2012 was an interesting year for me, to say the least.
I really took a beating health wise.
But it wasn’t all bad.
Let’s recap.
Shall we?
In January, my dearest friend “Melody” was forced to climb Broke Box Mountain. And quite frankly, I hope she never has to climb that mountain, ever again. *shudder*
February was fairly quiet. My father spoke to the internet and shared one of his favorite stories with y’all. And I wrote a letter to Medicare, which spawned the term BYOBM [Bring Your Own Boner Meds].
March was a pretty busy month. I expressed why I believe Dr. Oz is the devil and how my father tortured me with the ticking of a clock, while working very hard on my novel. And we also discovered that I am Opposite Girl.
In April, I participated in a blogging challenge, 30 Days Of Photography, and I had an absolute blast.
The month of May arrived and completely kicked my ass. First, I couldn’t find my words. Then, we enjoyed several family celebrations: Justin’s 16th Birthday, and Mother’s Day, and, My Mother’s 64th Birthday. And if that wasn’t enough, I had an interesting experience with a Hula Hoop when my brother took me to Walmart for the very first time in my life. Also, I sustained an injury while trying to remove excessive facial hair.
When June rolled around, I met up with some of my favorite bloggers, in real life. But I still couldn’t find my words. Then my family celebrated Father’s Day. And something as simple as new bedding CHANGED MY LIFE.
In July, two events happened that are worth mentioning. My son started driving and my blog turned six years old. The rest of the month was spent eating too much, drinking too much, and laughing too much, with my girlfriends.
August was totally uneventful. Except for that five-day stretch when we didn’t have any air conditioning and I thought I was going to die.
In September, I decided to buckle down. I spent the whole month dedicated to writing my novel. I didn’t leave the house or shower very often. And I certainly didn’t socialize very much. But, I smoked a lot of cigarettes, I drank a lot of coffee, and I made excellent progress with character developments and plot twists. I stayed up all night, every night, typing away. And it was wonderful.
Sadly, October proved to be a very hectic and very stressful month. I participated in yet another 30 Days Of Photography, which was awesome. However, that’s also when my health took a turn for the worst. And after a million tests, and a million doctors appointments, with a million different specialists, like Endocrinologists, Rheumatologists, and Neurologists – I was diagnosed with some new and scary autoimmune diseases in addition to my existing annoying medical conditions. Oh, and I turned 38 years old.
Things continued to be very hectic and very stressful in the month of November. I survived Hurricane Sandy, while simultaneously participating in two separate writing challenges: NaBloPoMo + NaNoWriMo both of which I completed. I learned how to say, “NO!” And I temporarily became day person, on accident. But once again, some more health issues came into question when I received some terrifying test results. And subsequently, I had to undergo yet another totally super scary procedure. Oh, and I might need a hearing aid. As the month dragged on, I had to teach my cleaning lady the rule about trying to talk to me, before having my morning coffee. I shared my religious family history with you. I made a list of gratitude. And I created our annual Thanksgiving Family Video.
And that’s why in December, I really needed take the month of off from blogging. I planned on staying home, staying up all night, and just working on my novel. But that’s not exactly what happened. Instead, I fell into a bit of a funk. I was really tired and extremely unmotivated. In fact, I think it’s safe to say I had a terrible case of the blues. Or a mean case of the reds.
Either way, I wasn’t writing very much. I wasn’t sleeping very well. And I didn’t do much of anything, other than stare blankly at the television. Seriously, people. I watched all 32 episodes of the TV series Life, back to back, marathon style. Then I watched all 25 episodes of the TV series Suits, back to back, marathon style. Followed by watching 59 out of 93 episodes of the TV series Rescue Me, back to back, marathon style. And then, there were several days when I couldn’t even find the strength to get out of bed.
Only there was NOTHING for me to be sad or depressed about. Which was even more frustrating. Mostly because if I could have figured out why I was feeling that way, maybe I would have been able to fix it. I tried everything to attempt to bust through my funkiness, including “forcing myself” to get up, “forcing myself” to get dressed, “forcing myself” to leave the house, and “forcing myself” to do shit. I “forced myself” to write. I “forced myself” to listen to music. I “forced myself” to sign up for BlogDash. And I “forced myself” to put one foot in front of the other.
But nothing really worked.
The entire month was spent robotically and resentfully going through the motions of life.
And just when I thought the month couldn’t get any worse?
It did.
I spent three days inside of a hospital, while strapped to a gurney, and an IV pole, because of a severe Crohn’s/Colitis Attack. But I will spare you those gory details. The day after I came home from the hospital, I had an anaphylaxis allergic reaction to one of the medications they prescribed and was rushed to Urgent Care for prednisone and benadryl injections. And I am currently taking all of these medications [3x’s a day, every day] to reduce the pain, the anxiety, the bleeding, and the swelling and inflammation in my intestines, colon, hands, feet and face. Also my doctor has NOT lifted the clear liquid diet rule, just yet. Even though it’s been a week. And that’s why my Christmas Dinner plate, looked like this. But hey, at least I was HOME for Christmas. And NOT in the hospital.
Basically?
The month of December REALLY sucked.
And then it sucked even more.
That is, until My Father’s 64th Birthday.
Apparently, I really needed one incredible day, with the people I love the most in this world. It was absolutely wonderful to spend time with both of my brothers, their significant others, and all of their kids. Along with the rest of my funny family and friends.
I am happy to report that I am feeling much better. And possibly even optimistic.
And that’s a wrap, people!
I am very much looking forward to a Happy and hopefully Healthy NEW YEAR!
Hello, 2013.
Please don’t suck.
I am sorry you had a sucky year…altho it looks like you had some fun. Also, I am glad you aren’t still “morning person” as us night people have to stick together. 🙂
I hope great things await you in 2013 Meleah. But I hope they are great and funny and can help contribute to your stories.
