2014 was a year to remember. I realize that I am almost a month late in my reminiscences but that should indicate that 2014 was good enough to still be thinking about.
Traditionally I have never made resolutions, or the resolutions I made would quickly be forgotten and dusted over in some unopened journal. 2014 turned out to be a very "resolved" sort of year. Not only did I make a list of particle resolutions but I completed the entire list by October 25th, 2014.
My list as follows:
1. Donate platelets for Primary Children's
Platelets are a type of blood cell that form clots to stop bleeding. Cancer patients have a reduced number of these blood cells when on Chemo which makes surgery very dangerous. The process is about an hour long and can be rather uncomfortable. Once the platelets are removed from the blood it is then cycled back into the body. I learned from my maiden voyage of platelet sifting that I have Herculean sized veins. To the absolute glee of the workers and Vampires world wide, my veins are able to hold the largest size needle for over an hour.
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(You see that orange one? That is a 10 gage needle. We have gotten to know each other this year.)
As it turns out, my blood type is really common so I get called by Primary Children's on a monthly basis. Because of this resolution I now know the Pediatric Oncology unit's surgery schedule, and I even have two little boys who use my blood regularly. The human body is the gift that keeps on giving!
2. Read the entire collected works of F. Scott Fitzgerald
This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I admit, I love Fitzgerald just like the overly romantic Pinterest fanatics. Cliche as it is, Fitzgerald is one of my all time favorite authors. His collection of short stories are particularly enjoyable. Fitzgerald actually made most of his money from writing short magazine publishing. Niel bought me Fitzgerald's entire works so this resolution was very easy to fulfill.
My top picks:
The Offshore Pirate: This was hands down my favorite short story. It is beautifully written and a rather thought provoking story. I recommend it for a quick and entertaining read.
The Beautiful and Damned: This novel has all the elegance of The Great Gatsby. The characters are not ideal people, but I found that each character represents parts of ourselves. I feel that the whole premiss of the book is how our expectations and understanding of life changes overtime. So whenever you are in the mood to contemplate life's vicissitudes explore these pages!
3. Compile my favorite quotes
I don't have much to say for this, but having a journal full of quotes makes one wax poetic!
4. Run a half marathon....and buy new jeans to celebrate :).
Chandra and I started running together at a 5k in Charleston South Carolina. Our running partnership continued and we decided to run the Haunted Half. I never thought I would see the day, but I loved it!
And last but not least....I found a pair of Jeans on sale for $6.00!! So with that final purchase my resolutions were resolved and 2014 turned out to be very rewarding! Since January 1st however I have been convinced that it is now 2013.....clearly I have some more work to do this year! So this is me raising my figurative glass to you in the hopes for another good year.
