The whirlwind called 2012

This last week I feel like I have been recovering from a year of ...whatever it was haha. It has literally been a whirlwind!

2012 has brought so many good times, new places, new faces, heartbreak, tears, life lessons, but most of all gratitude.

2012 has not gone without making a permenant mark on my life in so many different ways it would be a novel to write about it all. But as the year is closing I'm finding myself just sitting back and saying "wow" for all that I've learned and been through.

It started with a bang as I bought my first new car!

It has treated me VERY well and accompanied me on multiple trips to St. George and one to Vegas! It's mileage is heaven. Still unnamed though..can't think of one worthy of this beauty.

I turned DEUCES (22) this year! I was born on Easter and every 11 years it's supposed to fall on Easter sunday again but because of the leap year, it wasn't. Stupid.

Then in June I got to go on the trip of a lifetime (literally, read the posts entitled such to read about all the details and adventures) to the New York area. We got to go through surrounding states as well and visit so many historic sites, this nerd was in heaven!

In 2012 I fulfilled a pretty great travelers dream....I went coast to coast in one year. Atlantic Ocean (New York) in June and Pacific Ocean (Seattle, Washington) in August. Crazy right?! I was so excited when I realized this. The world is seriously so pretty and I can't wait to explore another new place.

I could put a quote to this year to completely sum it up.

"There must be opposition in all things"

From buying a new car to having a breast lump scare to best summer of my life to my missionary coming home to 2 of our pets dying to my first broken heart to now. It has been one heck of a roller coaster.

I am grateful I had a good relationship with my Father in Heaven before this year because I would not have made it out without him. I've relied on Him heavily this year and learned that although He sent us to live our own lives we are not meant to and can't go throughout it alone.

I had a post earlier in the year about how I am a closed person when it comes to talking about my personal trials, etc. for various reasons. So I made it a goal to open up and let people help me like I love to help others as well. It is AMAZING and humbling being on the receiving end of service.

I am so blessed and grateful for everyone in my life. There were those that let me just spill it all out to them and sat and listened to my ridiculous sob stories and others who simply made me smile. It's amazing to me how many little blessings come disguised to us each and every day. When your going through a rough time you tend to notice them more. Everything from a funny post that made me laugh, a positive quote, a smile, a compliment, etc. I want to get better at noticing all the little things Heavenly Father does for me. Tender mercies.

Like I mentioned earlier: I had the best summer of my life this year! I lived in a complex in provo and met some of the greatest people and just had the time of my life.  There was always something going on everyday. So many laughs, so many adventures, friends, spiritual experiences, etc. We played sand volleyball probably every night and I miss that like crazy! I miss running around with no shoes and living like a beach bum with a day job in good ole provo.

 

One of my best friends also got married! It was such a gorgeous wedding, so happy for both of them :)

2012 was such a great year and at the same time one of the worst. I've learned so much and grown as a person more in this year than I ever have. I've met the best people, said goodbye to 2 pets, went coast to coast, bought my first car, married off another friend, and had so many other experiences. WHAT A YEAR. I'm so excited for what 2013 brings and can't wait to start planning the next adventure!