2014 has been a busy year. I got settled into a new job that has since morphed into something completely different from when I started at the end of last year. I completed (read: survived) my first full year of grad-school. I finally made it to Europe and spent 10 days eating fabulous pasta and drinking delicious wine. We remodeled our kitchen. We sold our first home and bought a new one. I celebrated my second year of life free of my colon and had my first year in three years without any surgery!

I’m so proud of all that happened in this year and what has been accomplished, especially on The Stolen Colon. So I wanted to take a moment and go through some of my favorite posts from the past year. (In no particular order…)

How my ostomy and I became frenemies: Realizing this year that I don’t have to be 100% OK with my ostomy 100% of the time was very freeing. I have found that coexisting is a much more attainable objective than feeling as if we have to become best friends.

Wearing swimsuits with an ostomy: This was one of my first video blogs and now has become a favorite post. I was so excited this year to find some cute bathing suit options that make me feel comfortable and excited to spend time at the beach or pool. I found several great options for still enjoying the summer by the water.

The first time I saw my stoma: This was one of those blog posts that I wasn’t sure where it was going until I was in the middle of writing it. I see now what a defining moment it was for me to see my stoma for the first time and to see how I have progressed past that feeling of loss and perhaps a bit of disgust to acceptance and gratefulness for the life it has given me.

Passing gas with an ostomy: I am not one to talk about my bowel movements. I don’t tell poop jokes and, despite what my husband says, I don’t think farts are funny. So writing this post is not something I ever imagined myself doing, but I think it’s important to be honest and talk about things that you may not be comfortable with, because if it’s something you’ve wondered about, chances are there are others who have, as well.

Ostomy FAQ: I’m glad to now have one place on the blog with all of the questions I asked before my surgery and I’ve had others bring up since. I hope it’s a good resource for anyone preparing to go through this surgery!

Leather, wine and 2 1/2 pounds of steak: Our trip to Italy this year is a time I’ll never forget, and Florence was definitely my favorite stop. I love remembering all of the great times (and food!) that we had while there.

What to wear with an ostomy: My other favorite video blog! I’ve said many times on here that I have not changed any of the things I wear since having surgery and have not thrown out any of my old clothes, but I’m sure that others have thought I was exaggerating. I love having the opportunity to actually show everyone that you can still wear the same clothes that you currently love.

Sex with an ostomy: This post was one of the hardest for me to write, because talking about my sex life is not something I usually do in public. But I also realize that this was one of my top concerns when faced with having surgery and I’m glad that I can tell others that having the surgery has only improved our lives in that area.

Ostomy = Old news: I used to think “My goal is to finally get the place where I forget I even have an ostomy.” But now, I think that a healthy remembrance of its presence and its positive impact in my life is a better goal to have.

My 2 year Stomaversary!: I think I summed it up well in this post – “Yes, sometimes I miss having a colon. Yes, I still get upset at times when I look at my stoma. Yes, I sometimes try to remember what it’s like to be “normal.” And YES, it has all been worth it.”

Looking forward to a great year in 2015!