How Much A Year Can Change Your Life – 2012 in Review

As we begin the new year, I always like to take a moment to reflect upon the previous year.  Though most of my time was spent sleep deprived and being spit up on, I realize that it was an amazing year.  It was the year my son was born, the year my little girl became a toddler, and the year I realized that I am a blogger journalist.

And Then There Were Two

It sounds so cliché, but it’s true.  One of the most memorable days of my life is April 9, 2012.  That evening, Anderson James Cramer came into our lives.  I never thought I could love someone as much as my little Charly, but I learned the human heart has an immense capacity for love.  His smile, and he smiles a lot, makes the world a wonderful place. Sometimes I cry because I love him so much.  Seriously, what has happened to me?  Oh yes, I am a mom.

With a toddler comes a lot of attitude. With Charly turning two, I didn’t know just what I was in store for.  A little one who can argue her case already, a sweet little girl who is always reminding me “it’s OK Mommy,” when I sweat the small things, and a girl with an imagination that will take your breath away.  Each day I learn something new from her.  How a pretzel can look like a ferry boat and that I should drive slowly and watch out for bunny rabbits and reindeer because they cross the road.  She is a constant reminder of all that is good in the world, and I love having her by my side.

I am amazed at how much motherhood has changed my life. Now I can’t imagine my life without my two little ones.  Well, yes I can.  I do have those moments that I miss my little convertible and nights out on the town, but they are fleeting. What I look forward to now is seeing their smiles, watching them grow, and change with each passing day.  Knowing that my husband and I are doing an OK job raising them.

However, one of my goals for 2013 is to find a bit of myself again.  I know that a lot of people think it’s ridiculous to use the New Year as an excuse, but I like it.  It’s a chance to start fresh, to be the person we want to be.  I am not shooting for anything like a Master’s Degree or a trip to Maui.  I am thinking a bit more attainable though possibly just as rewarding. Perhaps that means going back to the gym (since it’s been almost a year — yikes).  Perhaps that means a full-time job (how will I juggle it all???).  Perhaps that means something as simple as having my eyebrows done every month again.  I am not quite sure, but I know that I need to achieve a bit more for myself.

Suddenly A New Career

In November of 2011, I was surprised when Wendy Harman & Win Baker of Point B Realty asked me to write a lifestyle blog for their company. I was not a writer, and since Plum TV had closed its doors, I felt out of touch with Island happenings.  However, it seems as though they knew me better than I knew myself.  When we started writing the On Point Blog, which thank you for reading, I had no idea what to expect.

A year later, I am still writing On Point, and I love it.  I like being able to tell the stories about the people on Martha’s Vineyard.  I am never at a loss for things to write about. This little Island is a constant source of interesting things and amazing people.  Where else can you be writing about a wild food challenge, talk to one of the contestants entering, who just happens to make the most amazing cutting boards ever?

Or ride a horse through the Chilmark countryside because it’s a story?  Or, you meet someone from the Charter School who also happens to be a cartoonist for the New Yorker?  Or hear a love story that becomes something you have to share, when you really were there to learn about jewelry?  One story always leads to another if you ask the right questions.

Over the past year, so many people have invited me into their world and shared their stories with me.  I never thought of myself as a journalist, but it’s what I’ve become. Once again, the Vineyard yields its magic.  Who knew that I could write a blog?  Oh yes, Wendy & Win – Thank you!  With that, I am excited to see what adventures I have with On Point in 2013!

2012 was a big year for indeed my little family of four.  I am thankful for all the ups and downs I experienced, and now I am ready for a whole new chapter in this crazy little life of mine.  Wishing you an wonderful 2013, filled with nothing but good health and good things.

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