Where We Wandered: Highlights from 2009

This is by far the longest I have been MIA from this blog. I've thought about blogging those excluded adventures more times than I can count, but my follow through is what was lacking; I kept finding something else to do. It seems like the longer you let it go, the easier it is to keep letting it be.

It started with me becoming much busier than I anticipated when I took on a new responsibility and it basically just snowballed from there. I haven't really told too many people about my new endeavor, but I suppose that there's no harm in sharing with you now. In November, I started a journey which includes taking classes that will help me acquire skills needed to work in Graphic Design. During this time I will still be keeping my regular 40 hour a week work schedule, which has created great difficulty in my efforts to maintain balance, but I am slowly learning how to stay sane.

This is why I had to temporarily let blogging fall (even further) to the wayside, that, and I seem to go through a similar phase around this time every year. My once a week blog post should have been easier to manage, but alas, I couldn't even keep that going! I have so many great things to share with you that I haven't been able to lately, although I will have time to play catch up before our next big excursion--Puerto Rico in March. Until then, I would just like to start the year by reflecting upon what has been posted thus far.

*A few Highlights from 2009*

• We joined PACT, a non-profit associated with the NC Wildlife Federation. I took on the task of creating and maintaining their newsletter and other media. Doing the newsletter is really what helped me realize that I was very interested in learning more about graphic design. Current Project: Newsletter for PACT
• I went snow tubing for the first time (March 09)! haha Not a huge highlight, but it's good for a laugh :D Sunday Flurry

• Last year's first vacation wasn't until April when we went to the Outer Banks of NC for Cody's Birthday. Some sand and sea images may be just what you need right now if you've been battling winter like we have! Outer Banks Series
  

• Spring was when we got really busy! First camping trip to Mount Pisgah, Stumbled upon Moore Cove Falls, and we attended Appalachian Trail Days.
• We beat the summer heat at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.

• I conquered my fear of public speaking!! Before and After.
• Waterfalls, Wildlife and Caves....Oh, My! In July 2009 we went to Shenandoah National Park where we did lots of hiking, saw tons of wildlife and toured a cave. It was a beautiful place!
  

• A relaxing getaway to Hot Springs, NC was one of my favorites.

• MY BIGGEST TRIP OF THE YEAR was when I went to Oahu, Hawaii for my birthday. It was also pretty monumental because I went on that adventure solo (without Cody), which was HUGE for me. I left with a new vision and direction for where I wanted my life to go, a life changing event to say the least. Oahu Hawaii Series
  

• Our first time going to the NC State Fair was also a blast!
  

*Click on the italicized links to be taken to blog posts with more photos*

WOW! I'd say that we had a pretty action packed 2009, wouldn't you--and that's not even all of it?! Looking over my archives helped me to realize the numerous changes I have undergone over the past 12 months. And to think that I sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough?! haha I think that this simplified outline can prove otherwise. The transformation, however, is no where near complete...well, really, it won't ever be. One thing that I do know is that Cody and I encountered a great deal of highlights throughout 2009, and I can only hope that 2010 will bring just as many discoveries as the year unfolds.

I hope you all had a terrific holiday season! :o)