New Year

It's that time, again. A new year. We all survived the "apocalypse of 2012," so now that you have, what are you doing to do in 2013?

2012 was an amazing year. Kyle and I were reflecting on it during our 20 hour drive home from MN. We have traveled, seen places/sports teams in TX, and enjoyed major events with friends and family. It also made me realize that we have been in the lovely state of TX for 3  years. I will never forget New Years Eve 2009 when Adam, Tyler, Kyle and I pulled into our rental house and unloaded that ginormous u-haul truck. It was sunny, 70 degrees, and we had no TV/Internet and had no idea where to go to celebrate the new year. I think we resorted to video games/movies and games.

So much has changed in 3 years.

It's still hard for me to believe I have lived this far away from friends and family for this long. At the same time, I can't believe it's already been 3 years!

I guess this post was more a reflection/ramblings post. It kind of has no point now that I think about it. I might as well list some goals for the new year!

2013:
- Travel to a certain state in the U.S. (that just happens to be a MAJOR bucket list item.) More to come on this vacation later :)
- Go to Houston and see the NASA space center, and maybe even the Twins play the Astros (now that they are in the American League!)
- Hike more trails around the Hill Country. There are amazing parks/places to hike; inexpensive and great physical activity
- Shoot my bow more. I loved doing that before I moved and definitely miss it (and the arms muscles that came with it!)
- Skype more with friends and family. There is no excuse! Technology is here for a reason.
- Incorporate more physical activity in our daily routine. No more coming home from work and plopping down and watching a movie. I would like to be more active; maybe take more walks with Tucker, rollerblade, anything! Just get up and DO something.
- Student Loans. This is a not-so-fun one, but currently my loans are split into 3 different vendors, 2 of which are a smaller amount. I would LOVE to get these two paid off by the end of the year!

I think that is enough...I like the "goal" setting rather than the resolution. I don't need a new year to change who I am, but it is a good chance to evaluate and make better goals for the next!

Hope you all had a great 2012 and are ready to take on the new 2013!

Happy New Year! 

Year in Review

2012 has been a pretty good year when I stop and think about it. Kyle and I have gone on adventures, done house improvements, and explored more of Texas, among other states.

Some of the highlights for the year (in no specific order):

1. Traveling to Germany. It has always been on my list, ever since I found out I am 97% German. We had tons of fun exploring with Max. We saw the Alps, Hitlers Eagles Nest, Ludwig Castles, and much more. I fell in love with the country and would love to go back again someday.
2. Traveling to Jackson Hole, WY. Such a beautiful land. The mountains, national parks, hotels...everything so beautiful. It was fun experiencing it with Texans (since they tend to think TX is the best state), it was fun hearing and seeing their reactions.
3. White Water Rafting. This is another item that has been on my bucket list. We rafted the Snake River in WY and had a BLAST.
4. My new job. I am currently immersed int he medical field. Something I never thought I would be, but at the same time, I am glad I made the leap. I can't really complain about my coworkers, hours, or anything! I am very grateful I found a new place of employment. 
5. Being able to be home to see my little sister graduate High School. I was very happy to be able to be a party of her big day/weekend!
6.  Seeing the Twins play in Dallas against the Rangers.
7. Seeing the Houston Texans play in the Reliant Field.
8. Being able to watch Kyle's and my Alma mater win the FCS Championship (against a Texas team no less) here in Texas!
9. My new car. I LOVE my new set of wheels! It helps (VERY much) make my 45 minute(+) commute go faster.
10. Tucker, our house, health, family and friends. So many things have happened this year I can't name them all, but I am thankful for each and every one.

Favorite picture from they year (you may recognize it from our Christmas card!)