Ciao Ciao, twenty.twelve.

This morning, as I sip my daily coffee, I sit and ponder the reality that 2012 has come and gone. I had such high expectations for this year, and as I'm recalling my way from January to now, it seems like it was 2 years combined in one. So much has happened this year, and though 2012 did not meet my greatest expectations, I'm happy to say that despite any and all of the bad, the good stuff always wins out. Even though it was relatively a 'hard' year, I know how truly blessed I am for this beautiful life. I have the most amazing family and friends, and if that's all you have at the end of the day, well, I'd say that's pretty lucky. And luckily for me, I really do have the best people.

This year truly went out on a high note, which leaves me optimistic for the new year.  I was reviewing my goals that I made for this year, and sadly I didn't keep them all, but I guess there's always next year!

Just to re-cap:

My Goals for 2012

* Become debt free
--Well.....I was definitely on the path until I took a semi-spontaneous trip to South America. I'll be paying that one off for a while, and it was worth EVERY PENNY!

* Hike a 14er
--I didn't get a 14er in this year, but I did climb up a glacier covered volcano. So I think that's pretty close.

Villarica. Summited Dec. 27, 2012. Pucon, Chile

*Update my passport
--[CHECK]!

* Travel some place new.
--[CHECK] [CHECK]! I went to lots of new places this year!  Washington DC, Corvallis, OR; and alllll over southern Chile!

At the Capitol! April, 2012

Cruising down the PCH September, 2012

Hiking up Villarica, Dec. 27, 2012

  * Compete in epic races
-- [CHECK]! 190 miles (28 miles on my own) from Canon City to Crested Butte, up and over many mountains and trails.

My Amazing relay team! July 28, 2012

* Set a new half marathon PR
--Well sadly I didn't get to run the half marathon I had planned this year, but I will make that happen this year!

* Meet Tim Tebow
-- I am certain that if he hadn't gotten traded to the Jets, this would most certainly have happened!
 

I guess that's why they're called goals...always something to reach for and strive for. Well, twenty-twelve. it's been real. I'm ready for 2013! It's gonna be a great year, I can just feel it! So in the spirit of "keep on keeping on", I will move forward into 2013 with the same high expectations of a good life :)

**Other Highlights from this year**

January:  Moved into my adorable new pad!!

 February: spent lots of time with some of my favorite old friends

April: I turned 27, Sister turned 21 & I took her to Las Vegas!

27th b-day dinner with great friends!

21st b-day done right!

May: Ran BolderBoulder for the second year with the lovely Robyn and Jessica

 June: Annual Cook family camping trip in New Mexico!

August: Orozco family reunion where we got to meet our new Auntie Birgit!

 September: Met one of my new favorite people :)

October: Fall is just my favorite time of year.

November: Sister and Justin hosted Thanksgiving for the first time!

December: Went to the Nutcracker for  the first time!

Chile!! (Stay tuned for blog about the trip!!

-just me and my thoughts.
blessings&love.

I know some pretty cool kids....

This morning as I woke up to the advice on FB for how to pack for an international journey from my well traveled friends, I sat and reflected for a few minutes on just how amazing the people in my life are! It's really no secret, but, if you don't already know about them, well let me just tell you :)

I've always known what I lucky gal I am to have such great and awesome friends, but the more I think about it, the more incredible it really is, that my social circle is so....well, so social! 

Alison spent a year traveling all around the world to 12 or 13 different countries where she experienced countless cultures and ways of life.  Lauren is living in South Korea for the SECOND time, and LOVING it! (And oh my do I love her stories of her experiences and students!) She is soon to be off for a New Year's adventure in Australia to visit our friend Renee who, after teaching yoga in India, has moved to continue to teach yoga in Perth, Australia. Owen is currently vacationing in Spain and other parts of Western Europe. Marianne & Ryan spent some time earlier this year in Thailand and Dubai, I think it was?? Kali, off to Costa Rica in a couple weeks and planning a really long Latin American trip next summer. Gretchen lived in Africa for a long while, doing amazing work there.  Megan's been living in Chile for almost a year now, and has been so gracious in planning the most amazing things for us while I'm there!! I just can't wait to be there! Four more days until I'm SA bound!
 [*I am sure I am leaving out some people because I know you're all awesome and well traveled, but these were just the quick and recent ones I just now thought of off the top of my head.]

So far I've only been to Honduras, and soon Chile. But oh man the places I'm dying to get to are endless. One of these days when I stumble upon all the money I will travel for the rest of my life. But for now I'm so blessed to be able to have had my few experiences so far, and live vicariously through the stories of my amazing people.
 Life is good!

-just me and my thoughts.
blessings&love.