a new year's letter

In honor of this new "grown-up" blog, a farewell to 2006 seems to be in order.

This year began with me turning 22. Not a historically large milestone, but one that was celebrated in style by a trip to Dallas with good friends, good food, shopping and hookah merriment.

For spring break, my family and I traveled to New Mexico. We stopped in Albuquerque and saw some family, rode up the Sandia Peak tram, stayed in Santa Fe ate good food, saw good art and drove to Taos for some snow and mountains.

This year also provided the unique opportunity to take action for injustices across the globe. I consider it a huge honor to have been a part of the Invisible Children Global Night commute. It was absolutely exhilarating to be a part of a global initiative to make this world a better place.

I was blessed beyond belief to have two international beauties in my apartment for the first of the year. Mirela and Lize truly lit up my life.

Of course, graduation was a huge day in 2006. The culmination of a tremendous education and magnificent journey. OBU changed my life, my worldview and my priorities. I think of my time on bison hill frequently and am constantly thankful for all it has meant to me.

My mom's cousin Pete lost his battle with liver cancer this year, and as my family is very close, it was hard to see his three kids say goodbye to their dad.

After graduation, my mom and I took a trip to New York City. Manhattan amazes me as each time I visit I am able to have completely different experiences, and do completely different things. My favorite activity this time was a visit to the UN with a tour. We were able to go in the security council chamber and walk where the world is changed every day. It was very inspiring.

In June I was coerced into being the camp nurse for my church's children's camp, Camp Tejas and ended up having a much better time than anticipated. I really enjoyed getting to know the kids and make sure they enjoyed camp and were able to hear from the Lord while they were there.

I got a job at my childhood church after graduation working for the Student ministry. I enjoyed working at church much more than I expected. The people in the office became some of my closest friends, and a gateway to meeting people who hold a very special place in my heart. I was also able to help our new high school student minister come in and get settled. He has some revolutionary ideas and I have enjoyed seeing what he is planning to bring to the church.

Not only was I able to make new friends through Hyde Park, but I also reconnected with some old friends, which was a nice surprise. Although one of them is now in Uganda, living the dream......

Another highlight of 2006 was passing my nursing boards!!!! Quite possibly the most nauseating time period in my life was waiting for the day to come, taking that dumb test and then waiting for those three little words... "you have passed." Pretty sure I wanted to vomit for the entire month of September.

I was thrilled to discover I was hired at the Children's Hospital of Austin. I come off orientation next Sunday and I have learned a TON since starting my job as an RN.

I have a GREAT apartment. And I LOVE living alone.

I got to go to Austin City Limits Festival (thanks to a very generous friend) and had a phenomenal time spending the weekend surrounded by talented musicians, art and good friends, old and new. It was a great, not TOO hot weekend in austin, spent the way any summer austin weekend should be. with good music.

and I saw Sujfan Stevens. Best concert of my life.

Just last month, Gena moved down here, and it has been really fun having her around. I am glad to have someone else here.

Kim got married. Sara got married. My cousin got engaged. Pascha got married. Micah from Hyde Park got engaged. Shannon and Drew got engaged. Bekah got engaged. Chris and Rebecca got married. Emily got married. Another Emily got engaged. Liz got married..........am I forgetting anyone?

Now its 2007.

Inevitably there will be more weddings. And more engagements, but such is life.

As for me?

Maybe a trip to Europe?

Art Classes?

a Date?

some good concerts,

success at weight watchers,

...and continuing to chase the exciting, beautiful and surprising parts of life. Here's to 07. May she bring adventure around every corner.