Well, it's about that time for a cliche year end wrap up post!  2014 had a rough start with a major, scary surgery and leaving the security of full time employment, but I'm really proud to say that it turned around and really turned out to be full of exciting adventures, connecting with friends and family, and lots of beautifully perfect moments.  There was some heartbreak in there as well, but overall - it was exactly the kind thriving life I intended it to be.


Here are my highlights of 2014:

• + Left a job that was draining me.   
• + Had brain surgery and recovered with a lot of support from my amazing husband and friends. 
• + Took an amazing trip to Thailand by myself and learn a lot about strength and independence while visiting an elephant sanctuary, falling in love with night markets, cuddling full grown tigers, learning to cook Thai cuisine, snorkeling the Adaman Sea, celebrating Songkran, & so much more!
• + Found an great new job and got to travel to NYC twice and train and connect with amazing coworkers.  Helped open a brand new office.
• + Completed the 100 Happy Days challenge
• + Co-hosted a bridal shower & got to stand beside a beautiful couple as they said their vows.
• + Took in two foster kittens, 2 foster puppies, and one adult foster dog. 
• + Spent 4th of July at the Oregon Coast with on of my best friends and her beautiful family.  
• + Spent a night in a sweet airstream trailer on a goat cheese farm and finally got to see Crater Lake.  
• + Did a lot of wine tastings in beautiful locations.  
• + Saw Joan Jett at the Oregon State Fair with good friends.  
• + Harvested food and made lovely meals from my garden. 
• + Lost someone who was near and dear to my heart and learned new ways to mourn.  
• + Visited my parent's in their new home in North Carolina and connected with my extended family. 
• +Went bungee jumping.  

This New Year's Eve finds me at a 180 from where I was one year ago.  I'm less afraid of the future and I am feeling more in control of my life than ever before.  I'm deeply aware that life is always going to be a series of highs and lows and perfection is a myth.  I'm staying optimistic about the new year and I can't wait to make it my own.

I'm setting intentions for 2015 to be a year of adventure and love.

In 2015 hope to...
Keep working towards growth - set tangible goals for home buying, learn new things, and say yes to adventures
Take more time to appreciate my life as it is - send more letters, show gratitude for the people I love, and take time to enjoy the present moments
Do things that scare me - try new recipes, go on adventures, and redefine my comfort zone.


What are you looking back on or looking forward to today?

I know it sounds cliche, but I am starting 2013 with a truly new start.  This year is about rediscovering a new kind of joy and a new life for myself.  I am challenging myself to not put my whole self-worth into any one thing, but rather into myself and all the dynamic things that make me who I am and that make me happy.   I think this is why am picking up this blog again - it is with a renewed sense of excitement and a new set of priorities.

2012 has been a year full of ups and downs for me.  It has been a year of heartache, lost friendships, health issues, and a recent departure from a job that had grown to be a part of me.  More importantly, 2012 has been a year of amazing and wonderful things & I want to cherish those things.

Planned my dream wedding & married my best friend

Had surgery to restore my hearing dramatically

Got 2 amazing new tattoos (and found myself a wonderful new tattoo artist)

Had an amazing bridal shower & bachelorette party thrown by 3 of the most amazing friends a girl could ask for

Made massive amounts of jam & some pretty epic cupcakes

Fostered 6 tiny kittens

Visited Atlanta & San Jose for the first time

I am looking forward to 2013.  Though I am feeling a little intimidated by stepping into this next chapter of unknown, I am optimistic.

In 2013, I hope to...
Visit amazing places I've never seen before
Find a job that allows me to have a balance in my life
Rediscover the things I love about my personal life
Be more adventurous & fearless
Make new friends (and appreciate the ones I have)
Get more organized