the constant desire to write warm and fuzzy posts and wondering if I was annoying people. As usual, I over-thought it. In the end I decided to just stay here and wait for another message…from myself.
In February it started to sink in that Jim and I would really become empty nesters, in real life, for real starting in the fall.
In March I wrote about how the grass is greener where you water it. Living in the moment can be a big challenge and I work on it every single day.
My cousin got married in April, and I headed out to California for the weekend to attend the ceremony. I visited a couple of friends, did some sight-seeing, and really just thoroughly enjoyed the solo trip, which even came with an anthem. Once I returned from my trip there was no time to waste, as I had a show to prepare for.
The first weekend of May brought the second annual LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER show in Chicago, and a whole bunch of related stuff along with it, like how Tracey—who is normally the Phoebe to my Monica—turned into the Monica to my Phoebe for one glorious week.
In June I applied to be a FUNshine Distributor (a position I made up) with Carnival Cruise Lines, and although I never heard from them I’m still holding out hope.
I landed in the hospital at the end of June and started July off by writing a “Take Care of Yourself!” PSA that was later syndicated by BlogHer. Late in the month I had a little adventure in the O’Hare parking garage that I wouldn’t wish on anybody.
My struggles with my impending empty nester status came to a head in August, but in the end the transition was made successfully, with a little emotional help from others. I also wrote a love letter to my Dailey Method family on the occasion of my one year anniversary. Er, fourteen month anniversary. (I was busy.)
At the beginning of September I published what is already my second most-visited post of all time, the Portillo’s Chopped Salad recipe. (Yum.) Also food-related, I had a crisis of epic proportions when I ran out of chocolate chips. I ended the month trying to convince you to go somewhere—anywhere!—all by yourself.
In October I vlogged the “Office Space”-style destruction of my cell phone (SO satisfying!) and celebrated six years of Suburban Scrawl with a list of some of the amazing things I’ve gotten to do because of this here blog.
In November I spent five awesome days with my sistuh-from-anuthuh-muthuh in New Jerrrrsey, and wrote a recap of the trip that included some of my favorite moments with each person in her family. I also gladly released some parenting angst, and closed out the month by live-blogging our Latke-palooza. It was hilarious. (To me, anyway.)
Finally, December. I showed you what goes through my head every time I hear one of the most famous songs from the late 70s. I wrote a tough post about the personal growth I’ve experienced when it comes to body image. I let you in on why I love to give gifts, and I wrote about my mad pomegranate smacking skills during “Jew Help A Christian Day”.
2013 was quite a year. Most people would say, “I don’t know how 2014 could possibly top it,” but I’m not most people.
I say, “2013 was pretty awesome but I’m going to make 2014 even better!”
I hope you do, too. Happy New Year! Group hug!
2 Comments
Liz
What a fabulous year, most especially because I (along with my family) got to share in some of your favorite things of 2013. Looking forward to more adventures in 2014, love you!
Tracey
I’m glad you’re not most people.