I learned how to snowboard for the first time in my life! The first day was rough – especially for my friends! I think it took several hours for me to get halfway down the first run. Then suddenly, on the second half, I just stood up and voila, I was snowboarding!
The second day was a million times better and very optimistic friends convinced me to try a blue run … I was so exhausted by the end, but what a great experience! I haven’t had that much fun since I was last competing in ballroom.
In February, I fell in love with Edward … my silver 2008 Volvo S40. I’d been attempting to get around town on public transportation … it really isn’t feasible out here. To think that I was able to get around for 4 years in NYC without a car is pretty impressive. You may laugh, but it has been rough remembering to watch my gas gage and remembering regular maintenance after so many years of not having to think of that. Edward and I are still on good terms and I can’t wait for our first anniversary.
In March I had the privilege of getting together with family to witness and celebrate the wedding of my cousin. It had been a long time since I’d seen most of my cousins on that side, and I loved being able to be in Vegas for that occasion. It has been wonderful feeling closer to them as we’ve made an effort to see each other through the year.
In late June, after a brief visit to Amsterdam, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the Tanners in London. They are always so welcoming and I do truly feel like I have a second family in them. We took in as much as our feet would allow. We attended Wimbeldon, the Royal Regatta at Henley on Thames, had a private tour of Parliament, sat in the House of Commons, and ate the most amazing gelato at Harrods.
It was so much fun to stop by the Apple Corps office and finally meet everyone on the Beatles team that I’d worked with for so long in name only. We truly had a wonderful time.
After about a week in London, I took a plane over to Germany to visit Alan, who had recently moved over there with his job. What a beautiful place. I had so much fun photographing the town, the pedestrian areas, and the amazing cathedrals. More amazing gelato, but nothing quite like the Harrod’s £5/scoop experience.
The Italian influence in so much of that area has placed Italy higher on my list of places to visit. I left Germany on July 4th, ceremoniously declared my independence in London, and landed in NYC just in time to see the Macy’s firework display welcoming me back home. It was an incredible experience that made me remember just how much I love the US.
In August I made it back east for my aunt's 90th birthday party, a haircut, and oral surgery.
My trips home to get my haircut have been my favorite indulgence. Joey is the best. Hands down; The Best. I love that I can just sit and let him work his magic and never once do I think … oooh I wish he hadn’t done this or that. But more than that, I know that when I show up, I’m coming home to a friend as well.
Oral surgery. I went to see the dentist who has been taking care of my mouth since I was 3 years old. He and his wife haven’t changed at all over the years. They are just as kind and wonderful and always bring with them the shared memories of our families. The prognosis … a molar that was too cracked to sustain repair. Within 2 hours of leaving his office I was driving to the oral surgeon.
In late August, I made a concerted effort to try to have more UT centered experiences. I decided to see what all the fuss about the mountains was and began going on hikes every nice day to a new trail. I now understand when people say they miss the mountains. You can read about some of my adventures at www.hikingitinheels.blogspot.com.
In September I entered some photographs into the State Fair, and was pleasantly surprised with some of the comments and the ratings. I made it a goal to finally make the leap and buy my camera.
At the end of September, one of the friends who taught me to snowboard earlier in the year, called and said he had planned a trip to Australia and New Zealand and had found himself without anyone to travel with. I had been planning a trip to New Mexico to visit the cliff dwellings and witness the balloon festival there, when suddenly those plans fell apart. I had never considered going to Australia.
I envisioned open, dry land with people in funny hats riding around in utility vehicles, saying g’day a lot. Whether it was the disappointment of my own trip falling apart or the great job he does at convincing someone to go, I said yes. Within 12 days I was on a plane.
It was the most amazing 2.5 weeks I’ve ever spent. I can’t believe my first scuba diving and snorkeling experience was along the Great Barrier Reef! We pet kangaroos and watched whales. The testimonies of his friends/second family/investigators/converts were inspiring and I hope to return or at least have them visit with me here in the States.
I’ve been studying, trying to push through my classes. I thought it would be easier than it is. I find working, trying to rebuild a social life, getting settled, and studying on top of it all, a lot to handle. I have no idea how I ever did it the first time around!
Loved my trip to Chicago for Mom’s birthday and the time spend time with her and my sisters … it was hard to leave, but leaving was the only way to fly my 50,000th mile of 2011!!! Hello, Gold Medallion status :)
I’ve been blessed through the entire year to have such great support by my family and my NYC friends as well as those new friends I’ve made here. At the mercy of my Heavenly Father, it has been a good year with many amazing, never to have again, experiences with dear family and friends.
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