There It Goes: Two Thousand Twelve

Post-5k. We look so good, right?

Oh hey, blog, what's up?

Let me start this out by stating that I went brunetter the other day. It's kind of a big deal.

But seriously, 2012 was a pretty big year for me. I can't believe it's over. I'm not sad to see it go though; it's been a good one and 2013 is promising.

I moved out of my family's home at the end of the summer. This is my first time out of the house. Sheer convenience as far as expenses and all that fun stuff, and the fact that I love my family, had kept me there this long, but the convenience factor was becoming less and less. Now I live 8 minutes away from work instead of 28, and that fact alone has changed so much for me. I fill up my gas tank maybe once every other week instead of once or twice a week. Not having that drive has seems like it's freed up so much time. Maybe it's just a mental thing. Because if you do the math, it's only 40 minutes. But, I feel so much more productive. I go to the gym pretty regularly, and that feels great. I ran my first 5k on Thanksgiving; boom. (Also bought those pink, PINK tennis shoes this year. At the urging of my brother (left). My fashion sense is evolving.)

I finally started college last semester! I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I figured if I didn't go back in that time frame, I probably never would. A few months into it, and I suddenly had a moment where I just decided and now know what I want to do with my life (while visiting my best friend in Reno; maybe that had something to do with it? I missed her and she inspired me? Maybe.). I'm gonna be a high school math teacher. I'm excited for it. I've always thought about teaching, but for some reason dismissed it. I'm just really glad to have a sense of direction.

Joe of Incongruous Circumspection and his 6 kiddos and wife went on a road trip through Colorado this summer, and on a whim I invited them to my family's home to stay. My mom is awesome. Their van broke down and we got to spend even more time with them while they waited a few days for it to be fixed.
His kids are frikin' adorable and each and every one of them have dynamic personalities, and his wife, Kristine, is just an amazing human being. Joe is just crazy; that is all.








  Jack stole my heart. I'm not so sure the feeling was mutual. But he did insist that I come home from work when I had to leave, so that was nice.






















 Felicity: the reason why people are suckers for kids in glasses.


I don't always invite strangers from the internet into our home, but when I do, it's a good idea.

 Even before I moved out, it wasn't like I was spending tons of time with my family, between all of our crazy work and school schedules. But it is different, not being under the same roof. Time with the little ones is even more precious. And so we take webcam pics.

 Fourth of July. We got a good profile pic. haha.
This sister also moved out around the same time, and in with our grandparents, about an hour away, for school. We skype. We're cool.




Oh, no big deal. Just me totally DOMINATING in Apples to Apples with my family.

Brother graduated in May. Good job, or whatever, I guess.
=)

Random friend of Andrea's, wearing suspenders. We all just look pretty good, so I obviously had to post this.

 I love my sister, Andrea, so much. We've roomed together since she was born, and she even moved out with me and we still share a room. Anyway, anyone who knows anything knows how awesome she is.
This year, I've almost become a Whovian, thanks to her. I still feel like a bit of an outsider, because there is a depth of dedication and love there that I don't know that I can reach, just because of my personality. But I feel like I belong.
And you know what, if you don't know what I'm talking about, then that is just too bad for you.

Oh also, this happened.
Met a guy.
Well, met him two years ago. But I don't remember if we even spoke then. I've seen him two or three times since, and this last time, he was like, "Wanna get dinner or something tonight?" And I said, "Wellll...." for an unreasonably long time. But I'm glad I said, "Yeah," after that.

(edit 2/7/13: Well, that is now over. Just for the record. haha. This is why I don't go facebook or anywhere else online official; then you gotta revise it when you're done.
Also just for the record: nothing bad happened. It's all goood, just over. Kay?
I may now be obligated to do a follow up post. haha =) )

I'm excited for 2013. I didn't make any resolutions. I might try to run a half marathon. And just keep working towards my goals that I always have.

For you, friends, may the coming year be filled with joy, love, and lots of laughter. Surround yourself with people that make that possible. Be the person who makes that happen for others. Remember that you matter. No matter where you are, what your job is, what your position in life is, you can and do make a difference.
I hope your year is peaceful. I hope that you prosper personally. I hope you're happy, and I hope that even when things are rough, you have somewhere to turn, and someone to smile with.