2014 was a really bizarre year for me, and I’m hearing that sentiment all over Facebook. Everyone seems to be thinking the same thing: Bring on 2015.
That’s not to say there weren’t major highlights over the last year.
I started the year in breathless pain from the crazy Dog Hip, but then I had the surgery and became pretty bionic! Surgery and rehab took all of the summer and part of the Fall, and was followed by wicked vertigo. However, the spinning stopped in time for me to journey to Colorado to study with Writing Goddess Margie Lawson. Add in a writing award and the holidays, and the year ended pretty nicely.
2014 was all about people
I spent lots of time with my online pals during the surgery and rehab, which really kept up my spirits. Getting a hip rebuilt isn’t a small endeavor and my entire community rallied to make it fun.
Plus I got presents, and groovy playlists for the 6 hours a day of Cruella! It was amazing and humbling and, in it’s own way, magical.
- August McLaughlin sent me date bars and fun get well cards.
- Patricia Rickrode (aka Jansen Schmidt) sent me kickass wine.
- Sharla Rae sent me hilarious Undie Chronicle products.
- Piper Bayard and many others called or checked on me every few days.
- My relatives and friends took time from busy lives to come take care of me.
Best of all, y’all made me laugh and laugh and laugh. Laughter made that trying time go by quickly, and I cannot thank you enough.
I love that the More Cowbell Posse is so funny AND naughty. Seriously, with the exception of some tech and health articles, the most popular posts here in 2014 were:
- 10 Creative Ways To Express Your “Inner F-Bomb”
- Ten Computer Phrases that Sound Dirty But Aren’t
- O is for OMG, A Disorder I Shouldn’t Laugh At (But Do)
- Are You Fighting Dirty?
- Undie Chronicles, Vol 25: Are Girdles for Men Called Mirdles?
And my most popular post (by far) every single year:
See? We have a wonderful bunch here, and I love it!
Still, I’m looking forward to 2015. A lot. I’m pushing forward in a zillion wonderful directions on my writing, and my daughter will be entering a new phase called “public school.” She’ll be closer to home, and we’ll be saving lots of money so (just maybe) we’ll get to take a vacation this year.
[Really, who can resist that smile?]
What are you looking forward to in 2015? What are you most thankful for in 2014? Were you happy or sad to see last year come to a close? Enquiring minds love to know these things here at More Cowbell!
Happy New Year!
~ Jenny
Beach photo credit: Adriana @ Great Food 360° on Flicker – cc license
Jenny Hansen's Blog 
My first post didn’t take so trying again:
As a late-comer to More Cowbell, I didn’t know you had an immersion class with Margie Lawson. That’s on my dream list. Did you blog about it?
You handled your surgery with such grace. I would have been throwing pity parties and got on everyone’s last nerve. 🙂
I’m in the ‘good riddance to 2014 camp’ and looking forward to a new year. Wishing you and all the other ‘cow-bellers’ a great 2015!
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Thank you so much, Deb! I was in so much freaking pain before the surgery, it was almost a relief. Seriously, I spent 2-3 months before pacing around my house, unable to sit or drive for longer than 10 minutes at a time. At least once they did the surgery, I could sit just fine. I couldn’t do it with no pain, but at least I could do it.
I didn’t blog about Margie’s class because it’s one of those things that must be experienced, but if you ever get the chance to go, DO IT! She’s everything you’ve heard about and more. 🙂
Happy 2015!
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Hanging out with you in Colorado was indeed a highlight of this past year! And while you’re looking toward public school, we’re starting to research colleges. (Are my kids really that big???)
Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing more of my writing in print, maybe a few house updates, perhaps a vacation, and getting back into the jeans I finally, realistically stored at the top of my closet with the label “smaller clothes.” Regardless, I’m sure I’ll be enjoying some terrific time with family and friends.
Blessings for a fabulous 2015, Jenny!
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Julie, that was one of the highlights of my year too! And best of all, the vertigo was mostly gone so I didn’t fall on my ass during Immersion (which I fully expected to do). I got to see Kim last week here in California…it was wonderful. And I am looking forward to seeing your work in print too. 🙂
Blessings on your and your college-bound boys in the coming year!!
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It’s not so much that 2014 was horrible, terrible, terrible, awful, but I am so excited for this fresh start! I don’t know why we need the end of one year and the beginning of a new one for a fresh start…but I’ll take it! You had a big ol’ year. Full. But you always shine through!
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Amy, I go through the same thing each and every year. I don’t know why the turning of that December calendar page makes such a big difference, but it DOES.
Here’s to a shiny 2015 for both of us!! *clink*
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Jenny, how can one be depressed around you? You can take a serious situation like your Hip surgery and turn it into laughter. You made it fun throughout the whole ordeal with Cruella. You’re an inspiration! Although I have to say I am so ready for a new year. 2014 was grueling. It is my hope that I will be back on my feet this year, both physically and mentally. Otherwise, I have so much to be grateful for. I am surrounded by a group of wonderful, talented people and family that I adore. Now if we can just find a way to stop that little bean from growing up so fast. She sure is a cutie patootie! ((Hugs)) 🙂
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Karen, you had a wild year yourself, and I think it’s much rougher to be worrying about a loved one than to just plow through on your own.
My surgeon and PT people rocked, and my hip is doing just marvelous. I’m on the 30 Day Challenge right now and can I just say “MY @SS HURTS.” There were 60 squats today! However, as long as I don’t try to do them all at once, i can do them. For that, I feel truly blessed. 🙂
And yes, if you find out how to make my kid stop growing, please share!! It’s killing me.
