A Lookback on 2011

2011 has been a good year for me.  Let’s take a look at my 2011 resolutions I made on this day last year.

• Get a full-time job that I love.  CHECK.  I landed my first full time job at the end of November– after turning two promising job offers down.

• Get my driver’s license.  CHECK.  I braved the dreadful driving test in April and passed on the first try.  Thank you Bry for being a great teacher.

•  Move into an apartment.  INCOMPLETE.  Because it took me longer than expected to get a job, the apartment had to be pushed off.  We are in the process of touring some apartments and townhomes at the moment.

This year has had a lot of ups and downs, but let’s take a look at all the highlights this past year has brought me.

May 2011:  I graduated with my master’s degree in Professional and Business Communication.  I applied for the program three weeks before the start of classes and was accepted.  I never make rash big decisions.  Looking back on it, I don’t know what I was thinking at the time, but I am really glad that I did.  I made amazing friends, learned a hell of a lot more than I knew previously, and am using my degree in my full-time job.

June 2011: I was given the opportunity to review two hotels, the Warwick Hotel in Rittenhouse and the Hilton Doubletree, for Simply Nicole.  The staff of both hotels were extremely accommodating!  You can read my reviews on both hotels by clicking the links above.  The thing that I loved the most about being able to stay at the hotels was the freedom it gave Bry and I to gallivant around the city without having to worry about driving home.  We don’t get to do that frequently.

September 2011: I got invited to go to Fashion’s Night Out King of Prussia for a fall fashion show. I was able to sit front row and take some pretty great shots of my favorite outfits. Stores such as Tory Burch, Bloomingdales, and White House Black Market showcased their top fall pieces.

In September, I also shared with you an insider’s look on the life of a blogger.  This happened to be my favorite post of 2011.

November 2011:  I ran my first 5K.  After making the life decision that I would make running a part of my life, I ripped off the band aid and registered for my first 5K race.  Training for the race was nothing compared to the rush of race day, but training was important.  I ran almost everyday for 2 months.  For this race, I raised over $400 dollars for the Brain Tumor Association!

At the end of November, I landed my full-time job in marketing.

December 2011:  I bought my new car!  It’s my favorite purchase of all time.  I can’t believe I finally have it.  It’s gorgeous.  Although I have yet to name my car, my GPS is named Shelly.

In December, I also ran my 2nd 5K. Bry decided to run this one as well. I didn’t train nearly as much as I did for the first 5K, but I still had a good time. Plus, this race involved costumes… how could it not be fun.

Overall, 2011 has been a pretty good year. So much has happened, but I can’t wait to start 2012. Here are my 2012 goals.
1. Dedicate more time to writing. Writing for my freelance job, personal journal, Simply Nicole.
2. Run a half marathon.
3. Move into an apartment.
4. Find dancing opportunities. Whether this be taking random classes or teaching part-time. It needs to come back into my life.