2013: Another Year, Another Story to Tell

Um, is this real life? Are we already almost in 2014? I swear it was 1999 yesterday.

The year of 2013 was certainly an eventful one. From beginning to the end, there were many things that took place. If you are at all interested in what I’ve been up to this year, read further! If not, read anyways. And hey, you might be in it :)

1. To start the year off right, I got to travel out of the country for the first time! In March, one of my best gal pals Rachael and I took a trip to Ireland. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I loved being exposed to a new culture, different people, and different places. What I learned: Irish men are hot, jam is awesome, and goat cheese goes great in sandwiches. It rocked. I got to satisfy my travel craving for a bit but I’ve still strongly desired a big trip again… but that shall wait. Maybe more in 2014? (To read more about my trip, read the previous blog post!)

2. I turned 25… say what? Last I checked, I was 12 years old. How did that happen?

3. I visited another new city for the first time: Denver, CO. I was so glad I could finally visit a place that I want to move to eventually! While I was there, I was able to meet with new people, explore the city, visit the church, go hiking, and I was also able to do my first real grown up thing as a 25 year old- rent a car! It rocked. 

4. Made new friendships: You all know who you are. This summer was very eventful and a huge part was because of a lot of the new people I met this summer. Great and positive friendships were developed and my heart is happy. 

5. Work kept me extremely busy. As a member of the fundraising committee at my work, I was able to set up several fundraising events in the valley that helped raise money for our foster kids for Christmas… and oh how much fun (and exhausting) it was! Work load is increasing and responsibilities are getting bigger. Now going on almost two years at my job as a Case Manager, I am more comfortable with my job and what I do. I am tired, busy, but happy. The Lord knew that this job would fit me perfectly. 

6. I was ordained as an Elder at my church and was officially given the position as the Youth Director at my church! I have felt extremely honored and blessed to be entrusted to take on these major roles in my church and be a part of major events that took place this year (Vacation Bible School, youth rally, Family Christmas, community events, etc). I am also involved in different departments in the church so it's been quite the adventure.

7.  MY BEST FRIEND GOT MARRIED!!!!!! I was honored to be a part of her big day as maid of honor! It was awesome being a part of the wedding and to witness the marriage of my best friend and her other half. It was a beautiful occasion. 

8. MY TWIN SISTER GOT MARRIED!!!!!! I was also HER Maid of Honor! It was an incredible wedding weekend. Family from all over the country came in town to witness this huge occasion. I was so blessed and honored to also be a part of her wedding! I also loved that for once, people did NOT confuse the two of us since she was the one wearing the wedding dress ;) It was epic. It was beautiful. 

             This year involved a lot of everything: Weddings, engagements, travel (Ireland, Utah, NYC, Chicago, LA, Colorado, etc), work, tears, laughs, love, and much more. I still have my health and my amazing family that get me through the rough times and who are still my constant voice of reason. I have done a good amount of self-discovery, reflection, and learned more about myself and my goals than I ever have before. Reflecting back on this year, it is evident that each year flies by as we get older! I thought that was something only old people said, but apparently I’m old now because goodness gracious, where did the time go? Looking forward to 2014 because I have been making big and life changing plans, so stay tuned! What was the highlight of YOUR year? Was it what you expected? Happy almost- New Year to you and yours! We’re getting older but our blessings are growing bigger. Looking forward to next year. 

Cheers.

The Land of the Irish

Top of the mornin to ya, lad!

Okay sorry. I keep having to remind myself I'm not Irish.

For in case you didn't know, I went to Ireland last week! My gal pal, Rachael and I packed up our scarves, boots, and gloves and headed to the land of the Irish. The land of greenery. The land where rain never ceases. The land of hot men. The land of the nicest people you will ever met.

Before we landed in Ireland, we planned a 10 hour lay over in New York City to spend the day there. We had breakfast in Central Park, visit the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Plaza, Ground Zero, and rode the subway. It was Rachael's first time in NYC so it was exciting!

Our week in Ireland consisted of a lot of driving, site seeing, people meeting, laughs, green, sheep, rain, cold, rain, cold... and rain. What it did NOT consist of was sun, mean people, and good radio in the car. The radio in the car mainly consisted of newstalk radio and 80s music.... and the occasional traditional Irish folk music.

We took day trips and long drives to see different towns, cities, and country. The first few nights, we did not have good solid sleep because our bodies kept waking up because of the 8 hour time difference. We woke up early morning and went to sleep relatively late so we were constantly sleep deprived.... but it was fine. We're young. Whatever.

Places we visited:
Dublin
Enniskerry
Newgrange
Kilkenny
Ring of Kerry
Muckross
Kilarney
Galway
Limerick
Adare
...and random towns in between.

Here are a few photos!!!

                                        Our first night in the city.

Sweet live Irish music in Temple Bar

  Not only did we (well... Rachael) have to drive on the other side of the road, but it was manual. My friend rocked it!

 Kilkenny Castle... what a rad little town.

 

                          Just me in front of a stone hedge. I love them.

 

                                             Kilkenny, Ireland

 

                                The famous bridge in Dublin, Ireland

 

                                                Dublin, Ireland

 

                                           All smiles in the city!

 

 Umm... a cup of beer at 7am where the elevators are in our hotel. Oh Ireland.

 

                  In Newgrange... I loved this run down building. So artistic.

 

 Trim Castle--where they filmed Braveheart. I felt like such a brave heart.

 

                           Oh just me. Posing like a girl in Adare, Ireland.

 

                                 Along the Irish coast at 7am.... sheep!

 Shout out to my dear travel buddy, Rachael! I could not have asked for a better travel partner. I haven't laughed so much ever and her positive attitude made all the difference. It was phenomenal sharing this experience with you!

The people were all so friendly and always willing to help us find our way. We actually enjoyed the public transportation system there. It was raining all week while we were there which was unfortunate because we were not able to capture the beauty of it all when we took pictures. But, I prayed my heart out for at least a few hours of sun and clarity. Jesus answered my prayer and we had sun for a few hours in the morning on our last day there while we were along the coast. God is good.

I can't believe heaven is going to be more beautiful than Ireland. It's freaking mind boggling.

Things I have learned and will bring back and apply in America:

1. Be nicer with people you don't know. It's easy.
2. Be more eco friendly: There were so many smart cars and air dryers instead of  paper towels in just about every restroom, including nice restaurants. Save the environment!!
3. I, as an American, need to be more informed of the world outside of the U.S. The Irish are.... why can't I be?
4. Irish men are extremely good looking... and nice.... which makes them even more good looking.
5. Jam DOES make everything taste better.
6. According to an Irish man we met, his answer to my question when I asked him why are Irish people so friendly? He answered, "We live by the philosophy that it could always be 10x worse in life. Just move on and be happy." Done and done.
7. Their portion sizes are awesome!
8. What is the biggest city in the world? Dublin. Because it just keeps Dublin and Dublin and Dublin.... (a drunk guy that hit on us told us this joke. It was awesome.)

Thank you, Jesus for this experience. I feel very blessed that the Lord made it possible for us to make this trip happen. Answer to my prayers... literally.

Wonderful experience and I am now more anxious and excited to plan my next trip out of the country. World traveler Jenn in the making!