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Happy new year and glad to know you’re doing better, Jenny. You have such spirit–thank you for inspiring me!
2014–okay all around; some very good came with it, and for that I am grateful. I didn’t get out of my own way enough to launch a project I started the summer of 2013, but that’s okay. Got almost ALL the pieces in place. Two left to go, and one of those already in the draft phase.
2015: Get said project off the ground. No. More. Excuses. Then get the other projects I’ve put to the wayside while procrastinating with the first one, lol.
Take care!
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Joanna, I am honored to know that I inspired anyone. Trust me, I did not find Cruella (the evil bitch) to be at all inspiring.
That being said, I know exactly what you’re getting at with “the building phase” of a project. It always feels so slow. Then you get to where the implementation time comes and it flies by like a whirlwind. Good luck to both of us on our 2015 endeavors!!
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Thanks so much, Jenny! When I started said endeavor, I didn’t realize how many pieces of the ‘building phase’ were involved. Every time I thought I was done I realized there was still ‘one more’–how annoying!
So, I’m looking forward to ‘the whirlwind phase’ (or so I think ;)).
All the best to you too!
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That whirlwind phase is gonna rock! Jump in with both feet and enjoy it. 🙂
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I certainly plan to!
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Thank you!
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Jenny, so glad your year is settling and you’re anticipating a better 2015. I’m with you. 2014 took me from almost everything I wanted and put me under a rock, so to speak. nothing specific, just a year of ongoing stuff. Yikes. it’s so easy to lose a year. I’m glad to be back and feeling great. stay well.
Margie is wonderful – I’ve taken all her online courses and heard her at RWA a couple of times. oh yeah, baby. well worth it. lucky you
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Louise, I’m so happy you are back! We missed you. 🙂
Margie is a gift I think every writer should give him or herself at least once in a lifetime. Margie Live. It’s a beautiful thing. Happy 2015!
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2014 was tough for me, but I’m thankful that all my losses spurred me to writing more of my memoir and a novel that’s haunted me for more than a decade.
I’m focusing on simplicity and minimalism for 2015, spending time on people rather than things, taking care of myself and generally unencumbering myself of trivialities.
Enjoy your cutie. Each age is wonderful, but they do flash by. 🙂
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I’m happy they spurred you too, Elizabeth. I remember when I got out of the hospital from my blood clots. All I wanted to do was marry my husband (then boyfriend) and write my books. In other words, I wanted to live my dreams in that new lease on life I got. Your 2015 is going to be EPIC.
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Cousin Jenny,
Happy New Year and congratulations on winning the first Rising Star Contest.
Jim Hansen
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Thanks, Cousin Jimmy! I was sad to miss my trip to see y’all this last year, but when me and my bionic hip come back, we’ll have to be sure to hike up a trail somewhere. 🙂
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May 2015 be far less painful for both of us.
Rock that bionic ability, girl!
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Exactly, Cate! I’m all for less pain and a clearer mind. 🙂
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I’ve been amazed how many people are saying that 2014 was a terrible year. I mean, I had some terrible things happen, it’s true — but I also had some equally wonderful things happen. So for me, it was an eventful and interesting year that ended really well. It’s not so much that I’m eager to see 2014 gone so much as I feel like the whole thing was the start of all the great things in store for me during 2015. I am really psyched about this year!
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You put that in exactly the right way, Andi-Roo! I don’t think it was a terrible year, but it sure was a hard one. That being said, who would have thought I’d enter 2015 doing a fitness challenge that ends in 250 squats a day? Not me, that’s for sure.
I’m psyched right along with you. And I had fun watching you chase after dreams in 2014. 🙂
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Aw…. No one can resist that smile!
What a year you’ve had, Jenny! Your ability to laugh throughout it, and the fact that folks felt compelled to send you goodies, say LOTS about your kickass spirit. So glad you’re feeling happy and optimistic for 2015!
My year was full of challenges and excitement — 5 months of precious doggy hospice I wouldn’t trade for anything, and growth, travel and adventures after that were all such gifts. I’m looking forward to rocking this year, too.
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We’ve both had quite the year, haven’t we, August? And from where I’m standing, you are WAY bionic. 🙂
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2014 was an up and down year for sure. Hopefully, no more surgeries and good health for all. It was a fun blogging year. You make me laugh.
Here’s to a great 2015!
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Thanks, Phil! You make me laugh too. 🙂 No more surgeries would be a fine way to spend 2015! And getting my abs back. That would be lovely.
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Hi Jenny! Congrats on the great stuff you had in 2014, and kudos for getting through all the tough stuff! I want to be you when I grow up… 😉
Hugs, and happy 2015,
Kathy
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It’s so funny for me to hear you say that, Kathy, because I want to be YOU when I grow up. Aren’t perceptions funny?
You’ve had a tremendously tough quarter…I hope the next one is 100% better. 🙂
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Wow, what a year you’ve had! 2014 was a lot of hard work for me. I’m hoping to relax a bit more this year! Best wishes 🙂
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Good for you, Yvette! And yes, DO relax. You’ve had more illness and tough stuff to do this last year than anyone should have to contend with. 2015 is your year, darling!!
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I am thankful for you and friends like you. I’m glad you enjoyed the vino and hope 2015 is bigger and better.
Happy new year my awesome friend!
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
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Me too, Patricia! It’s unbelievable how many special people the internet has brought into my life. I loved the vino and 2015 is gonna be stellar. I can feel it!
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