As I recollect on my life this past year, I have come to one conclusion: 2009 was definitely the BIGGEST year of my life. Wow.
January:
I spent the end of 2008 and early 2009 in sunny California with my friend and roommate, Kerianna. I had amazing times with her family and still miss her, as she is on her mission til July 2010.
February:
Along with saying goodbye to Kerianna for her mission, I spent a majority of this month interviewing at graduate schools. For my own sake I am glad that I didn't keep track of how
many flights I was on during all of 2009... Is there such a thing as too much air time? Shown below: One of my favorite shots from Brown University.
March:
Undoubtedly the "BIGGEST" month of the year. Baby Alyssa was born (so cute!), Matt and Deedee were married in the Logan Temple, Mom and Dad officially got divorced and I picked Case Western Reserve as my graduate school! Clearly...not enough pictures to show the fun that occurred this month!
April/May:
A "breather"... I found an apt. to live in my first year in Cleveland and said goodbye to family and friends in Utah. Sold my beloved yellow jeep wrangler for a white toyota corolla. While I graduated in Dec. 2008, I picked up the official "degree" through the right of passage this month too.
June/July:
Made the big move to Cleveland. Started work in the lab under the mentorship of Dr. Jeff Capadona. Learned how to overcome my "fear" of working with animals. Started exploring Cleveland.
August:
Quick trip back out to Utah to see Mom get re-married to Jim! :) Started my official graduate work at Case Western. (I feel so old!)
September:
I became a graduate student! Data included!
October:
Played Mad Scientist and survived through Halloween. Clearly...only cheap grad students use lab gear for their costumes...
November:
Made a trip out to see Dad at his new place in New Hampshire. First time ever visiting New England. All I can say is: "Holy Hills Batman!" Further, I enjoyed my first "concert"...like EVER. Glorious Gary Allan. (and Jack Ingram...and Eli Young Band)... :o)
December:
WICKED!!!! I finally saw a musical LIVE! It was amazing. Cleveland actually has art. And real night life. And then of course, I made it full circle ending up back in Utah to spend time with friends and family.
....Here's hoping for a less stressful year in 2010!
