A Year To Remember

There are so many things that happened in 2008 I can hardly believe it. I think I have grown more in this last year than I have in my entire life so far. The year was full of upsets, letdowns, joy, pain, love and heartache. As I look through the past 12 months there are a few things that stood out to me as being the most significant in 2008.

1. Kipp and Christian P.C.

When I was hired on March 11, 2008 at K&C I had no idea what I was in for. I had never had a full-time position or so much responsibility in my life! At first I thought it would be easy but at 19 I was thrown into a "law world" that I knew nothing about. They took a risk by hiring me so young, having no experience but so far it has been a wonderful fit. I love the people I work with and they have become more like a family to me. The hardest part of the job was getting used to waking up at the butt-crack of dawn and getting to work for 9 hours everyday. It has changed the way I view a lot of things and has taught me many valuable lessons about life. Overall they have been great to me and very patient with my learning. It is by far the most significant thing that happened in 2008.

2.Dating

My dating life has never been boring... but this year takes the cake. I finally made things official with Johnny in January 2008 after wanting to be with him for 3 years. We moved quickly, (probably too quick at first) we fell in love and we moved in together after only 4 months of dating. Living together didn't last long and I left him. We spent a summer apart and went about our own lives but kept in contact. With all the up's and down's, a year later we are back where we started. We have started dating again and we will see how it unfolds. I think we both learned a lot when we were separated so hopefully this time around will be a positive experience.

3.The Election

I have NEVER been into politics but this last year changed the way I see America and I actually found out I enjoy learning about politics. I have to say, ninety percent of the reason why I was so involved in this election was due to Barack Obama and his family. I didn't like them at first, but the more I learned and watched the debates I am so proud to have him has our next president. I really felt the message of hope from his speeches and I believe he is the only man that could turn our country around after George W. Bush and his 8 years in office. Also, I was very proud to vote for the first time and felt a great sense of pride in my country for allowing my voice to be heard. It truely is the greatest country on earth.

4.Proposition 8 Confusion

In california, law makers decided to put a vote on gay marriage. I never thought it would be an issue in Utah that I would need to worry about. Boy was I wrong. I don't think there has ever been a time in my life were I felt so confused! After the LDS church asked it's members to support prop 8, all hell broke loose. Other church organizations supported it as well but the LDS church took most the heat from the gays and lesbians. I was constantly being pulling from one direction to the next and questioning my own beliefs over and over. With my dad on one side and my mom the complete opposite, it made for interesting conversations and lots of thought. In the end, prop 8 passed and it is now illegal for gays to marry in California. I am still not sure if I agree or disagree but my good friend Stevie Fiore pretty much summed up how I feel in one statement, "There is no right or wrong, there is only human"

5.Buying my first car

Ever since the Scion tC came out I wanted one. I was 15 when I first saw the car and this year I finally got it! Johnny worked at Low Book Sales (a car dealer) and found me an awesome deal on my Scion after I got in a car accident and my old car was totalled. I don't love the payment every month, but I'm fortunate to be able to afford it and I love my car.

6.A year of illness

I have had my fair share of illnesses this year. In fact, I can't remember a year when I was more sick. In the course of 12 months I had strep, kidney stones, 4 colds in 3 months, food poisoning, AND I went off anti-depressants cold turkey in Febuary. Going off anti-depressants made me sick for a long time but it was overall one of the best decisions I've made. If I were to do it again I WOULDN'T go off of them cold turkey because it caused me so much suffering. I was ready to get off of the meds and I've been happier since.

7.American Idol

Ok ok I was a psycho about American Idol this year. I watched every episode and devoted part of myself to making David Cook my husband. It was pathetic but still a lot of fun. Hillary and I tried out for American Idol in July and we both practiced super hard every day. I sang "Bring me to life" by Evanesence in front of producers for the show and an audience of 4,000 people. The day of try-outs was crazy and lasted 18 hours! I probably won't do it again but it was a blast.

8.Utah Jazz Playoffs

Watching my Jazz go to the playoffs and almost beat the Lakers was so fun! I am sad they lost but they got SO CLOSE and had a great year. I watched almost every game in2008 and kept the stats on all my favorite players. It was the closest we've come to winning a championship since I was 6 years old. I am proud of them but I'm thinking that 2009 isn't gonna be as great :(. I guess time will tell.

9.Mother's Day

One of my most memorable moments in 2008 was going to see my grandma Joy for Mother's day. Words cannot express how much I love this women. She is my greatest inspiration and visiting her is always a treat for me. While I was in Hanksville we talked, played LOTS of cards, watched a Jazz game, laughed and cried. She always has her fridge stocked with cream soda's (because it's my favorite drink)and her homemade raspberry jam. We had some very special talks while I was there and I'll never forget them. I love her.

10.Las Vegas Weekend

Hillary and I randomly decided to travel to Las Vegas one weekend and meet a couple of friends down there. The trip was not long, but it was SO MUCH FUN! We danced in the streets of the strip, layed by the pool, and reunited as best friends. I think it's a trip we will both remember forever. Love you Bruffle.

11.Movin' Out

I have moved a total of 5 times this year. Most of them have been back and forth between my dad's house (which is where I always seem to end up) and other apartments/houses. I think I'm going to stay put for awhile at my dads.

Well, that's my list of significant things that happened in 2008. I am hoping that 2009 is exciting and positive. Only time can tell.