I thought I would sum up this year with a compilation of some of my favorite moments, thoughts and memories. It has been a busy year for me with much learned and experienced. Being back in the last month or so in New Jersey has me feeling like I never left seven months ago. Nothing has changed yet everything has changed.

Taking that big step and re-locating for six months was, without a doubt was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. That first big step was the hardest and to tell you the truth the day I drove into Boulder, I cried my eyes out because I doubted the decisions I had made. Lucky for me I had my mom sitting next to me reassuring me that it would all work out. I had my family and close friends all a phone call away and I am sure I used up those special lifelines more than not.

I am different and have grown all in a good way. I see life differently because I experienced life a little differently than I had known most of my life.

For all that I am grateful and more fulfilled than I was a year ago. I tossed and turned in bed last night trying to come up with something to write about to wind up almost a full consecutive year of blogging on my website. I have been in touch with close friends and random followers who have encouraged me beyond any expectations. Getting feedback and personal messages gave me strength and happiness beyond what my words can convey, but THANK YOU ALL!! I am blessed and I thank God for all the love, support and beauty that I have witnessed in the last year.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! This is all what makes me smile. I hold these memories very close to my heart.

This waterfall in Skogafoss, Iceland changed my life in November of 2010. The moment, the beauty and the courage that powerful product of nature gave me that day still resinates within.

Skogafoss Waterfall, Iceland

Traveling the country in Iceland

Not knowing where this road would lead me but confidently pushing my way forward .

Right off the bat a BIG thank you goes to my friend Patrick Dalton who put graciously put this video application together for me in record time. I applied for an internship in Spain while in school that entailed a 3-minute video displaying my talents and such. Pat stepped out of the box (big fan of that!!) and produced, edited and set this video to music. I am so proud and appreciative of his efforts as well as the final product.

This video sums up a big part of my year in school, what I love, my passions and the accomplishments I am reminded of every time I watch it. Can’t wait to see you soon Pat to give you a big hug and kiss for your efforts and all the time you put into this.

Application Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz1EdCL8MZs

This sign was one of my favorite moments upon getting into Colorado. Everyone told me that when I drove into Colorado it would be the most breathtaking landscape and scenery. Little did we all know that Colorado would be experiencing rainfalls beyond the norm for this particular month of May in 2011? This is the sign that welcomed me that dark and dreary night.

Welcome to Colorado

Thanks Mom!

1st week in school

Being with my mom for the trek across the states…enough said. Thanks mom!

MaMaaaa

Going snowboarding with Krsytal on Memorial Day weekend beats tanning by the river any day of the week.

Great run!

And the thoughts running through my head at this moment… The world was my oyster!

I wish I remember what I said or did for that look.

I tended to push the envelope at school once in a while…and this was Kat’s facial expression most of the time.  Miss you Kat!

Learning how to make bread. Big highlight!

Enchiladas Verde. I should have won that contest! Yum.

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