A Look Back at 2010

We've all had one of those days. You know what I'm talking about. Those, I hate my life, self-deprecating attitude, woe is me, wah wah wah days. And I also know that it's the holidays, so I should be happy and merry and blah blah blah. Nevertheless, today I had one of those days. 


I'm not sharing this for a pity party, unless you want to throw me a party, in which case I like devil's food cake with cream cheese frosting and white wine, but because it's really caused me to think. After spending nearly a week at home with my parents, coming home to my empty apartment in a town I still don't quite know that I like, just didn't feel right. To be completely honest, the thought of driving to Madison when I leave Green Bay to go "home" still feels completely foreign to me. I'm pretty sure my car wants to go on autopilot straight down Hwy . 43 to Milwaukee to exit on 94, drive past Miller Park, and take that double exit toward Brookfield and head right into Waukesha. However, there's quite a hiccup there. I no longer live in Waukesha. 


I've got to make peace with the fact that I am really quite "homeless." Now, I have a lovely apartment and I really do enjoy it, but I don't feel like I have a place that I live where I can truly be at home. That got me to thinking that maybe I need to fix that in the new year. That thought meant that I really need to change my down in the dumps attitude. In truth, it doesn't suit me well and was starting to annoy even myself. I was trying to think of something positive about living here, and while the juries still out on that particular thought, I did start to think of all the good things I have going for me. There are a lot, but sometimes I lose a little perspective. 

So with the goal of gaining a little perspective and getting my act together to enjoy the rest of my winter break,  here are some great things that happened to me in 2010. I've included words and pictures for your reading pleasure. 

I student taught at two great schools and learned a TON about what it takes to be a teacher. 

I started drinking beer! A major accomplishment for my stomach and my wallet.

I saw Phil Vassar in concert THREE times! Can't wait for this summer. 

Made the very first food trip to Ohio and Chicago. We ate awesome food, saw great places, and met new people. Like my new friend Dave! 

It was the 2nd Annual Zoo and Booze. Sadly the best picture I had of the whole event was of our lunch. 

I babysat for my two little buddies-Alden and Caiden. I also learned not to call Alden "porkchop" because "He's a TIGER!"

It was a family reunion year. We all had to wear the same colors, but Team Carole took it one step further with matching yellow shirts. Uncle Danny and Amanda visited as well, which is always a big deal. 

I was a bridesmaid for the first time in my cousin Julie's wedding. Don't Chris and I look snazzy?

My brother surprised me and came to my graduation from Carroll. -- I couldn't find the pictures from that, but the wedding was the same weekend. and we look much better here anyway. 

Wedding No. 2-Lindsey's wedding. We were affectionately know as "that table" and "the wild table." Definitely fitting of this motley crew. 

Made a few visits to Illinois. This one was for Sara's 25th Birthday. 

I got a job. My amazing 135 students have taught me that even when you're 12, the Lorax might be the coolest guy ever. 

I cut 11 inches off my hair to donate to Locks of Love. 

Spent time with another few friends for their 25th birthdays. Aren't we cute? 

All in all, despite a lot of changes, 2010 was a pretty spectacular year. 2011 can only have better things in store right? Well, that is once I put my big girl pants back on and go make it happen.