2011 Wrap-up

Another fantastic year for the books. :-)
Let's see...

• We did our usual Pgh and Boston trips, including a fantastic Trunzo family reunion this year. We also enjoyed the charms (and beignets) of NOLA, a quick trip to Great Wolf Lodge, our home away from home OBX, and Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving. I didn't leave the country this year at all, I realize; my passport must be getting lonely at this point. Wow. Among miscellaneous domestic trips, I did get to see Coronado Island and Reno thanks to IBM, though.
• The financial struggles of the real estate disaster (thanks so much, banking industry!) are finally more in the Paid then the Debt column, and having some breathing room again is lifting a little of the stress we've been under the past few years.
• I did not quit any of my jobs, but I haven't started any additional ones either. Nor taken on any new degrees or major new projects. Baby steps to work/life balance...
• I started a new role at IBM this year (again) and built a fantastic team that I am really enjoying. I won two corporate awards, and earned my first full patent. Pretty neat stuff.
• Ade is basically ready to start a job, and live on her own. Ha. Truly, she is so mature and intelligent. She has blossomed at Goddard School, and is an avid learner. Her imagination, creativity, and sweet manners are all we could ask for. Her artwork astounds us daily. The iPod she got for Christmas last year has been one of the smartest purchases we've ever made. She told me the other day that she wanted to be an author when she grows up, and I certainly hope that she is. She asked me to buy her some blank books so she can start writing. :-) Her hair is even longer! Well... a little...
• We've all even been fairly healthy this year! No major emergencies or illnesses, save for my bout of shingles. Monthly massages, chiropractor visits - we have tried to focus more on healthy living. After valiantly attempting yoga for 2 months, I am now dedicated to keeping up with a minor running habit. 

In all, it has been a fairly stabalizing year all around. Yea, I think stabilizing is the right word for 2011. I have tried to keep the word Generous in mind as much as possible this year, though I can certainly keep working on it. I can't speak for how well Ryan feels he has achieved his Patience/Tolerance resolution, but I think I have seen some improvements. ;-)

In 2012, I hope that we continue to focus on healthy habits, financial resolutions, and quality family time with fun travel. We have a trip to Disney planned for February, Adelaide will turn FIVE!!!, and start kindergarten. I think we already know the year is shaping up to be full of milestones.