2013 is in the Past

2013 has passed....

Some highlights of 2013 include:

Spiritual Highlights

- I attended the temple on a weekly basis except for one week. I was disappointed that I found out after planning my trip to DC that the temple would be closed. So that broke my 2 1/2 year streak of attending every week. We did take a walk to it that week...so maybe that counts. :) I also added two new temples to those I've attended, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

- I am still enjoying working in the Young Women presidency. I enjoyed a youth conference in Aspen Grove and a week of Young Women camp in Heber. It has been fun to have Julia join the group and jump right in.
- I made a goal at the beginning of the year to write down a thought from Sacrament meeting. I didn't do it every week, but I found that it helped me get more out of being there.

Social Highlights

-First and foremost, I haven't given up on dating yet. Talk about challenges....

-There was one week that I had a date Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There were three other weekends that I had dates Friday and Saturday. 

- I went on a total of 14 dates split up among 5 different guys. Additionally, I talked to a number of guys.

- In dating, I have come to learn that I can stand up for myself as I was confronted with some situations. I also learned that I can trust my instincts and feelings.

Career Highlights

- There isn't much to highlight in these regards. It's provided to be quite a challenge with the group of kids I have this year. 

- I have tried to continue to pursue opportunities to allow me to put my Masters Degree to use.

- I am looking at finding some other possibilities to pursue. 

Other Highlights

- I had a fun and exciting trip to Antelope Island which was covered in snow.

- I took a break from the wintery weather of Salt Lake and visited Zion National Park. 

- I rode in a helicopter.

- I took a family name through the temple.

- I turned 30 and completed my 30 by 30 list which was concluded with a fun party thrown by Mom.

- I became an aunt. The amount of joy that little Carter brings to my life is amazing! 

- I did a zip line. It was quite a fright, shock, and thrill all bundled in one.

- Through an invitation of a good friend, I attended the Manti pageant. That night was full of laughter.

- I completed 9 years of teaching and began my 10th year.

- I took a very full vacation to DC. I had lived in Maryland for 2 years and had done some sight seeing. This trip brought some new firsts: Hershey, tour of the Capitol, Alexandria, Gettysburg, metro, Smithsonian, Arlington, Ford Theater, archives, Martin Luther King Memorial, with a possible addition to other monuments and memorials. 

- I attended the Tuacahn theaters to see Mulan and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

- I attended my first rodeo on a very rainy Saturday.

- I bought a new car...my first small SUV....

- I spent a splendid three days at Disneyland with my best friend, Mom!!!!

- I found out that I will have my first niece due May 2014.

- I succeeded in making strawberry jam. Maybe I'll try canning it this year.

- I attended a favorite concert, Mannheim Steamroller with Mom.

I did something for the first time in reviewing my year. I went back and looked at my journal. I noticed that I wrote a lot about the frustrations of single life and work. I am hoping to make some changes this year to help me feel happier. These are two instances in which I can't change their circumstances too much. So I just have to find ways to better my feelings and better balance all aspects of my life. Stay tuned later this week or next Sunday for my 2014 goals.