A year in review--2011

So, to be completely honest, 2011 started out rough. But I worked at being happy, prayed a lot, and soon I was definitely able to grow and change. I've had so many great experiences and blessings this year! Wouldn't change it for the world, but I'm ready to see what 2012 has to offer :)



Spent more lovely time in a boot! Had to start wearing orthotics.



Finished the majority of my undergrad coursework and got hired as an intern at Orchard Hills Elementary. This is what I had been dreaming about for years...definitely cried on the phone when the principal called to tell me.



Met Marc Brown! Very exciting.



Was called as RSP for the second time...there's obviously a lesson I need to learn!



My best friend got married!!



Had a great vacation to Disneyland with my family. Went on Tower of Terror for the first time and I LIVED!



Started my first year of teaching! Totally fell in love with my job and 25 ten year olds.



Had an intense Halloween party at a barn--we survived, and luckily my car did too!



Talked to Santa...and he totally delivered this year. I believe!



Got to see the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert with a pretty awesome guy and two of my best friends.



Ended the year by spending some great time up at Aspen Grove with the Murrays!


As you can see, I've had a great year. I feel very blessed and I'm excited to set goals and grow next year!

2010

As I watched the ball drop from 2009 to 2010 , I almost started crying because I felt hopeless and lost. It was not the greatest start to a new year. Later that night as I got ready for bed, I found myself wishing that it was the beginning of 2007 instead. I thought I could make so many different, better choices if I had a chance to do it again.

But then I started realizing what the consequences for changing my actions would be. For instance, one of the first things I would do differently is breaking up with Jarom. But if I had never broken up with J, I would never have dated Scott. Had I never dated S, I never would have worked at Aspen Grove that summer.

Had I missed out on the opportunity to work at Aspen Grove, I wouldn't have met Alice or Mike D. If I had never met Alice, I wouldn't have developed a great friendship, or learned how to have fun, or how to get an A in religion. I wouldn't have moved out or met any of the amazing people in the BYU 210th ward. I wouldn't have met Ben or Thayne!

If I had never met Mike D, I never would have met Mike W. And I wouldn't trade that time for the world-MW is one of the funniest people I've ever met. If I had never met MW, I wouldn't have learned how to make proper fried rice, or how to have a Tim Tam Slam!! Also, I would have delayed watching The Dark Knight (actually, that wouldn't have been so bad...)

Well, I could talk about stuff that never would have happened for hours. But as I thought through this series of my life events, I realized that, although I've definitely been through some tough times, each experience helped me grow and shape my life in amazing ways...and I love what my life is becoming. I wouldn't trade any of these experiences for the world.

So, 2010, I'm glad you're here.

Also...bring it on.