It's Been Fun, 2017

This year has been an incredible year. 2018 has a lot to live up to!! Highlights from this year

• Received new visas and stamps in my passport from 3 different countries: 

China. It was a dream come true to experience first hand a country and culture that has always intrigued me.

India - Another dream come true. LOVE India. Even if I did I got food poisoning (I think) and it was super hot. I'd go back. Extraordinary culture, color, people, architecture.... I could go on :)

Brazil - Lovely country! Got soaked by Iguacu Falls and captured some beautiful images of the scenic landscape,  jaguars(!!) and other native wildlife

• Witnessed the moon casting a shadow on the earth from my own backyard!

Picture credit - Christopher Balmer
I didn't get my own image because I was freaking out at how TOTALLY AMAZING this was!! Wow... just wow!! I can't get my fingers to type or my words to express how awe-inspiring this event was!! I knew it would be cool, but it surpasses anything I've ever  experienced. The whole moment of total eclipse was surreal and one of the most astounding things I've ever experienced - and I got to experience it from my own backyard. I loved that all of my Dad's siblings and parents were there along with a couple friends to make the event even more special. I completely understand now why people chase these all over the globe... Argentina 2019, here I come!!

• and got married!

I'm not going to lie - getting married was by far one of the scariest choices I've made in my entire life! What an adventure it has been already. It's still SO WEIRD for me to think that I am married now. I FINALLY got up the courage to look at our wedding pictures (shout out to Jon Leask!!) this week (serious issues about being on the other side of the camera...) and I still just can't believe it. Christopher is such a good person and an amazing husband. He astonishes me with the great strength and fortitude he powers through life with. He is tenacious about life. He works hard and passionately to help so many people. Since we've been married he's cooked nearly every meal we've eaten and cleans up all the dishes. He loves to serve me and I happily let him ;) He paints my toes and rubs my shoulders. He loves my family and my many nieces and nephews - and they adore him back. He supports me in my faith. He believes in me and encourages me to reach whatever goals I set for myself.  

It's been a big year when I look at it and see everything for what it is. I am so blessed to experience so many wonderful things. I will remember with joy and gratitude the many moments that are good from this year as I also remember and learn from the mistakes and trials. Even with so much good, the other 'stuff' in life can become so daunting. The storm clouds always come, covering the sun for a time. The wind is sure to follow - wreaking even more havoc - but also pushing the clouds away. Yet as a result of the wind and rain, the trees are stronger and the flowers grow more vibrant. 

Wishing all of you a wonderful new year, with joy and opportunities, including the opportunities that force us out of our comfort zones inciting us to become better than we are now. Happy 2018!