2012 was a year of change for me. I’ve never done this before, but I felt the need to do a written end-of-year personal inventory.
The year kicked off with an incredible trip to Switzerland which included a concert performance in Zurich at the Albisgütli Festival.
In June I performed at the CMA Fest on one of the official concert stages with my band Mustang Sally and we also made our debut on WSM 650 AM radio, home of the Grand Ole Opry, that same week.
Mustang Sally with 650 WSM host Bill Cody (L-R) Lisa Romeo, Brenda, Bill Cody, Sarah Wilfong, Tobi Lee)
Mustang Sally at CMA Fest 2012
At the end of summer I said goodbye to life as a road musician. After 10 years of nonstop touring, I decided to put away my suitcase and focus more on life in Nashville. Plus, I was just plain burned out and not enjoying it. I’m not saying I’ll never go on the road again, but it will never be the gone-260-days-a-year-playing-shitholes pace.
Right before my 35th birthday in September, I went through a tough break up. I’m still processing that. Relationships are hard. So is being single.
In October I conquered my fear of skydiving. I kept picturing myself hitting the ground with intense force and breaking into a million pieces. Turns out that the landing was the easiest part.
14,000 feet over Atlanta
Why does my guide get a helmet but not me??
In November I completed my first half marathon with a very respectable 2:07 time. I already have two halves plus a Warrior Dash and a relay race on the books for 2013 and maybe–just maybe!–I’ll gather up the courage and determination to do a full 26.2 marathon.
Me after completing the Hard Rock Half Marathon in Nashville, TN
And lastly, on January 1st I became an official member of the Polar Bear Club by jumping into Nashville’s 49 degree Percy Priest Lake.
Me doing the Polar Bear Plunge with Cristin Brown and Kate Framke (Picture courtesy of The Tennessean)
I will continue to allow the successes, disappointments and struggles of 2012 to be teaching lessons for me.
In Twenty Thirteen I will continue to be true to myself and make every day count!
Brenda Zitzman - Official Blog 
Brenda, best of luck for 2013..
Best wishes Brenda, you will excel in what ever you choose to do. One question though… Did you ask your tandem partner why they got a helmet and you didn’t? Hmmm : /
To be honest, it didn’t even occur to me until I got the pictures back and then I thought, “Hey! Where was MY helmet??”
Same to you, Jackie! It was nice to see you in NU over Christmas. Thanks again for coming to the concert and bringing your mother.
In 10 years you will look back on 2012 and realize that 2012 helped develop you into the person you are. The Brenda I know is a strong women who does what she sets her mind to do. She also qualifies for my definition of a successful person, she has the love and respect of those around her. Thanks for your 2012 review and all the best in 2013.
Thank you, Mike. Much love to you and Ruth!
Onwards and upwards, Brenda! In every aspect of your life! The best is yet to come…
I’m going to crash a future Toast & Jam show. That’s a promise!
Brenda~ You are an AWESOME person with so many wonderful talents! I’m very glad we met! Very happy for your accomplishments! The sky is the limit!
Angela, Thank you for the kind words. I’ll forever appreciate how you made me feel like a member of your family.
your tractor square dance fans are really going to miss you!!!!
I will never ever forget those tractor square dancers or when they joined us on stage still in full costume! Only in Ohio 🙂
Brenda – So glad I found you. Really didn’t know what had happen to you. I had gone to the Angel Ride this past November and I was surprised to find you missing from Mustang Sally. I’m actually glad to know now that you are doing so many positive things with your life. I have always adored you and the talent you have and think the world of you. I truly believe that you were not able to shine the last couple of years with Mustang Sally. I have no doubt that it is your time to shine and you will now – with nothing holding you back. Thank you for mentioning Sarah, as I really didn’t know what happen to her as well and please tell her I said hi. Please let me know if you get anywhere close to Louisiana/Mississippi, would love to come see ya. Keep that beautiful soul and smile shining.
Take care, Winona
Glad you found me, girl! I’ll send you an email…