Family, Friends, & 2010

2010

It's been a good year. I've done some things; like finished two more semesters of school (April 2012 baby!), gotten addicted to some new TV shows, had what was arguably the world's most awesome internship, made some new friends, enjoyed Provo & D.C., had myself a good time, etc. But, like most posts, I find that the most effective way to dwell upon some of 2010's highlights is in list form.

1: Finished up the Campus Plaza stint. After two years in Campus Plaza it was nice to say goodbye, and you know, stop sleeping in bunk beds and sharing a single bathroom with five other girls. Don't get me wrong, Campus Plaza was great. But it was also great to leave.

2: Road tripping to Idaho for Sam's farewell. I don't go on road trips much, so the five hour drive to Idaho Falls was rather novel. Also, I got to ride snow mobiles and hang out with Mallorie, Canada, Jeff, and Sam. Can things get more awesome? Of course not.

3: Food. 2010 was the year of great meals. From the epicness of The Cheesecake Factory, to late night Taco Bell runs, Sukiyaki, sushi, stuffed squash & mushrooms, barbecued vegetables, and the discovery of herbal tea, it's been a fantastic year.

4: The Internship: Wondrous. When will I ever again be able to work in the heart of D.C., commuting on the metro, wearing heels, doing work from 8-5 that's not only stimulating and demanding, but that revolves around Latin America? Summer 2011, that's when! Yahoo!

5: After years of excruciatingly slow texting, I finally figured out the wonders of T9. I am an achingly late bloomer, but am now on my way to becoming a texting beast.

6: Saw Sufjan in concert! Obsessed over Imagine Dragons. Was introduced to Fun., Freelance Whales, Jose Gonzalez, and rediscovered Iron & Wine, and Moby.

7: Discovered BYU without Grace. The being without Grace is not a highlight, per se, but it's been great to be able to support my best friend as she serves a mission. I've loved getting her letters and emails, and can better appreciate the fantastic three years she was my roommate. I miss her lots, can only be proud that she's decided to spend 18 months in Tampa preaching the gospel, and sharing her awesomeness with the people of Florida. They're pretty lucky, as am I.

8: Mallorie! From riding brakeless bikes through downtown D.C., weekly swims in the RB pool, to perpetual conversations in broken Spanish & German, 2010 would have been dark and cold without M. She is witty, hilarious, and good, and I am so, so, so glad we are amigas. Ist gut. TQM.

9: The return of freshman friends was oh so wonderful and spending Fall semester with the likes of these was heavenly. (Special shout out to Spencer, who not only will travel to see FJORDS with me, but who is now officially in the photography program!)

10: I am so grateful I got to live at home this summer and spend time with the two little brothers and Mom and Pop. Having older brother at the Y is an added blessing. In addition, I have easy access to the smatterings of extended family across the Wasatch Front and the greater D.C. metro area. Life couldn't be much better.