Looking Back.

Grateful.

I have so much to be grateful for this year, it has honestly been a whirlwind. Looking back, I may have personally grown the most this past year then ever before. I thought I would recap my year a bit and that has gone on. 

I started the year off right with a trip to Las Vegas. I don't take a lot of vacations and this one was pretty great. I feel in love with city, like most people do, and can't wait until the next time I can go back. I am not much of a gambler but I love walking around and looking at everything. 

In January, I also went to my very first large concert! Damian took me to see Brad Paisley at the Excel center. Brad is my favorite musician and I knew the words to every song. Later in the year, thanks to a friend, I also went to the Miranda Lambert concert at the Target Center. I love Country Music. 

I spent my last spring break in the cities. Although that might sound lame, it was one of the best weeks ever. A bunch of us spent the whole week hanging out, having fun, and reconnecting. 

I graduated from college in May. I still can't believe im no longer a student. I had an AMAZING time at St. Thomas and couldn't be more thankful. I left with a great education, best friends, and an amazing boyfriend. What a great place to go to school! 

One week later I started my first full time job. Coridian Technologies welcomed me into there small family of employees with open arms. The employees at Coridian are the best around, and I couldnt be more grateful of the opportunities I have been given there. 

Memorial Day weekend was spent up at Brian's cabin, one of the best weekends of the summer. We kicked off the summer with great friends, food, and water activites. Sometimes it's really nice to get away and live the lake life. 

June marks the month I started my blog! I don't know what I was thinking but it's more like a full time job now. Even if no one is reading but my mom, I love to blog about the recipes and events that occur in my everyday life. My passion for cooking continues to expand every day, and I can't wait to share that with you. It's come such a long way from it's original form and I can't wait to see it's future. 

The fourth of July was spent in La Crosse with family and 12 of my closest friends. We reserved a hotel room and a wonderful weekend. I really like that my college friends get along so well with friends from my high school. This is definitely a new tradition. 

I rounded off the end of the summer with another great trip to the Minnesota State Fair. If you have never been, make the trip. No words describe the craziness. 

September brought wedding bells. My mom got married in La Crosse on the 22nd.  The wedding couldn't have been more beautiful and it was so nice seeing family and friends. 

We moved to uptown! I loved living in St. Paul but it was time for a change. Our beautiful new apartment has already brought many of dinner guests and celebrations. The kitchen is my favorite part... it's a dream. 

We were toddlers and tiaras for halloween and the boys were the mighty ducks. They were a huge hit at the party we attended quacking there way in. The creativity of homemade costumes is such a better experience! 

Damian started a new full time job at Thompson Reuters in the fall. I couldn't be happier for his success and future with the company. It was a great move into the business world. 

I have made one of the toughest decisions yet. As of December 31st, I will no longer be a Coridian employee. Coridian is an amazing employment opportunity that I will always be grateful for. The people are generous and kind, the company is successful, and it's a great environment to work in. Although I am sad to go, I will be starting with UBS financial on January 2nd. The opportunity to work for a great company in my field of study was too hard to pass up. I am very excited to be starting a new adventure in the new year. 

As this year ends and the next begins, I am so excited for what it brings. Over the last few months I have put a larger focus on my mental, physical, and emotional health. I think this is really going to shine into the new year. Goal setting motivates my life and I am ready for the unknown. I'm setting a goal to better myself financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Tough task right? 

Hope you have a wonderful New Years Eve and are able to celebrate with good friends and family!