For the past few years the Winter Solstice has felt more like the beginning of a new year to me then January 1st on the calendar year. Here are some of my favorite memories from this year with some visual aides to help illustrate these memories. Cheers to this next year and all it may bring!
Really don't think I had ever laughed so hard (or ever eaten Chinese food!) on Christmas before! Celebrated the fact we learned we were going to be Aunties and Uncles! Congrats to Paul and Erin!
A few days later Kath and I were off to NYC! Subway rides, art exhibits, New Year's Eve in Time's Square, making friends from all over the place, seeing family, SISTER TIME, snow fall. It was a successful trip in every meaning of the word.
Surprise visit from a fantastic friend. The talks in that short weekend helped me refocus some of my energy to where I really wanted it to be.
Began my last semester of undergraduate school. Thought I knew right where I'd be when I was done with the semester; funny how much changes in a mere 16 weeks.
Friend-en-tine, rather than Valentine. Worked perfectly for me and the place my head was this February 14th. So much coffee and learning chess. Those Friday mornings were the highlights of my spring. It was a time of growth, of myself, of friendship, and of some serious chess skills! :)
Decided I would NOT start a teaching credential program after graduation. Well, NOW WHAT? ...but I couldn't have made that decision without some serious parental love and support.
Graduation! Moved that tassel (that was worth the hassle) to the left side of the cap; celebrated with family and friends on one of the first sunny, warm days of summertime. Almost time to start a new life even though I still didn't know what that was going to be.
Yuba time! Going to the sunny river, becoming pink mermaids, meeting Byaobob, reading Chic Lit and fashion magazines. Perfect days.
Went to my first Pride Parade and saw all the beautiful people. Gorgeous, sunny day in the city filled with love. <3
Got to share "my" Big Basin Redwoods and favorite Santa Cruz beach, along with Marianne's. Throw in some amber beer from the mountain brewery and so much laughter in the sand and surf. What a fantastic way to start my summer.
Birthday in Vancouver. Hanging out with my ladies! Fitting the luggage in the trunk was an unexpected jigsaw puzzle to complete. Giggles, giggles, giggles. Drinks with some friends from another lifetime. Learning what living a "koutenay" life means. Somehow made it onto the ship with 10 minutes to spare!
Alaska with the family. Dancing the night away with almost all 17 of us on the dance floor! Fancy dinners, marine life, sea kayaking, trying escargot with with the cuzzos, first interview, surely some shenanigans thrown in somewhere! Lucky I have such a great family!
Time to start packing! Trying to spend time with friends before I move to...somewhere! Burritos, late nights, boxes, State Fair, dress fittings and dress fittings and dress fittings. July flew by!
Two days before I moved I got the call! Port Angeles, here I come! Got my stuff out of the old house, one last sunburned day at the Yuba. Bubbles and naps and swirling waters. Dinner at the worm farm. Got down to the South Bay just in time...chill time at the house with Argos.
And then, Lani and Aaron's wedding! Calmest bride EVER. Fun girly time at the salon. Best ceremony ever. Beauty. Then, dancing dancing dancing!!! ...and Andre Andre Andre! Fun times.
Off to the East Coast! Family time with the "East Coasters." First drive through Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. Don't you dare add any salt to ANYTHING! Life is salty enough, after all! More kayaking, more swimming. Delicious, really delicious, food too!
Back home with just enough time to end summer with DMB, and then it was time to exit California. Road trip of sorts with Mom and Dad. Revisiting memories of previous trips up I-5. Welcome to Port Angeles!
Meeting the my new housemates was like coming back to a home I didn't know existed. Our yellow kitchen, idea wall on the fridge, the pear tree, music floating through the house, cooking experiments; love it.
Sharing "inappropriate cheers" and having those giggle fits make life easier when otherwise it would be really difficult. New friends becoming a family.
Watching my little sister graduate made me so proud! She's amazing and super smart and makes the world a better place. The resulting celebration brought out sides of my family I didn't know were there. Ha! Thanks for giving us a reason, Kath!
To end the year, Apollo ate Sirius. Laying in the driveway of the house that I grew up in while the Earth's shadow covered the moon. As I looked at the sky I was thinking about the various skies I've looked at this year, the different stages of the moon I've seen while looking up from different patches of Earth, where I've seen the Milky Way and the awe that always ensues. Happy Solstice to you! May the new year and returning sun bring you light and love and happiness!
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