Over the past few days, I have been compiling a list of significant things that have happened to me in the past year. I mostly wanted to take some time to revisit and reflect on this past year because 2012 has by far been the best year of my life. I cannot even imagine what God has in store for me in 2013, but 2012 is going to be tough to beat. Here's the ten best things that happened to me in 2012. Some are moments, some are events, and some are accomplishments. I am in awe of how much I have learned about myself over the past 365 days. I am thankful that I have a supporting family, encouraging friends, incredible family pets, a job to support my hobbies, and God's unconditional love. I am one lucky lady. This list in in no particular order, and it was challenging to pick my top ten moments because I had many more significant events happen throughout this past year.
1. Adding a wonderful colt to my herd. Dex has been a blast since he arrived at my house nearly 3 months ago. I am very excited about my bright future with this intelligent colt.
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| My new horse, Dex, during his first snow fall |
2. Living in Wellington, New Zealand for 5 months. My study abroad experience was fun, challenging, exciting, hard, eventful, emotional, and life changing. This vibrant city has completely opened my heart to happiness, acceptance, love, and peacefulness.
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| Wellington, New Zealand: my home away from home |
3. Taking a solo trip to Cairns, Queensland, Australia. This trip changed my life. It boosted my confidence for traveling alone and internationally. I'm excited to continue to see the world. I'd prefer not to experience God's beauty alone, but I am confident in doing it this way if I have to.
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| After my SCUBA dive on the Great Barrier Reef |
4. Baxter and Felix are two adorable kittens that were added to my family at the end of the September. They never stop entertaining me and give me so many reasons to smile each day.
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| Baxter & Felix |
5. Attending my first Green Bay Packers game. On December 23rd, my family watched the Packers defeat the Tennessee Titans 55-7. It was an experience I'll never forget and I cannot even describe the adrenaline rush that overcame me as I made my way to my seats at Lambeau Field surrounded by thousands of fans and freezing cold weather.
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| Me, my dad, my mom, and little brother, Jake at the Packer game |
6. Traveling the Yasawa Islands in Fiji. This 10-day adventure was wonderful and the perfect transition to departing New Zealand and heading home after 5 months away. The sandy beaches, crystal clear blue water, impeccable hospitality, and warm sunshine frequently cross my mind. I faced fears and learned that pure relaxation is completely attainable in life.
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| Fijian beach at the Manta Ray Resort |
7. Traveling all around New Zealand and Sydney, Australia with my mom for two weeks.
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| My mom and I hiking Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand |
8. Once in a lifetime experiences: blackwater rafting in Waitomo Caves, SCUBA diving and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, swimming with manta rays in Fiji, eating at the top of Sky Tower in Auckland, experiencing a hot water beach, and taking a helicopter to hike Franz Josef Glacier.
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| Swimming with manta rays in Fiji |
9. Being reunited with my family, dog, and horses after 5 month away.
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| Sage & Vogue |
10. Making the Dean's List after an 18 credit semester of upper level classes.
2012, thank you for being the best year of my life.
