WEverb12: aspire

31: aspire [GROW]

What is your biggest aspiration for 2013?

My biggest aspiration for the coming year is to be productive and happy, spend lots of time with family and friends, and keep cooking/baking and trying new recipes. 

Here's to a wonderful and exciting new year!

Yay, no more WEverb!  It was hard to keep up with this and I definitely went quantity over quality with this.  Sorry!

WEverb12: capture

30: capture [LISTEN]

Post a picture taken of you or by you this year when you were happy.

Christmas morning with Leedie :)

WEverb12: connect

29: connect [LIVE]

With whom did you make the most worthwhile connections in 2012?

 

In 2012, I connected most with my MIL, Mr. Woo's granny, and my niece. 

 

I connected with Leedie by having her come stay with us my birthday weekend and seeing her as often as I could.  And I connected with my MIL and her mom in the kitchen and playing Rook.  These are three girls I love dearly and hope to continue to connect with in the new year.

WEverb12: empower

28: empower [HOPE]

What made you feel powerful in 2012?

 

 

No doubt, passing my SPHR certification exam made me feel powerful like I can rarely remember feeling before.  I still feel proud and powerful when I think about it. 

WEverb12: sacrifice

27: sacrifice [GROW]

What did you, as an individual, let go of to further the greater good this year?

I've already kind of answered this one (as I feel I've done with quite a few of these WEverb prompts) but this year I gave up anger for the greater good of those around me who saw how affected I was but also for my own good.

WEverb: Chronicle

26. chronicle [LIVE]

Did you have a perfect day this year?  Describe it.  Would you have changed anything about it?

I believe I had more than one perfect day this year but unfortunately, I don't know that I can describe one.  All I can say is a perfect day for me includes family time, kitchen time, and anything else is pretty much icing on my perfect day cake. 

Happy Holidays!

I'm not sure who exactly reads this blog but I know someone does because I have plenty of views so to whoever is reading this I hope you had a very Merry Christmas or other happy holiday(s)!

Just a few more days in 2012 so I plan to make them count!

WEverb12: Give

25: give [CREATE]

What was the best gift you gave someone this year?

The best gift I gave this year has to be tickets to the NCAA Final Four and Championship games in New Orleans for Mr. Woo.  The fact that the CATS won it all and we were there for it, about two dozen rows behind the team's bench made it better than I could have ever hoped and truly an unforgettable experience.

WEverb12: delight

24. delight [HOPE]

How can you bring more joy into your life in 2013?

In addition to continuing to spend time with friends and family, I think the way to bring more joy into my life in 2013 is to organize and declutter to have a warm and enjoyable home, in all rooms of the house, at all times.

WEverb12: communicate

23: communicate [LISTEN]

Describe a conversation you had this year.  Why was it memorable?

This year I asked my boss if I could take a 30 minute lunch break instead of an hour and leave 30 minutes early.  Hour long lunches would be great if I could go somewhere but since I work on a college campus and have to park a half a mile away from my building and always have issues with finding a parking spot it's just not worth it to me.  Anyway, this conversation was memorable because since I've been getting off 30 minutes early I have used that time to get so much done.  Everything from cooking and cleaning to running errands to you name it.  It's amazing how big of a difference 30 minutes can make but I promise you for me it did.

WEverb12: recharge

22: recharge [CREATE]

What did you do to recharge your batteries in 2012?

To recharge my batteries in 2012 I indulged in some of the things I love: family, baking, and reading.  In fact, I'm baking now.  A coconut cake for my mom's birthday tomorrow.  Happy early birthday mom!  Love you!!

WEverb12: read

21: read [LIVE]

Did you read a book this year that left you craving more when it was over?

A few months ago I decided to find out what all the fuss was about Fifty Shades of Grey.  Although I thought it was poorly written ("he's so hot" several times per chapter), I realized at the end of the book it was a series and I hate to be left wondering what happens.  I immediately reserved the second book in the series at my local library and did the same after I finished that one. 

WEverb12: reminisce

20: reminisce [GROW]
What distant memory/time did you find yourself longing for in 2012?

I don't really think I longed for any memory or time this past year.  I suppose I could say since FSU was doing really well this past football season I enjoyed my memories of attending football games at Doak Campbell stadium and would definitely love to go back.

Go Noles!

WEverb12: exercise

19. exercise [LIVE]

How did you live actively in 2012?  What will you change in 2013?

I lived actively in 2012 on the treadmill.  Also by chasing after my niece whenever she was around.  In 2013 I hope to make working out more of a habit in whatever form it may take.

WEverb12: Soak

18. soak [LISTEN]

What have you soaked in this year? (Baths, sun, ideas?)  How did it affect your mentality?