You’re crappiest year ever beats my crappiest year ever, hands down. But, even so, you managed to keep us laughing with you as you faced each hurdle thrown your way. You, my dear, are AMAZING!
Happy Fucking New Year to you!
(And for the record, I think 2013 should be the year we all congregate at your house over the summer, as Kimberley Robinson just suggested in a FB post.)
Hasn’t this year been a challenging one? As I read so many blog posts this past week, everyone has said the same…2012 was TOUGH!
It’s been a tough year indeed. But one of my own personal highlights of these year was our meetup in June and finally meeting YOU!
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
I look forward to sharing 2013 with ya, girl!
So glad to hear that you’re feeling better!
(((((((( You )))))))
Happy New Year, Meleah!
X
After that year, I probably would get in bed and refuse to get up until 2014.
I am kicking 2012 to the curb with great enthusiasm. I am relieved to hear you are feeling better and more optimistic about the new year. You have had a shitter of a 2012 and I am hopeful 13 will give you much better treatment. So here’s wishing you a great year…stay happy and healthy.
That was a nightmare year for you, Meleah. Hopefully, things will start to look up and you’ll be so much better this coming year. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that you will come out of 2012 bruised but not broken. Poor baby! Keep the faith! It’s gonna get better! It has to! Love you Little Sis!
Team Night People!
Thank you!
Oh hell yes! I am all for a blogger meet up this summer! 100%
Awwwwwww!! Love you, Ron!
For serious. I just wanna sleep for the whole month of January!
Thank you! I am so DONE with 2012!!
I love you too!!!
Seriously? I’m IN!!
Happy New Year’s sweet thing! Sending lots of positive thoughts for a healthy, happy, and creative 2013 for you! xoxoxo
Here is praying that your 2013 is a good one!!
Here’s looking forward to a new and much improved year for 2013. Make ’13’ your lucky number. Never give up, never give in, stay healthy and keep smilin’!
Wow, what a wrap it was! Sorry December was so crappy, but I’m glad you survived to summarize. Happy 2013!
Sounds like you need a dose of 2013 to cure you of 2012.
I know what it’s like to force myself to do shit … when walking to the bathroom to take a shower is equivalent to climbing up Mt. Everest. You’re doing a much better job than I did in forcing yourself to do shit.
2013 will be an awesome year for you. Happy New Year!
HOOOOOOOOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, my darling!!!
XOXO
Same to you, Lucy!!
🙂
I’ll second that!
Thanks, Abby!
“when walking to the bathroom to take a shower is equivalent to climbing up Mt. Everest”
EXACTLY.
Ugh.
Happy New Year to you too, Lauren!
🙂
X
What a year! December sucked. I hope things start looking up in the New Year. Thanks for having us along for the ride. xo
December REALLY sucked!! I hope you have a fabulous New Year as well!
Well at least the world didn’t end. There is THAT. Wishing you a great, and healthy New Year!
Right?
Jeebus, Mel. Your year. Your year would make a great novel if it weren’t true. Your biographical stuff is more absurd and bullshitty than anyone could make up. I wish I could trade lives with you for 2013 to give you a break, but be warned, I lead a very boring life. Do you like boring?
Awww… Kathy. Thank you. And I would WELCOME boring!
xoxo
Wow! You did have an eventful year and an even more crazy December. Glad you’re doing better and feeling more optimistic.
Great recap of your year, though really with more than your share of sucky events.
Meleah, I wish you and Happy, Healthy, and Suckless New Year!
2013! Woohoo! 😀
If anyone deserves a kick-ass-great New Year it’s you, my sweet friend. But hey! You wrote your novel. That’s just beyond awesome — just like you! And now I know for sure that I’m old enough to be your mother and a more wonderful daughter no one could have. Happy New Yeah, Meleah. Big hugs!
Thanks, Jen!
Awwww! Thank you!
Oh, Jayne!! I love you!
PS: My novel is not even CLOSE to being finished, but maybe it will be, by the time I am 40.
XOXO
How does a Memorial Day weekend gathering sound? It will be my 60th birthday and you could all help me celebrate! (At Meleah’s house, of course… there’d never be enough room here in the crap shack for everyone. Ha!)
I hope 2013 sees you going to the hospital only for routine checkups and nothing else. You deserve a healthy year, more than most of us.
Oh my word! That sounds FANTASTIC!
Thank you, Roshan.
I am REALLY sick of being sick.
That Christmas dinner plate photo really cracked me up! For me the first ten months of 2012 sucked monkey lungs. I lost my job, was nervous, applied for about 20 million jobs and heard nothing. then I moved back to Peoria, got a driver’s license, a car, an apartment and, most importantly, a job I don’t hate! So the year ended up on a good note. It sounds like you had a bad year too, let’s have a great 2013, okay? Happy New Year, Meleah!
Thanks, Marty! I am so happy the end of 2012 totally turned around for you!
Love you!
Here’s to a much better 2013.
testing comments
Hope 2013 is better for you and you get to eat solid food again soon!
Thank you, Elle. Me too! 🙂
Happy New Year to you and yours! I hope the new year brings better health your way. Now I’m under the weather with a nasty virus, flu, whatever. Yuck! Here’s to better days real soon.
I wonder if you just wore yourself down with your November commitments and your body and mind just needed a chance to recuperate? If it makes you feel any better, I sometimes get those bouts of the blues for no reason at all. I don’t think it’s ever lasted a month for me, but I do know I just need to let it run its course. I’m glad you’re daddy’s birthday party lifted the funk for you.
And I’m sorry you spent more time in the hospital with scary medical issues. You’ve had more than your share and 2013 just better be nice to you! Happy New Year, my friend.