Every year I ask this question. And every year I go through the denial. It seems the years just keep picking up speed. Maybe it's the fact that I'm aging. I mean, I'm almost 25, which is a quarter of a century old, which means I'm halfway to 50! Okay, Dani...don't think about that. Focus on your youth. Deep breath. Don't worry, I'm calm again. Maybe life really does move faster as you get older.
Whatever the reason, this year has hurtled by. And there have been tears, laughter, heartache, celebration, excitement, fear, doubt, and rejoicing. Here are some of the highlights of 2007 thus far:
January
I went to Disneyland with my good friend, Christy. I almost missed our flight, due to forgetting to set my alarm, but made it to the airport with 10 minutes to spare before take-off. We had a blast! Truly kids at heart. :) We went on rides, ate good food, had amazing talks, and made lasting memories.
February
I took a photoshop course with my older sis. We didn't learn a whole lot of new skills, but the time spent together, laughing and writing notes via our computers, was just like being back in high school. Good or bad? You decide.
February also brought with it my 24th birthday. I celebrated in much the same way as I always do...quietly with family. I guess I'm just not that into celebrating my birthday like I used to be.
In fact, Feb is a month of birthdays for my family. I celebrated my Uncle's 50th birthday. Welcome to the Golden Years! He immediately retired. Set for a life of hunting, fishing, and mischeif making. My dad's 54th & my mom's 54th also ocurred this month.
March
I coached high school track & had a blast! Realized how much I love working with kids of all ages and what a joy they are. Definitely know that kids are in my future...some way...somehow.
I visited my friend in Pullman...Cougar country. First time in all my years at UW of ever venturing there. Realized why I had stayed away. Purple runs deep in my veins.
April
My baby sister turned 22. That's when it hit me...we are all growing up. So fast.
May
I went to The Killers concert with my sister & her boyfriend who was on break from the Marines. Originally, it was Laura, Julie, and I going to the concert, but we made our way all the way down to the WAMU Theater only to discover that the concert had been cancelled and rescheduled for the following weekend. We drowned our sorrows in beer and fries at Pyramid.
I went to The Killers concert with my sister & her boyfriend who was on break from the Marines. Originally, it was Laura, Julie, and I going to the concert, but we made our way all the way down to the WAMU Theater only to discover that the concert had been cancelled and rescheduled for the following weekend. We drowned our sorrows in beer and fries at Pyramid.
The first wedding of the year...Ryan's college friend Dave. Ran into an old, old classmate of mine dating back to 2nd grade. Nolan Erickson. What a small world that we were at the same wedding. Especially since I had no connection to the bride or groom, except through Ryan.
June
I flew to Spokane to meet my boyfriend and attend his best friend's (Mike) wedding. We had fun...Mike was a bit nervous the day of, so we made several stops on the way to the church for that one thing that cures and calms the nerves. Hard liquor. The wedding was quick and went off without a hitch. Before I knew it, I was back in Seattle.
June also brought my first trip to Vegas, where I played in a soccer tournament in 100+ degree heat. Fortunately, I drank water and gatorade instead of beer and margaritas like most of my team and managed to avoid heat exhaustion. Don't really have much of a desire to ever go back to Vegas. It seemed so fake to me...and I'm just not that into the clubbing and over-indulging that Vegas promotes so blatantly.
July
I played in the All Nations Cup (soccer) with Team Europe. We were sponsored by Soprano's, one of the best pizza restaurants around...check it out! Shameless promotion, I know. ;)
We made it to the championship game against Team America and won in a shootout, making us the 2007 Regional Champions. We got a medal and a plaque.
I also spent an entire day at the hospital while Ryan had his appendix removed. Did I mention it ruptured during the surgery? So scary! But it did give me a chance to immerse myself in the world of Harry Potter and gang for an entire day, so how could I complain? I finished book 7 in less than a week. Cried at points, stuck my lower lip out in sadness and frustration, and finally conculded my love affair with Harry. It truly was a sad moment in my life.
Three days after Ryan's surgery, we journeyed to Creation NW. Not the smartest choice, but we still managed to have a good time. Great bands. Great speakers. Amazing communion with God.
August
I journeyed with Laura (sister) to Cle Elum, where we spent the weekend with my mom's side of the family in a gorgeous cabin on the river. We went rafting down the Yakima, played flyer's up in the field, laughed, ate, and relaxed. Already, I am missing that quiet retreat.
Played on a softball team, despite the fact that I despise the game. Actually had fun. I'll miss the dread that filled my soul and caused my heart to plummet before each game.
September
Ryan and I shared our one year anniversary by taking a short hike up to Rattlesnake Ledge. I learned that I had not conquered my fear of falling like I had thought and, with shaky legs, stood on a rock overlooking the edge and the lake below. I had to scoot out on my but, scraping my hands and legs in the process, and then stand up in order to reach the edge to begin with.
I joined a women's bible study at Bethany Community Church (check it out if you are searching for a place to call home). I'm so thankful for the women in my small group and the connections I am forging.
Dom married Mandy! Dom, Ryan's roommate of 7 years was married, leaving Ryan homeless and sending him back to Seattle. The wedding was gorgeous and we danced well into the night.
October
My family and I made our return to Maui and spent 11 days basking in the sunshine and relaxing on the beach. I went snorkeling, boogie boarding, swimming, hiking, and even zip-lining. It was a blast! Save for the fact that I cut my leg on lava rock on day one and had to get 8 stitches. But I didn't let that stop me from enjoying the trip.
October also brought with it the painful loss of a friend and mentor at my office. Greg, our lead architect and part owner, was killed in a head-on collision on the 26th. The news devestated our office. But we pulled together like never before and slowly began healing.
November
I attended a funeral that I never expected to be at...at least not for another 30 years....guess that makes 4 weddings and a funeral for the year. I would have much preferred not having the funeral.
Thanksgiving celebration at the parents! Good food! Great people! What more could I ever want?
December
Went to the Switchfoot/Relient K concert with Ryan. Sure, we fit into the older crowd, but that didn't take away from the incredible music and energy that both bands exude.
Searched for the family Christmas tree in the freezing cold sleet and snow. Wouldn't have had it any other way.
Brad married Adrianne and they couldn't have picked a more perfect day for their wedding to occur. The snow was falling all day and created a striking back drop through the large floor-to-ceiling window behind the altar at the church. If I ever have a winter wedding, I would want to make sure I had snow that day too!
Christmas! My favorite holiday has come and gone. And with it came wonderful gifts, amazing celebration, and priceless time spent with those I love most. It was the first white Christmas I can ever remember in Seattle. God gave me exactly what I aksed for. :)
That covers some things, but leaves out a lot. Here's to a great, yet trying, 2007. I'm looking forward to the next month and the celebrations it entails. Yet also excited for the coming year and the plans I'm already beginning to make for it. Mainly the travel that will occur. Planning trips to Haiti, Nicaragua, and possibly Greece & Southern Italy in September. Can't wait to see the wonderful things God has in store for me!
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season & hoping your past year was incredible. And if it wasn't, that's fine too. God holds you in the palm of his hand, so great things will come.
2 comments:
I have a "Year in Review" post in the works, too! I'll save it until later in December, but I love stuff like this - looking back at all that has happened. Looks like your 2007 has been pretty amazing!
Yes, but your "Year in Review" will be so much more exciting...full of travel & adventure!
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