2011 in a nutshell

I'm a bit late on this but my tops of 2011 are finally here.
I'm not going to lie either, 2011 was a tough year. Physically, mentally, emotionally and financially.

Not a lot of huge things happened in 2011 but parts of it was rough.

1. My grandmother passed away. She was 98 years old and a truly wonderful woman. She was this little thing who had so much spunk and attitude. As she got older that spunk and attitude faded. I saw it fade considerably after my 101 year old grandfather passed away in 2007. And honestly, I am surprised she lived so long after he passed. They were married just shy of 74 years and after spending that much time together, I would think it would be difficult to continue. But, she carried on. And I am grateful for it. As we both got older it became my duty to either take her to or from Boston every year or so, so she could visit. I loved it. It was one of my favorite things. I will forever cherish those times I had with her.

2. One of my college professors passed away in November. I hadn't been in journalism in almost five years but because of Les Anderson I can edit the hell out of stuff. I catch almost everything in emails, newsletters and Facebook status' (and whether I am supposed to put an "s" after the ' is still beyond me. I should probably check the Stylebook). My coworkers give me things to proof constantly. And I thank Les. He took his time for everyone and made every one of his students feel as though they are the most important person at the time of him talking to them. He helped me find my first job in journalism as a sports writer. I wouldn't have ever gotten there had it not been for him.

3. Margaret Rose. The same year we lose Antoinette Grace, we gain Margaret Rose. My first niece and she's perfect. She's so wonderful to have around and the year Grandpa Bianco died we got Michael Cooper. And we found out his middle name on my Grandpa Cooper's birthday. His middle name: Cooper. :) I can't wait to watch Maggie grow up with two older brothers. I can't wait to share my American Girl books with her and help her be a tomboy but girly at the same time.

4. I moved from my house after 5 years. Ok, nearly five years. I spent so much time there, it was time for a change. I needed something new and at the VERY end of 2011, I packed boxes and bags and moved stuff about 3 miles away. And I believe it was one of the best moves. Granted I don't know anyone so I'm alone a lot, I feel better about myself. A new year, a new place. It's a good start, right? I'd like to think so. By the end of the year, I will find out if it was a good move. I've got 12 months to find out.

5. More babies. Lacey and Caroline are both expecting again. And I am so excited for them! Caroline is having a boy for sure and I'm pretty sure Lacey is too. I just have that feeling- or well, Brian's grandmother has that feeling. And those feelings are pretty dang accurate.

6. Andrea ran her first 10k in June. She wanted to start running and we hooked up and started running. I believe Jon had a hand in this. It had been so long since we had seen or spoken to each other, we needed this time to get back and know each other and watch each other grow up again. We both needed and need it.

2011 wasn't all that bad, but it was tough. I am glad to see it go and hope 2012 is better.