11 Memorable Moments in 2011

2011 has been quite the year! But a good, quite the year.  It wasn't a year full of traveling around the world, or the year I fell in love, but it was a year full of fun and learning. Since the world is ending in 2012, I thought I would reminisce for a moment about some fun things I have done the past 12 months.

11. Went to The University of Utah.
Much to all of my families dismay, I became a student at the U. This decission enabled me to be put thousands of miles on my car, spend thousands of dollars on gas and spend thousands of moments hearing interesting people converse with one another. Probably my favorite part of the U was the "unique" classmates and their conversations that I overheard.

10. Moved away from Provo.
Although Orem is only the next town up, it's definitely been a step up from Provo for so many reasons, but most importantly the fact that I no longer live in student housing. Best thing EVER! I've met so many great friends in Orem and am apart of a fabulous ward. Although I once never thought it would exist, there is life after the Omni!

9. Lake Powell is heaven on earth.
It's becoming a yearly tradition now that my aunt and uncle have a houseboat, but it's the best tradition we've ever made. Magical things happen at Lake Powell. No make-up and hair-doing is the most magical part about it. Can't wait to go in 2012! Maybe in 2020 I'll clear the wake.

8. Relay for Life

This event consumed a lot of my life in 2011 up until it happened in August. I headed up the committee with another guy and we put on the Relay for Life in Utah County. As much fun as it was, it was also a real pain in my behind. I learned that getting people to do things for free is hard work. All in all, it was a great event and we raised over $10,000 towards The American Cancer Society. Although I decided to not be apart of the committee this coming year, it was still a blast  and I am grateful for all the friends I made.

7. Stood 2 feet away from NIGEL BARKER!
Yes, you read that right. Nigel Barker. If you don't know who that is, shame on you! Watch America's Next Top Model and you will know and you will love. In February, I went to Las Vegas for WPPI, a photography convention and trade show. It was insanely awesome. It's also where I almost got a picture with Nigel, but since his bodyguards took that moment away from me, all I have is a picture of Nigel.

6. Brad Paisley, you're much shorter when we're so close.
Yep. I was close enough to know that I am much much taller than Brad. My guess is that he is 5'7" or so. Stadium of Fire this July was the best ever. Our friends gave us tickets for the 2nd row and it was the most magical night of our lives. Brad, I'll get mud on your tires anytime.

5. Became great friends with Marisa & Merrilee. 
These two girls are so great. You know when you can stay home on a Friday night and play CLUE and have the best time, you've got some good quality girls who know how to have a good time. We're still searching for Monopoly so we can have our next Friday night in!

4. An entire year pain & nausea free.
I'm aware that my condition was never fatal or anything extremely serious, but it wasn't very much fun. 2008-2010 I was always sick and in pain. It caused me to have to put a hold on school and life until last November my Doctor's finally figured it all out! A couple hours under the knife and BAM! I feel great. This year I've been back to normal life and it's been pretty awesome to say the least.

3. Completed my first Triathlon!
In May, I did the Women of Steel Triathlon. I've wanted to do one since I was in tenth grade, so it was a long time goal accomplished! My cute mom was there the whole time and cheered me on the whole way. Seriously. Each time I passed, she cheered so loud the entire town could hear her. I'm certain of it. Proud moms are the best. So are Triathlons! Can't wait for Women of Steel 2012!

2. Went through the Temple.
I had been wanting to go for quite a while, but was never "old" enough until this year. Then I finally became brave enough on November 26. Several of my aunts and uncles, cousins and Grandparents (some from Canada) were able to come because everyone was in town for a funeral and Thanksgiving. It was a great day and a perfect ending to a bittersweet week.

1. Devin returned home.
I never knew what missing someone meant until Devin passed away. Missing him is now a physical feeling more than an emotional feeling. My heart physically aches at times, but as soon as I remember where he is and what he is doing and seeing, I am okay. Devin helped me and the rest of our family become closer to one another.

That is the biggest thing of 2011. Our close, loving family and all the memories we now share.