2012 : In Review

I had many exciting adventures in 2012 like skydiving from 13,500 feet, biking across the golden gate bridge, and completing the Doug Flutie 5K (my first official 5k). I also finished some much needed home remodeling projects such as installing the new baseboards, crown molding, adding a breakfast bar and giving the whole place a much needed paint job. I got my first retail part time seasonal job at Sur La Table and worked 219 hours and 35 minutes in the last 2 months of 2012. 

I posted 111 blog entries and completed 19 of my 101 things in 1001 days. With those 19 under my belt I am left with 71 more tasks to complete. Many of the 71 are multi part and have begun. I just need to make sure I stay focused and complete them.

I also completed my condo refinance which cut my monthly mortgage payments significantly. This has helped me get closer to reaching my goals of significantly cutting debt and helping me gain more financial freedom. My days of carefree spending are long over and today I enjoy finding a deal and saving money more than I ever enjoyed spending it. While I went over budget last year I think I have made enough adjustments that 2013 will be the year I stay on budget and finish strong.

2012 also had its many challenging events and setbacks for both me and my family. The biggest and most significant loss we had was the passing of our family matriarch and my grandmother. She passed away at 98 years old after complications related to a blood clot and pneumonia. This loss was devastating for both me and my family but especially for my father who has only had one parent for most of his life after losing his father at a young age. For me it was hard because she was the only grandparent I have had for the past 28 years and I have so many fond memories of my time spent with her. She will be missed greatly and will always hold a special place in all our hearts.

There were other losses too although far less devastating. The family suffered a significant financial setback as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The sea wall in front of our beach house was severely damaged and has resulted in very costly repairs what will take months to complete.

I also had an unfortunate expense of my own caused by a bad mechanic and a poorly installed timing belt which forced me to replace my car engine in early November. This was not an expense that I had planned for and caught me off guard. The good news is that I have nearly recuperated from the expense in large part to my seasonal part time job.

We finished off the year with one final setback. My brother discovered at the tail end of the year that his job was being eliminated while they shifted the company offices and reduced the number of regions from 8 to 3. While this has the opportunity to bring a new and exciting chapter in his life the unexpected change will definitely impact his family.

While 2013 was a roller coaster for me and my family it was a year of both great achievements and personal loss. It was a year I won’t say I wasn’t happy to see end. I am looking forward to 2013 with hope and excitement that it brings great times with friends and family but less loss and distractions. I hopeful that the as the first year of the Fire Cycle signified by the Black Snake in Chinese Astrology 2013 will bring me good luck and prosperity. My lucky element is wood and I will have to focus on it to better position myself for good fortune. Spring will be my lucky season and my lucky direction is east. Hopefully living in the north east will bring a spring filled with good vibes.