Year in Review and Preview

2011 was awesome! School was awesome, work was awesome, friends were awesome.

In short, life was awesome.

In long, school was awesome because I took some really great classes that helped me develop my intellect, spirit, and character. Semantics (and other ELang classes) taught me the beauty of language especially words. Persuasive Writing improved my communication skills, brought me confidence in my writing abilities, and  made me aware of my gift for and love of editing papers. Writings of Isaiah opened my mind to the many treasures of the Book of Isaiah and became the jumping point for what I hope will be a lifetime of productive Isaiah study (among other things). Mission Prep blew my mind (and I'm stopping at that, because I'll write several posts about stuff I learned in that class later :D)

Work was awesome for so many reasons. I became a captain--a bold move on the part of the people up top, 'cause I'm purdy shy sometimes, and don't really take charge unless I'm told to. I learned how to delegate and, in short, make good things happen. No two events are ever quite the same, which makes things a challenge; I like that because it keeps me on my toes. I like that they let me drive a truck. They trust me with vehicles more than my mom does, although that's probably wisdom on my mom's part ;) I get to serve cool people; this year includes four of my professors, Brad Wilcox, the First Lady of Honduras, Cecil O. Samuelson, Sheri Dew, Elder Richard G. Hinckley, and Elder L. Tom Perry. Coworkers say the nicest things to me every time I work, and at least pretend to like the ridiculous songs I write about catering. I get to work with some of the finest people there are, and they make my life wonderful.

Awkward hugs with Danielle

Epic hikes with Tracy

I've made some really great friends; friends that baby sit me while I'm homeless, friends who I can philosophize with, friends who take me on fantastic hikes, friends who buy and eat starbursts just to give me the wrappers, friends who play soccer with me, friends who think it's a privilege to take me to Wal-mart at 11:40 on a Saturday night, friends who enjoy eating grilled cheese sandwiches and watching the lightning with me,  friends who leave me nice notes all the time, friends who pick me up just because they made bacon and want to share, friends who get my keys when I leave them at the airport, friends who like my awkward hugs, friends who pick me up from work just so we can sit in the parking lot to watch the snow,  friends who anonymously leave cookies on my doorstep with reference to 'even days', friends who always make me laugh, friends who share awkward dance parties in the kitchen with me, friends who join me in wearing sunglasses during work meetings, friends who romantically eat cake with me, friends who sing in the boys bathroom with me, friends who take me to the temple, friends who graciously overlook my numerous flaws, and friends who encourage me to be the best I can be, simply from their examples. I'm in awe of the amazing people that I am surrounded by, and hope to be able to deserve their friendship someday.

Other Adventures

Justin and Jordan at Tuacahn

• Learned how to ice skate
• Learned German (sort of :p)
• Figured out my life for the next 3ish years
• Recorded my first song (plus a few others)
• Got to be a bridesmaid for the first time
• Wrote successful musical parodies about catering and counterfeit drugs
• Went real rock climbing
• Only ate desserts on even days (mostly ;)
• Wrote a song
• Learned how to play racquetball
• Played 'Darktimate Frisbee'
• Caught my sister's bouquet 
• Modeled for an artist

Victor

• Reached the semi-finals for intramural kickball
• Became a Barbie for 'Toy Story'--47th ward edition
• Listened to Mark Zuckerburg (which means 'sugar mountain' auf Deutsch!) and Condoleeza Rice
• Kept a pet butterfly named Victor (and yes, he was a boy, despite what Danielle would have you believe)

• Developed a taste for Cabbage and Zucchini
• Became a clone slave
• Went to Tuacahn to see "Grease" and finally saw "Aida"
• Traveled to Arizona (a 10 hr drive) and only took a ten minute break. (Courtney's a beast!)
• Got my first boyfriend that wasn't made of wood (but he might've been a dog...)
• Gave blood 3 times (without crying!)

So what now? I just completed the best year ever, so it's time to top it!

My overarching, painfully general "New Years Resoluion" is to work harder and love stronger.

I've got sub goals under each one but I wont go into detail, 'cause that'd take for flippin' ever. But here're the basics

Work Harder

• Develop personal accountability
• Exercise more regularly
• Serve more (regarding community and ancestors, and other dead folks)
• Develop diligence and consistancy (regarding school work and character)

Love Stronger

• Continue in my quest to conquer fear (see 1 John 4:18)
• Serve more (regarding friends and associates)
• Become a creator rather than a critic

I ain't no fortune teller, but this is what I expect to happen within the next year. I'll conquer some excellent classes (German, Modern American Usage (of English), New Testament, Short Story, and History 1500-present), get my wisdom teeth out, leave on a mission, and have many many other adventures. Leben ist gut :D

Happiness is not a product of circumstance. 

Some simply endure the journey

Some find joy in the journey

And some make joy in their journey

It is in our power to make this year successful, and that's what we'll aim to do!

Happy New Year!