Another Year Comes to a Close...

Well, it's the end of another year. They just seem to come and go faster and faster every year! It's amazing... 2012 brought me happiness, anxiety, disappointment, excitement, tears of joy, tears of sadness and tears of laughter. I got to know myself and what I want in life, but I also realized that I actually have no idea what I really want. Life is so full of questions and this year I have started to learn that the questions and doubts I have all lead to doors, and I am the only one that gets to choose whether or not to open those doors and walk, run, jump or dance through. There are doors ahead that I am scared to death to open, but that is what faith and God are for. With these open doors, there are the closed doors that I have already gone through. I can always look back and remember what emotions and adventures the other side of that door brought to me, but sometimes those doors lock behind me and there is no way of going back. We learn from those experiences and move on.

Here is my top 5 list of best and most memorable experiences, days and moments from 2012:

1. I ran a 10k! That was such an incredible experience! Definitely one of the best from this past year. The motivation and hard work it took for me to work up to it and prepare for it, and then the feeling of crossing the finish line..... So worth all of it! I learned how to really push myself and I realized that I can physically endure so much more than I ever thought I could! It's hurts like he** but it feels so good!

2. My weekend in Utah for Kaitie's mission farewell, Boyce Avenue concert and just an amazing time with some of the best friends in the world. I got to spend 3 days straight with some freaking amazing people and got to see my favorite band, live! Their music sends such strong emotions through my entire body, and hearing their music live was such an unforgettable experience. I also got to hear one of my best friends give her farewell talk before she left for England to serve the Lord for 18 months. She is such an amazing, inspiring friend and person.

3. My weekend in Portland, Oregon. I had the opportunity to go there for an amazing friend and roommate, Adri's, wedding. I was so happy for her and loved being able to share that experience with her. I also got to spend a day with my friend hiking and exploring downtown Portland. I LOVE exploring new places and seeing other parts of the world. This made for such a great and unforgettable weekend.

4. The day my parents came to Rexburg to visit me. They drove up from Utah while Tim was at EFY and spent the day with me! I got to show them around the campus and Rexburg a little bit. It was only for a day, but it was so much fun! When they left, I ran outside crying and gave them each one last hug. I love my parents so so much and am so grateful for them.

5. The presentation from Sarah Susanka. She is an interior design and architecture author and speaker. She came to BYU-Idaho and did a presentation for us and it was one of the most inspiring, motivational presentations I have ever heard. After hearing her words, I was so inspired to be and do better and figure out what my life is really about and how I truly want to live it.

Through these experiences and the hundreds of other ones from this past year, I have learned more about who I am, what I want and what is most important to me. Here's to 2013 and the experiences, surprises, possibilities and doors ahead of me! CHEERS!