2011 Reflection

I saw these questions on Escaping the City's blog and thought I would reflect and answer the questions.

Did you try anything new in 2011?
Nope, not really. I did run my first half marathon.

What was the most memorable gathering you attended (or held) in 2011?

The most memorable gathering this year was, by far, Amanda & Chris's wedding. The whole time in Saskatchewan was fun. Stupid things happened. Laughs happened. Ripped shirts happened.

Did you discover a favourite song or musical artist in 2011?
Adele. I seriously love her :-)

Five things you do not want to forget from 2011?

My 1/2 marathon.
Beating Daylan at the Banff Olympic Triathlon.
Amanda & Chris's Wedding.
Holding Gido's Hand.
Our trip to see Adam in Fort McMurray.

What was your favourite gift given and/or received in 2011?
A repeating theme here but I think the greatest gift given to me was the honour of writing and delivery Gido's eulogy.

What was your funniest story from 2011?
OMG. It would probably be when my Mom sounded as though she was speaking in Native tongue and Candace and I spent a couple hours listening to a 1 min video and laughing ourselves into hysterics. I had several gut busting episodes with Candace this year.

Was there anything you were feeling nostalgic for in 2011?
There was a lot of nostalgia when Gido passed away and I am always nostalgic when I think of my grandma.

10 things you were thankful for in 2011?
In no particular order:
1. Family

2. My heating pad

3. Laughter

4. Games

5. My bike and treadmill

6. My health

7. Renewed friendships

8. Fruitful garden

9. A break from Chickens

10. My new car

Did you form any new, or strengthen any existing, relationships in 2011?
I think my relationship with my cousin Candace was strengthened. We spent a lot of time together this year. We can talk about anything, laugh over the silliest things and we both enjoy red wine.

What was something you planned to do in 2011 but didn't?
I had planned to do a 1/2 ironman race but it never happened. Really though, it is ok. A race like that needs adequate training and I just wasn't prepared enough.

What was your biggest indulgence in 2011?
I think my biggest indulgence, for myself, was my new camera lens.

What was the best meal you enjoyed in 2011?
The best meal of 2011 would have to be our lobster dinner on New Years Eve. All of us around the table, each wearing Happy New Year hats, tearing into our own lobster.

What was your favourite photo taken OF you and/or the photo you loved best that you took in 2011?

My favorite photo taken of me is probably the one with all my kids down by the tressel in Camrose. I am usually the one behind the camera and it was nice to have a picture with my darlings.

My favorite photo taken this year is harder to nail down as I take some many pictures. However, I love the picture I took of Amanda and Chris on the pier as part of their wedding day.

What was your most memorable moment with family in 2011?
I think I would have to say Gido's funeral. Some will say, FUNERAL, most memorable? But yes! Our family grieves but we also reflect and remember in a way that is not sober or depressing. We really hold each other up :-)

What was the bravest thing you did in 2011?
The bravest thing I did this year was writing and delivering Gido's euolgy. It was such an honour but also a huge responsibility.

Did you visit any place that holds special meaning to you in 2011?
Going back to the "Church on the Hill" to bury Gido. The "Church on the Hill" was a place we visited many times with Baba & Gido and is now the place they rest together.

What was your most surprising revelation in 2011?
Empathy can be as powerful as forgiveness.

Do you remember any of your goals and resolutions from 2011?
Ummm not really. One of them was probably lose weight, which I did.

What was your most memorable trip in 2011?
Mexico with Adam in December.

What was your most saddest moment in 2011?
I have two. The first one, was visiting my grandma after a lengthy absence. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see her with advancing Alzheimers. The second, was losing Gido. It was a very final goodbye for the Wizniuk family.

What phrase or saying did you pick up in 2011?
From the mouth of Tyson "No Bad Words"

What do you believe in?
This is a hard question to answer and I think it might be worth it's own blog post.

How did you celebrate your birthday in 2011?
I celebrated my birthday this year at Big Valley Jamboree.

What could you have done without in 2011?
Not really. Everything happens for a reason and is an opporunity for knowledge and growth.

What did you regret not getting to or not doing in 2011?
See above.

When did you feel your most authentic in 2011?
I felt my most authentic when I was racing. Whether it was my 1/2 marathon or triathlon, competing is in my blood.

What was the most important, or potent, lesson you learned in 2011?
You are stronger than you think.

What is your greatest wish for 2012?
My greatest wish for myself is to remain injury free during my training endevours. I wish health and happiness to everyone I love, whatever that may mean to them.