2010: A Year In Review

I have officially lived in Manhattan for one year, and what a year it has been! I have had my ups and downs, but have truly grown to love it here. There is so much beauty to be found everywhere you look (perhaps it is the element of novelty) and so many adventures to be had. I never thought I would be parked smack dab in the middle of the country, but here I am, loving every minute of it.
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Things I am thankful for:



I am grateful that my husband appreciates a good Will Ferrell movie as much as I do (or a bad one for that matter.) It's always fun to spend a good half hour over the phone quoting the nonsense that comes out of his mouth.  “We should call ourselves the frebreeze brothers cause it’s feelin’ so fresh right now.”

I am thankful that I have not had one neighbor come knocking on my door to complain about the dead mess of leaves and late flower stems that I like to call my garden. I WILL get around to raking leaves and pulling old flowers, I promise.

I am thankful for The Office, Family Guy, SYTYCD, Project Runway, and True Blood. They let me drain my brain while providing quality entertainment.

I am so grateful that after nearly 3 months of not having an energetic moment to exercise, along with Thanksgiving feasts and too many Christmas cookies, my pants still fit. Gym, you and me have some serious catching up to do in 2011. Zumba!

On a more serious note,

My mother is my rock. I am thankful for her shoulder to cry on, her ears to listen, and her kind heart to comfort me. I love you mom. It was so good to see you over Thanksgiving and Christmas break.

I am thankful for the many friendships I have formed over the past year as I have gotten to know my fellow military wives. Their open arms and gracious invites have kept me together while I learn the ropes of army life and make it through this deployment. Bunko, potlucks, coffee groups, and yellow ribbon socials galore!

I have finally met some great peeps at school. Joee, Lundee, and Angela, you girls rock!

I am thankful to know someone my age, outside of school, outside of the military, that is from Ohio (and has the cutest daughter in the world!) Glad to have you here Brandy.

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to see all of my close friends this Christmas. Lindsay, Stacey, and Jess, I had a great time and can't wait to get together again soon.

And lastly, I am thankful to be married to my best friend in the whole world. I love you so much Richard!
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Serenading my year was Florence and the Machine with her phenomenal album, Lungs. It is a must!

Movies that beefed up my year, making me laugh, cry, and gasp:

The Other Guys
Kick-Ass
Youth In Revolt
Toy Story 3 (so so so good)
Step Up 3D (don't judge me)
Back-up Plan
The Kids Are All Right
Despicable Me
Going the Distance
Inception
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Plans for the new year:

Start a photo blog (stay tuned for that)

Account for each day by writing down what I did or something that made the day in an attempt to revel in the little things that make life worth living.

Start sewing beautiful creations, first I'll begin with an apron I think.

Graduate in May and move on to grad school in the fall.

Oh yeah, and the traditional "eat better and exercise more" spiel.

SAYONARA 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!