13 Posts for 2013

2012, wow. What a year! Strange, thrilling, maddening, challenging, frustrating, and elating... and all in just 366 days. I can't say that I'm excited that 2012 is over, but I can't say that I'm sad to see it go. 

2012 will always be the year that John proposed.  But it will also always be the year that he left for Afghanistan. But 2012 will also be the year that I traveled more than I have in a long time. It's the year I spent more time with my Grandpa, the year I started writing again, the year I began a blog, the year I completed a half-marathon. It is the year I lived in two time zones and tried to function in both of them. And, perhaps, not coincidentally, I was sicker this year than I have been for a long time.

I haven't been blogging for a whole year yet, but I thought it would be fun to take a look back on 13 posts to celebrate 2013.

As a teacher, I operate in the cycle of the school year. August 30th (or around there) always feels like the start of the new year, while January 1st always feels like more of an interlude. And since I've been blogging since the beginning of the 2012-13 school year, I thought it appropriate to categorize the posts with some high school terminology.

The Populars

These posts have gotten the most views, pins, tweets, and likes.

1. I am a Sushi Ninja!  

I sent John a box of faux sushi in September with the intent of giving him something to laugh about . I didn't expect it to be the blog's all-time most viewed post!  

 

2. Shaving John from Hunger

During No Shave November, I sent John a mustache-themed care package with just about as much non-DFAC food as I could possibly stuff into it. 

3. Why Panera Has My Business

An act of kindness made a box of bagels blog-worthy in November.

The Wall Flowers

I loved writing these posts, but they didn't get much traffic. Show 'em a little love now!

 

4. Dogtags

When I started wearing John's in June, I didn't realize how contentious the issue was in the military community. Nor did I anticipate the comments and questions I'd encounter.

5. The 100-Day Mark

We made it to 100 days during September. It was the first time I really wrote candidly about John's deployment and was a huge leap of faith for me. 

6. Crying Over Spilled Beer

Because I'm a wuss, I just had to write about crying during a Sam Adams beer commercial. Yes, you read that right, and yes, there's probably a reason it's the least-viewed post in my blog's portfolio.

The Social Butterflies

These posts received the most comments. And I love reading what you have to think! It's always wonderful see a new comment notification in my inbox! 

7. An Advent to Remember

I sent John an Advent care package this year-- 24 ornaments to hang on a paper Christmas tree. This was the inaugural post, and I was so pleased to see that it struck a chord with my readers!

 

8. Sending a Sweet Treat

During December, I sent my youngest sister what was probably the strangest thing she's ever gotten in the mail.

 

9. Crowdsourcing a Care Package 

Just a day ago, I reached out to the blogo-Twitto-Facebooko-spheres and asked for care package help for a reader. The sense of community and response was overwhelming and touching. You are the best! 

The Teacher's Pets

My favorites. 'Nuff said.

10. Take My Hand, We'll Make it, I Swear...

I just loved this package-- it cracked me up. Plus, Bon Jovi. Is anything else important?

11. Hymns of Thanks

Writing this post was one of the most reflective, calming, and uplifting things I've done for myself all year. 

12. Of Brownies and Banners

This was my favorite care package decoration I've made thus far, and John got a kick out of it too!

The Odd Man Out

There's always the kid who doesn't have a partner...

13. Gra-yes-la Bars!

This is one of two recipes that John consistently asks for. It's easy, as healthy as you want to make it, and extremely shippable!