Am I the only one who was okay with this year?

There are just a few hours left in 2011 and, with some time left before I head to a party, I'm sitting here at the computer and reflecting on the year. It seems to me that the general sentiment among most of my friends is, "Good riddance to 2011, because it sucked."

In some ways, I suppose it did. The economy is no better than it was when we welcomed the year, and that, of course, brought its share of misery with it. We lost a few brilliant minds, too — Steve Jobs and Christopher Hitchens, for example. There's no denying that there were down spots in 2011. But aren't there elements of misfortune with every year?

For me, 2011 was a year for trying new things, and, in fact, I want that to continue in 2012.

January was a cheese-free month for me. It probably seemed silly to a lot of people, but going 30 days without something I really like (and, admittedly, consume too much of) was a challenge I posed to myself. My sister did it, too, and we both succeeded. I was thinking about doing it again in 2012, but instead, I'm considering an attempt to go vegan -- not vegetarian, but vegan -- for a week or two. It's going to be much tougher than giving up cheese, but I really want to give this a try.

I also joined a bowling league. Having not bowled regularly since I was a Boy Scout, I was a bit nervous. The commitment of showing up every Sunday night for almost half a year seemed daunting, too, so I joined as a sub instead of a full-time bowler. As it turned out, I bowled for all but three of the weeks in the entire season (and, even those three weeks, I didn't bowl only because I had plans or was away on trips). Although you won't see me on ESPN, I discovered I'm a fairly good bowler. But, more important than that, I really enjoyed myself and meeting so many people. For 2012, I've joined a team full time. My goal is to bring my average closer to 200. We'll see. Even if I don't hit this goal, getting out there every Sunday is exciting to me.

Over the summer, I was encouraged by a co-worker to try a spin class. Even though I have an elliptical trainer at home, and it actually does get used (instead of serving as a clothes rack), I felt like I needed to add an extra "push" — and boy, spinning certainly does that. I was relieved that, even in my first class, I kept up with everyone else. Spin is by no means easy, but the rush from it is tremendous. I wish my weekday schedule had room for spin, but for now, it'll have to remain a weekend thing. One thing is for sure: I feel like a healthier, stronger person because of these classes.

For several months out of the year, I served on a committee for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Admittedly, I thought another time commitment would be an issue, but it wasn't after all. Between donations I raised personally, plus putting on two benefit concerts, and convincing a number of businesses and corporations to do sponsorships or form walk teams for the Light the Night walks, I raised a lot of money -- way more than I ever thought I would.

Although not a year for international travel, I was lucky enough to go places that made 2011 more memorable. I visited friends and family in Raleigh, I visited the Columbia Valley wine region in Washington state (where I ate a tongue taco out of a woman's car trunk -- true story), and, in Seattle, I got up in front of a bar full of people and sang. Yes, I realize karaoke is hardly new, but for a former introvert, it's a big deal. In the fall, I spent nearly a week in Florida, reconnecting with old friends from high school (and even earlier). I came home from that trip even more thankful that I've been able to stay in touch with people who knew me in elementary school.

I saw Ladytron perform live, and I had a chance to meet Sandra Bernhard briefly in person. I got to see "Hair" and "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on Broadway."

I cooked more. A professional chef, I'm not. But I've discovered I like trying things in the kitchen. I started making infused vodkas and flavored syrups, all from scratch. 

So, I dunno about all this "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out, 2011" attitude. Really, 2011 wasn't a bad year for me. If anything, I might miss it a little. But, if I'm lucky, I won't miss it because I'm going to do my best to have even more fun in 2012. Life hands everyone enough difficulties. When that's not happening, I want my life to be as amazing as possible.