Looking forward to 2010

There are several things I am looking forward to in this new year! But one in particular is a trip my sister, Kelli, and I have been planning for three years! Take a look at where we will be going:


That's right! We are FINALLY taking our trip to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales!! It will be a jammed packed 16 day tour, but it will SO be worth it! I've never been to any of those countries, and my family's ancestors come from around there, so it will be a very EXCITING trip!!

If you are interested about reading more details, here is our itinerary. <http://cosmos.com/product.aspx?content=itin&trip=09010>

We have one night in London where nothing official is scheduled so it is available to do our own things. We decided to see THIS at the West End:



We bought the tickets already and everything!

This is going to be such an AWESOME trip! April cannot come soon enough!!

Year in Review - 2009

It's time to reflect on the year that was. All and all, 2009 was a pretty good year. Here are a few things about my life during this time:

• I traveled a bit this year:
• I attended the baptism of my oldest nephew and the blessing of my youngest niece in February. It was fun to see my brother's family again and share these great experiences with them.
• I traveled to California with one of my best friends and her family in June. It was such a fun and relaxing trip.
• My sister, mom and I traveled back to California to go to Disneyland and Knott's Scary Farm. Such a FUN trip!
  

• With the help of my team, I wrote a paper at work called "PKI Troubleshooting Guide". It was called the "best first draft ever submitted for our organization". Once the paper was refined and finalized, it became a huge thing in all the Army. It's even the ONLY white paper listed on the NETCOM director's home page. WOW!
• Also, an Installation Guide I wrote became the Army's Best Business Practice for installing and configuring a particular computer program.
  
• I paid off my 2008 Honda CR-V! That was such a RELIEF!! I HATE, DESPISE, LOATH, and ABOMINATE car payments. I worked hard and completely wiped out my savings, but it's better than having a car payment. :o)
• In conjunction with the last bullet, I attended and graduated from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. I am still trying to live by his teachings, but some things are hard to do....like giving up credit cards and keeping strict budgets. But Dave's approach helped me pay off my debts fast, so I'll try to stick with it.
• I had two construction project done to my house. First, I had Rolling Shutters installed on all my bedroom windows, and second, I had a pantry built in my kitchen. (I will have pictures of my pantry construction soon...the project is not finished yet).
• I traveled to The Gila Valley area to see the new temple construction site. It is now almost completed and the open house will be the last week of April and the first two weeks of May 2010. I am SO EXCITED about having a temple closer to us...and having an easier drive to it!
• I turned 32 this year. Yuck! My life is SO DIFFERENT than I ever expected when I was a youth. I never dreamed I would be on this path (being unmarried, having a career, etc), but I know this is where Heavenly Father wants me, so I'll faithfully follow his plan for me.
  
• I attended my first Youth Trek. I was able to take pictures of the event and participate in Pioneer activities.
• I performed a Salute to America at a talent show at the Family Fun Fair with a couple of friends.
• I am still Stake Young Women Secretary. There was a change to the presidency in November, but I remained as secretary. I love this calling!
• I won another baking contest at work. Now everyone wants me to make them cookies, cakes, and candies. :o) I've even experimented and found ways to make my unhealthy treats to be relatively healthy. I really enjoy baking!

I can't wait to see what 2010 brings!!