I have soaked in recipes this year and it has made me eager and excited to always be in the kitchen.  Currently on my to-bake list for tonight is a cococut cake for my mom's birthday.

WEverb12: thank

17. thank [HOPE]

Write that thank you note that you've been meaning to send this year... or would like to send next year...

Dennis and Katlin,

Thank you for bringing such an amazing little person into this world and sharing her so freely with the family.  I love Leedie so much and love that she has brought the family even closer together.  She makes us all happier, better, and excited for our next niece or nephew, grandchild and great-grandchild.  I love you both.  Thank you for doing such a great job raising my niece!

WEverb12: Replicate

16. replicate [CREATE]

What were you inspired to create/make this year based on something else?  (i.e. a pin from pinterest, recipe from a friend, etc.)

So many things!!  But the answer I'm going to choose is biscuits.  Mr. Woo and I often eat at my MIL's house and she's one of my favorite cooks so earlier this fall I had asked her if I could spend sometime with her in the kitchen and learn the food she makes so well.  Thanksgiving day we went over bright an early and among the things I learned how to make, per my request, were her biscuits for our breakfast.  The whole day was great mother-in-law/daughter-in-law time.  A few days later I was inspired by the cast iron skillet Mr. Woo's granny gave me some time ago and had been too intimidated to use and my biscuits came out great!  Mr. Woo said they were as good as his mom's best!  I was proud and can't wait until the next lazy off day we both have together so I can make them again. 

WEverb12: Quote

15. quote [GROW]:

What inspirational quote would you associate with this past year for you?

"Life is like photography, you use the negative to develop."

WEverb12: Walk

14. walk [LIVE]

Describe the path to a favorite place of yours to walk in 2012.  What's meaningful about the place or the journey?

The path to a favorite place of mine to walk to is the path between my office and Starbucks in the clinic on campus.  My boss and I usually go together.  It provides a nice break from sitting, usually gives us an opportunity to catch up and always ends with a warm, sweet cup of an espresso filled beverage. 

WEverb12: Associate

13. associate [LISTEN]

What blog/book/article spoke to you the most in 2012?

I can't think of one specific blog, book, or article that spoke to me most this year but I can think of a genre that spoke to me most this year..COOKING!  I have read so many cookbooks, recipe blogs, etc. which spoke to my domestic self.  Wanting to cook and bake and care for others.  I've had a great time reading all of the different types of cookbooks and blogs out there that I have been inspired to create my own recipes, many of which have been greatly successful and are new Woo family favorites.

WEverb12: Toss

12. toss [Grow]

2012 was the last time for _____________

American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.  I'm over both shows and choose to use my time that would otherwise be spent watching those on doing something else for myself, my family or my home.

WEverb12: Spend/Save

11. spend/save [LIVE]

Are you richer or poorer this year, compared to last year?

I'm pretty sure the answer to this question is poorer.

The end. 

:(

WEverb12: Lose

10. lose [HOPE]

Did you have to say goodbye to a person, or even a cherished object, this year?  Take a moment to celebrate the memory.

This year I had to say goodbye to our family dog Randi.  Randi was a fourteen year old, tan colored Lhasa Apso with quite the personality - though not quite as spunky the last few years.  She could barely see anymore, if at all, and had lost her hearing.  She lived at home with my mom in Tennessee and has provided my family with love and joy since we lived in Germany and got her as a puppy.  I still remember the day after we got her.  I was set for a school trip to Euro Disney and on the bus Danielle asked what I did last night.  My response was, "We got a puppy!".  It was so unexpected since I can't recall us talking about getting one but just like that my mom had said we should go look at these puppies and we brought her home.  I asked to keep something of hers and got her towel she loved to lay on with paw prints and heart that says "I love my dog".  The house just isn't the same when I go to visit and even Roxy seems sadder when she's there and Randi's not.  I venture to say a house just isn't as happy a home with a dog. 

I love Randi and miss her greatly.

WEverb: Triumph

9. triumph [CREATE]

How were you challenged by a project or goal this year?  What did you learn from it?

I was challenged this year by deciding which professional certification I wanted to take given the amazing opportunity I had that work was going to pay for my prep course.  I was challenged to decide between taking the easier way out which would offer a greater chance for me to pass the first time around - and show my employer their investment in me wasn't money wasted, or go with the harder exam that had a much lower pass rate (I believe for my testing window it ended up being 48%). 

When trying to decide I learned I don't like to challenge myself and as a result likely don't live up to my potential.  I decided I would try for my SPHR and give it all my effort.  As a result I passed and am still so proud of my accomplishment.  I am also going to continue to challenge myself to take more risks, believe in myself, and always try to strive up to my potential.

