Everyone else is posting about their year end recaps. It genuinely looks like everyone had an awesome year, and learned a lot. However, let me be the fountain of negativity when I say-I am SO GLAD 2012 is over. Yes, it had many blessings and I learned and grew, but if you’re like me (and most of my friends….) 2012 was not the best year ever. A friend and I were discussing the other day if it was actually 2012 that was so awful, or just being 25 that made it so difficult, but either way. I cannot wait for tomorrow night, not because of the partying or the drinking, but because I am really ready for 2012 to get the f*** out of here.
I’m just being real here, guys.
A Year in Review
…..SERIOUSLY?!
If it is any indication of how my 2012 has gone…I had this post all typed out month-by-month with really awesome pictures, and then a glitch in WordPress took it all away. 2 Hours of Work. So in the spirit of washing my hands of 2012-I am going to wash my hands of this post. Boo. I’m not going to do it all over again, but I will tell you some of the highs and lows.
The Highs
1.) February- I purchased my puppy Murray in February of this year. He has taught me so much about commitment, responsibility and unconditional love. Definitely the best thing I did for myself this year.
2.) April- I started this blog on April 27th, 2012. I don’t think the posts are still up since they were kinda just dabbling thoughts about my upcoming move back home, but nevertheless, I registered the name etc. this past April.
3.) June-I won my first-ever contest and got free “Book of Mormon” tickets for me and my Mom. We flew to NYC for the day and had a ball. I also visited the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas in June and it was one of the most eye-opening trips, ever. I’m glad I took my friend up on his last-minute offer to accompany him to L.A. I have never felt so small as I did when I was standing at the canyon looking over into it.
4.) November-“Money Tree” hit 9,000 pageviews and celebrated 100 posts. I also started video blogging!
The Lows
1.) March-The bullying at work escalated and I ended up leaving my job. It was easily one of the worst months of my life having to deal with the fallout over all of that.
2.) May-Moving home was definitely one of the better decisions I made this year, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t terrifying and exhausting at the same time.
2.) October/November- My boyfriend and I broke up, and I moved out of the apartment we shared together. I still feel kinda rough about it, but getting better each day.
What is my take-away from all of this? Not many people I know had a bomb-ass year in 2012. A friend and I were discussing if it was 2012 that had been so rough, or simply being 25 and weathering the storms of our respective quarter-life crisis. I know I am lucky, especially compared to some who had such crippling lows this year, but at the end of the day…I am ready for a fresh start.
My puppy, my blog, all of my new friends I’ve made this year is what I am going to takeaway and try to forget the pain some of the bigger life lessons cost me in the end.
How was your 2012? What are your big plans for tonight?
Hi, my name is Lauren but I'm known to those nearest and dearest as L. Bee. After twenty-five years on the planet I have worked in a lot of industries, moved to many different cities, and made almost every money mistake you can make.Join me on my journey as I navigate my twenties and try not to pick my "money tree" bare.
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You don’t have to feel so alone. If I looked at my life from one perspective, it would suck. I made 38k living in one of the most expensive cities, hardly dated at all, watched friends take vacations I couldn’t, get engaged, have babies, etc. But there is another way to look at it…it made me a much stronger person and I learned some much needed life skills, even at 42 there is so much more I can learn. And when things have been hard, they can only get better. And trust me this has nothing to do with being 25…you will have ups and downs your whole life. But, I do hope for amazing things for you in 2013!
Budget & the Beach recently posted..13 Ways to Start the New Year Right
Aww I’m sorry about your year! I hope 2013 is fantastic for you! And tonight we are going out and dancing, woohooo!
Michelle recently posted..Wedding Ideas
All the best for a wonderful 2013 Lauren!! I hope you find balance, happiness, and love. They can’t all be great years, so let’s hope 2013 will be.
Pauline recently posted..Little house in Guatemala, week 8-9 and cost recap
My crappy years go in cycles. 2011 was crap for me, but 2012 was a good one. My son was born a few days ago, I paid off my credit cards, and I got a promotion at work. 2012 has been good to me, but that means that 2013 will be rough. I go about every other year and I hope I can change it for 2013.
Grayson @ Debt Roundup recently posted..Ways to Use Your Credit Card without Accumulating Debt
I hope that you end up having an awesome 2013!!!
Tonight we are staying in. I don’t like to risk my life out on the roads with all the drunk crazies =)
Holly@ClubThrifty recently posted..Make Money after the Holidays by Selling These 3 Items
25 is a rough year for a lot of people. We both struggled with 25, but came through it and are doing pretty darned well 5 years later. You’ll make it. =)
Mrs. Pop @ Planting Our Pennies recently posted..TVP Chili – A Recipe For Your Health And Wealth
2012 was a hit or miss for me too. I got braces, left a job that made me cry everyday for a cool one and made more money than I ever had before. I also broke up with someone I had been with for six years which left me heartbroken. I’m doing better and in a good relationship now but sometimes things effect you in ways you weren’t expecting. Hope 2013 is good for both of us!
Athena recently posted..Couponing: An Important Part Of Your Budget
Lauren, you crack me up! 2012 did suck which is why I only wrote about the good things in my post because the bad was just so bad. 2012 can let leave on a fast train,and not let the door hit it where the good Lord split it.
I think we all have bad years every once in a while. That’s how we get to really appreciate the good years.
Murray is the the cutest little puppy, I’m so glad you had him to help you throughout the breakup. There is nothing like coming home to a puppy who absolutely adores you and wants to spend every minute of every day by your side.
I know having Ricky around really brightens up my day whenever I am feeling a bit down.
Here’s to a better 2013!
Glen @ Monster Piggy Bank recently posted..Get Smarter About Money In 6 Steps
it looks like you had some serious highs and lows, hopefully 2013 is full of more of the former..
and it is so great that you have created this site as an outlet.. you are a very engaging writer, and i know that all of your readers (me included!) have really enjoyed going along for the ride..
jefferson @SeeDebtRun recently posted..How to Stop Biting Your Nails
Sorry to hear that 2012 wasn’t kind to you, but you did get a puppy out of it, so life is far from all bad.
I do hope that 2013 gives you a lot more to be happy about in the next 12 months.
Alex recently posted..How to Have Good Luck