2009

This year was not all peaks and no valleys. It was mixed with new adventures and trying challenges. I spent the first month of 2009 in Mexico with my friend Megan visiting my friend Daniel Alcala. I loved it. The end of January I found myself buying a 2008 Chevy Impala (Thanks to HUGE help from my mom and dad) and then moving down to Boise, Idaho to live with my cousin Sara. It was a fun experience and I'm glad I was able to be there, though I won't lie. It was hard and I found myself fighting depression. It's not easy getting turned down for jobs everyday and there comes a point where you don't want to tell anyone that you applied for more, since that only admits failure when you don't get it. At least that's what I felt like. One bright point in those two months was that I was able to fly out to Disney World and spend time with Travis at the end of February/beginning of March. He has been a support and main source of encouragement for me since I have known him. General Conference weekend found me packed up and driving back home since I was given my old summer job back again. It was a blessing to be able to save money and be with family. Travis flew out to visit me in May and we did our road trip that I already blogged about. When Travis' birthday came around in June, it was also a meaningful day for me because I officially graduated college with a BS in Psychology :) Then I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Florida again in July for a week to visit him. Things have really come together for us and I see the hand of the Lord in our lives. Being able to move to Florida (Thank you Dad) and find great housing just a few minutes away from Travis, then find a full time position that while it isn't my favorite job ever, teaches me patience as well as pays the bills. Getting me in better shape and losing weight doesn't hurt either :) All in all it has been a great year. I've grown and felt the love of my family and friends. This past week my parents were here and it made me wish they were closer, along with the rest of them, but that time might come. Right now is my time of stretching, growth and finding out what the Lord has in store for me here. I've been blessed to nurture a strong relationship with Travis and enjoy my family's support and presence.

Christmas 2009

I was a little curious as to how I would enjoy Christmas away from my family, but I survived. Thanks to my parents sending Christmas to me and Travis being so sweet and taking me to Georgia. You wouldn't think there were many families like mine out there, but I now know otherwise. People who can enjoy an island covered with main dishes, then surrounding counters holding dozens of dessert dishes are people I can feel at home with. Travis calls his family loud. I like it. If someone isn't teasing someone else, a kid isn't pinching, biting or crying (guess that goes for the adults too...) then it isn't a family get together. We spent Tuesday night, Wednesday and then Thursday in Tifton, GA. It's fun to see and spend time where Trav spent the majority of his growing up years and get to know his extended family. Before we left we were able to have family dinner with them and hear his Granddad read out of Luke 2. That was the big thing I was going to miss other than just being with my family. I love to hear my dad read the story of Christ's birth. It's what makes it Christmas for me. We left Georgia and after the 4 hour ride back home to Florida I opened the presents my parents sent out. I really am spoiled with a wonderful family and am excited to see my parents on Sunday :)