Well, we survived. Thanks for nothing, Mayans. But as is typically the case with any good near-death experience, our sense of personal reflection shifts into high gear. We look back at recent events with fastidious amazement and look forward to the places we will go with aggressive hope. We learn. We grow. But mostly, we are filled with childlike wonder. So here goes, my 2012: the year of wonder, wander and ultimately growing young. 

It’s not very often that you can say, “This the the first time I’m doing XX” but my year was all about firsts.  

My first time climbing (an actual) mountain:

A feat that compelled me to do whatever this is for the first time:

My first time at Disney World:

My first time at Dave & Busters:

My first time jetskiing and parasailing:

My first time winning at Monopoly:

The first time I did anything girly or wore anything sparkly. For real.

My first time acting like a total animal:

And, seriously, my first time riding a bike — with inspiration from my favorite 6-year-old:

For the first time, I valued personal firsts over professional ones. But those firsts were filled with plenty of learning and awe, as well. 

Like figuring out one of these:

And mustering through one of these:

Learning electronics from the source:

And learning elections from the King:

I didn’t win Ben Stein’s money, but I would have paid money to wax poetic with him like I did:

Then there was money talk in unconventional places:

And insider access to some of my favorite places:

And access to my new favorite place:

An appreciation for places that are oldies but goodies:

With a greater appreciation of girl power:

And extreme admiration for the one and only Diane Sawyer, whom I filled in for, happily in her shadow even just for a night:

There was a newfound extreme veneration for the one and only Carlos Slim:

Who is a pretty cool boss to have for your own show:

I am thankful for still being considered cool enough for a “30 under 30”:

And thankful (but still very confused) about why I was asked to be in Fitness Mag:

And very thankful for only waking up when it’s dark sometimes:

But, most thankful for the partner who was there through it all (and finally got an iPhone to text with me about every step of it):

My biggest fan, who’s somehow made me a devoted sports fan:

Who, even at 40 this year, will always be the younger one of us:

But still needed a taste of his own punk medicine:

Afterall, sometimes growing means growing up. But, sometimes it means growing young. That’s what I did this year.  

I don’t have many traditions, but this has become a special one for me. As you remember, 2010 was the Year of Daydreaming for me and 2011 was the Year of Yes.