2012: What a fantastic year!

It has been months since I have posted, but I wanted to take the time to write on the last day of 2012.

2012 has been one of most exciting years to date. The highlights:

1) Spending a month in France, Spain, and Italy with 20 other UC students. This was unquestionably the best month of my life. I will always cherish every experience I had in Europe. I made wonderful friends, saw beautiful cities, ate the most exquisite food, and drank lots of good wine! Study Abroad 2012 is one of my best memories of the year!

2) I graduated from college! After four years of long nights, lots of financial equations, and a few tears, I did it! Not only was that expensive piece of paper important, but the college experiences helped shape me into the woman I came to be. I saw the world with my college class (Canada, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy), I went on four service trips to Texas and Louisiana, I got involved in a few clubs, and I gained my independence by moving out and proving I could be make it on my own.  I couldn't have been any prouder of my college accomplishments.

3) I got a car. This wasn't as exciting as graduation or studying abroad, but it was a big upgrade and I love my new Civic!

4) I started my full time job. I never dreamed of working in insurance as a young child, but I am really enjoying my career. I am learning more about property and casualty insurance daily, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for my career.

5) I ran two half marathons. This was an accomplishment I never could have dreamt possible in 2011. They were two of the biggest challenges I ever willingly gave myself, but the pride and accomplishment that came with that work was well worth it!

6) My mom got married, and I gained a step-dad. I am very happy for both of them, and it is nice to call Charlie family now.

7) I met the most extraordinary man, and I am so excited about our future!

I was so blessed in 2012- I can only hope that 2013 brings just as much happiness and joy!