Reflections on the year

 I find it important and beneficial to think about what I have been through this last year.  I am all about learning and to me if you don't see the purpose or understanding in an event, an experience, an incident, then it can be a wasted opportunity to grasp something new about yourself and the life your living.  This exercise helps me appreciate and remember, to practice graciousness even in times of frustration and melancholy.

There were times when being at my job here in New York were extremely defeating and depressing.  After too long of being surrounded by negativity and aggression it wears on you, at least it did me! Don't get me wrong, it was my choice to stay there, I did meet some great people and saved a decent amount of money which was my goal, but man oh man certain days were just very hard.  But, I imagine a lot of work environments are like that.  I decided one of my reasons for going to grad school is not to avoid days of difficulty or frustration but to at least feel my work was more purposeful and having some impact, oh ya and at least like what I am doing ! For the most part that is.. :)  I look back at my year there now and I understand how much I have grown, how I have developed a totally new skill and learned how to speak up for what I want. Living here has thickened my skin and in ways made me more confident and competent for my future jobs.

Being who I am, my life is definitely not all work, I find it a necessity of life to always make time for play!

                                                    Last year in January I went from this..

To this :)

PR

Doing this.

and this..

But shortly after our little island turned to an icicle

But then again, there were those who enjoyed it..

I also had the joy of seeing this a lot and actually learning my way around the city and subway.

I spent a lot of times and walks with two of my favorite guys.

I even had a sleepovers..

And then there were the PA trips.

Days of fishing.

Hunting treasures at the Poconos swap meet.

Taking it all in,

with this handsome man.

But then it would be back to work..

With the Princess of the Pipe

Don't be mistaken, there were some beach days.

Another great moment of the year was surprising my brother for his graduation.

It feels like not so long ago this was me.  It was surreal to see my kid brother graduate.

And so wonderful to celebrate with my family.

But again it was back to work..

We were also blessed with some visitors this year.

Like my cousin Ryan.

And a bunch of rugrats.

We also saw some monumental concerts I will never forget. Sixto Rodriguez, Mason Jennings and Wild Child (amazing Doors tribute band)

The year was also full of sporting events, specifically Islanders games and even a Yankee game (go METS & PADRES)

Also had my first Philly Cheese Steak

Thanks Bri!!

Then it was time to go fishing again...

With all of these DOOODES

Oh and time for another beach day.

Long Beach, NY

But it never failed, had to go back to work.

Thats how i felt about it..

Pretty (&) Bored

I also attended a few weddings this year, coast to coast.

I even got a little taste of my heritage this year

And celebrated our 8 year anniversary.

The beast and I looking at the changing leaves.

But then..

Well let me just say I wasn't the only one that wanted to leave work.

Finally Halloween came, and it was a time to be something different and play dress up.

Sometimes all of the playing made us tired 

and do silly things..

Then Thanksgiving flew in, and brought more happiness and good food.

Charlie and I even stuck in some educational things this year, like a trip to the Natural History Museum in NYC.

But it was kind of like playing..

Then it was time to celebrate Charlies 27th Birthday.

Some were more into the "dessert" then others..

And then in the blink of an eye it was Christmas.

Just looking through these pictures makes me appreciate the year I have had, through the ups and downs I have a lot of thanks to give, especially to Charlie's family for helping us prepare for the next part of our life.  But, I am not sad to say that moving back to San Diego in the end of January is very exciting news to me and feels very meant to be.  I have been fortunate in my life to consistently feel like, "this is where I am suppose to be."  Sometimes it took me time to see it and understand it but I find myself thinking that more often then not.

Of course I have to say I am also gracious for these folks..

And have missed them very much this last year!

In this upcoming year make sure that you make time for happiness, yourself, and telling/showing those who are important to you just how much you cherish them!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!