Wow, it's already December 30. Where did 2012 go? I suppose time flies when you're having fun :) When I think about 2012, I think of a few things... mainly boxes (or Trader Joe bags in most cases), travel, family and triathlon (of course =P).
I've been trying to write this post for almost a week now, and I just haven't brought myself to sit down and do it because I feel that it simply won't do this year justice! How can you sum up an entire year of life experiences in one post? That's a lot of pressure! So, with that disclaimer, I'll do my best in recapping an AWESOME year, and sending some well wishes to all of you for an even better next year :)
So first, the boxes (or like I mentioned, Trader Joe bags).
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| This is my stuffed BruRu, you can't see the army of Trader Joe bags, but believe me, it was recycling at it's finest. Definitely essential for all of the moves this year. |
Over the course of 2012 I have lived in four houses (five if you count Lucas's parents' house :) ). Starting in Tucson
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| One of the most beautiful Tucson sunrises :) |
graduating, moving to Northern Cali--starting in Brentwood with the
Piquero Family,
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| The Magical Studio of Fun--Brentwood, CA |
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| Briones Trail in Walnut Creek--beautiful hills! |
moving our way into beautiful Walnut Creek,
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| Lovely view, technically Scottsdale, but it's all the same ;) |
and circle
it all back up to home--good old Phoenix, AZ at my folks' place (and
like I said, sometimes Lucas's parents').
I think the best adjective
for that many moves is dynamic. There was certainly never a dull moment
this year, but I do hope 2013 brings at least one less move ;)
The rest of the major themes of my year: family, travel, triathlon--can all be reflected upon together, because, as I learned, they are all closely entwined.
Lessons:
- You never know what you have until it's gone--family, friends, familiarity...all of these things are SO easy to take for granted, but the more you leave home, the more you realize just how warming home can actually be-- to all of my family and friends: I LOVE YOU, thank you for making my life full and beautiful!
- Dream big and be your own friend. Do a favor for yourself: listen to your internal speech, how do you talk to yourself? Would you be your own friend? The answer should be "yes!". I'm not saying you have to be in love with yourself (in fact, don't, that's usually not very healthy or fun). However, with out falling madly in love with your own reflection and shriveling up to die...be your own friend! Make big dreams, chase them, tell yourself (realistically) that you can reach them and not only will you be happier, but those around you will pick up your vibe and be happier :)
- Hard work pays off-- in everything you do, working your butt off will always get you further. One catch is that it also (at least in my case) makes you want more ;) Don't let that stop you...don't be afraid to pull your sleeves up and throw some elbow grease in there ;)
I had a LOT of fun:
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| March: Lake Louisa, FL- the spot of my very first taste of ITU style racing. The first of many to come in my young triathlon career :) | | | |
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| April: The last of my good, old-fashioned college fun ;) |
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| May: A big BONK at Wildflower (long distance), lesson learned, still had fun :) (I suppose I also turned 22 in May...but considering I drunkenly cried about the fact I was one year closer to 30, I won't include any pictures, although most of it was very fun ;) ) |
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| June: To Florida for the second time...this trip: DISNEYWORLD. The Wellings were kind enough to include me on their family vacation, and this was the view from our Hotel Room :) |
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| Disney continued: Still my favorite photo from the trip...Piper meets Princess Aurora<3 | | | | |
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| Chancey Pants joined us, like a "real man" on the Tower of Terror...he was 7 at the time. Aubree also joined, she's 5, baller....oh yes, and we were behind the Incredibles...through the entire line. |
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| There are no words. |
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| July: Collegiate Recruitment Camp...a truly LIFE CHANGING experience. Amazing, thank you again! |
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| August: Qualified for my Pro Card! My Aunts, Uncles, cousins, all there cheering me on...dream come true! |
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| September: LA- my first beach swim: scary, salty, fun |
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| October: Goose's birthday! Of course we're at Grizzly Peaks...one last time! |
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| November: Back home to Phoenix, and immediately entered in the Women's Half Marathon :) |
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| December: My Parents, high school sweethearts...aren't they cute? |
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| Christmas- I LOVE THESE KIDS <3 |
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| Christmas, cont: My brother and my puppy, Pima...a little pre-game nap ;) |
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| My Love <3 |
So, I'll call 2012 a success! Bring it on 2013, I'm ready.
Final
music recs of the year :)
Some fresh Valeas:
First, Gain Their Trust
^ballin electronic music, and a free download, can't beat it!
Play Hard by Krewella
^some cool kids from Chicago making some pretty awesome beats!! I feel like this is a good theme for 2013...Play HARD!!!