WEverb12: Respond

8. respond [LISTEN]

Do you actively listen to your inner voice/conscience?  Describe a time this year you heard and responded to it.

Considering my inner voice is hardly ever quiet I pretty much have to listen to it.  That being said, I'm not sure I can think of a specific instance in which I did this past year.  I guess the only thing I can think of is when I asked to have my niece visit I was a little uncomfortable about picking her up on my own during the night because of deer and my sensitivity to light at nights.  I didn't want to make my brother and SIL think I couldn't take care of her but she's such precious cargo that I wanted to make sure I was ensuring she was in the best care so I spoke up and we were able to arrange it so I could pick her up during the day and we ended up having a wonderful visit.

It may seem minor but it's the only specific instance that I can recall and for some reason the thought of picking my niece up at night by myself was really uncomfortable for me.  She's one of my favorite people (like probably somewhere in my top five) in the world and I would never want to put her in harm's way.

WEverb12: Enliven

7. enliven [GROW]

Was there a book or article that inspired you to make a change in your life this year?  What was the source and what did you change?

Yep, Unlimited by Jillian Michaels inspired me to get over my anger at someone in my life. 

Let me start by explaining the book a bit since the author may make you wonder about the connection to my change.  This book while written by fitness/health guru Jillian is about accomplishing what you want out of life and meeting your goals whatever they may be - starting your own business, getting a promotion, losing weight, etc.  One of the ideas was letting go of things that are holding you back.  And while my anger was not necessarily holding me back from a specific goal it was holding me back from having a happy life, which now that I type that is one of my main goals.  I hated the feeling of having such anger in my heart and especially for someone I'm supposed to love and decided it wasn't doing anyone any good, especially not me.  So I've told myself to get over it and that me not being angry does not condone their behavior.  I am definitely much happier in life now because of that and while I may not actively go out of my way to have a relationship with that person I can be civil and fine.  It is what it is and I've chosen to no longer let it affect me.

WEverb12: Fellowship

5. fellowship [HOPE]

What community has engaged you most this year and what did you get out of your participation?

Another prompt I don't exactly know how to answer.  Ugh.

I guess I would have to say my family has engaged me most this year and as result I have stronger relationships and great memories.  I know this may come off as a lame answer but it's true.  Everyone from Katlin, to my MIL, to my mom, brother, grandmother, etc.  Overall in 2012 I have been able to engage in so many different ways with my family like rarely (or in some cases never) before.  it has been a true pleasure and something I hope will continue in 2013.

WEverb12: Experiment

4. experiment [GROW]

What did you do in 2012 that you had never done before?  Will you do it again?

I'm kind of excited about this prompt and in fact have two answers! 

First, I had never attempted to take the PHR/SPHR certification exam.  I decided to take the SPHR and on June 6, 2012 I did and passed!  I will never do it again.  And to ensure that's a true statement I will get recertification credits before my certification expires every three years.  I think I already have 7 out of 30 complete to date.

Second, I had never attempted to make up a dessert recipe.  This past year I create four of my very own cake recipes!  (Strawberry, pineapple, peanut butter, and blueberry.)  It was scary because baking is such a precise science but they all turned out better than I could have hoped, have been requested and remade multiple times, and leave me ready to try coming up with a new recipe again.

WEverb12: Stay

3. stay [LISTEN]

How did you stay in the moment this year?

Gosh, I thought these were going to be pretty easy topics to blog about but I guess I was wrong. 

I suppose I could say I've stayed in the moment this year by celebrating big wins and small in all areas of my life.  I've seized opportunities that have presented themselves whether I was ready for them or not and gave every attempt my all.  And, I have [albeit poorly] tried to blog about things that have been going on in the world of Woo.

WEverb12: Watch

2. watch [LIVE]

What movie did you see this year that you would recommend to a friend?

Oh gosh.  I hardly ever watch movies so this one is tough for me.  I think I can only recall watching two movies this year, one in the theater and the other on TV.  I suppose I would recommend Red Tails.  It was a movie with a lot of bad acting but with a good message.

Source

Yeah.  Next prompt please.

WEverb12: Compose

Since I haven't been blogging regularly for a while I thought I would take a little help by participating in WEverb12.  If you're interested in learning more about it you can read about it here.

Today's prompt is:

1: compose [CREATE]

Write a haiku for 2012 (bonus: write one for 2013)

Here are my attempts at haiku writing:

2012:

As tree lights twinkle,
Family, kitchen, and books
Remember the year.

2013:

Twelve months unwritten,
New memories to create.
Full of hope and love.