People seem to like lists, and the typical lists for the new year are resolutions and recaps. Never great about either of those. Resolutions never seem to work out because I forget about them a few months in. And recaps aren't too great because I forgot what happened. So basically, I'm just forgetful. But lucky me, I have a lot saved on my Google calendar, so I can just refer to that for my recap. Hahahaha.
So here are the big things that happened in 2011 for us:
- We helped celebrate Lighthouse's 10th anniversary with a spoken word piece.
- I got on board to help plan the year's LCC Retreat.
- I began job hunting, and eventually got a barista job, which only lasted about 4-5 months because of plans for school and my grandfather's illness.
- We performed at JEMS for the first time as part of the Counterpoint acapella group.
- We flew down to Cali for a weekend to celebrate our first anniversary, and Yubo's grandma's 90th birthday.
- We attended the LCC Retreat, which was really awesome.
- We purchased a new washer, dryer and dishwasher.
- We attended the wedding of my best WA girlfriend, and I got to experience the pains of being a bridesmaid. My dress is still in the trunk of my car.
- I got microbody contouring done, taking the fat from around my midsection and transferring some of that to my breasts, the results of which I'm still loving. Just need to keep being active to slim down the rest of my body and keep my waistline in.
- We flew down to Cali again to visit my family and sick grandfather. This was a trip that changed my life, and I was so thankful to have had Yubo there with me. The trip ended up lasting an extra week than planned as I lost my grandfather to cancer. He was an incredible presence in my life, even though I allowed the language barrier to keep us from talking much. My first death in close family. He died a Buddhist, but I still pray that I might see him in heaven, hoping that he met God in those final moments and chose to have eternal life.
- I took on the role of second Worship Coordinator.
- We celebrated Yubo turning 30.
- I picked up crocheting and am now looking into actually selling stuff. Created a brand and designed my own logos, which I drew with the drawing tablet my in-laws got me for my birthday. Already sold a scarf and beanie set (although I have to remake the beanie to a bigger size), and another beanie. Got my sister promoting me down in Cali cuz I made her a bunch of things for Christmas.
- Yubo got us iPads and a mobile hot spot for Christmas, a surprise that I ruined about two weeks early.
- Somewhere in there, I reconnected with a friend from high school, and have been helping him trudge through some issues. An unlikely reconnection, but something I feel God really had a hand in.
And that just about brings us to the new year. Our holidays in general were very laid back and simple. We just celebrated those just the two of us.
It was the same for New Year's Eve. Just the two of us. It was definitely a blessing to have Christmas, NYE and New Year's Day on weekends so Yubo could actually relax and enjoy those holidays.
Our worship team was up this morning to lead our congregation in their first worship service of the new year. A great honor, and everything went really well. The sound was great (so we were told, although a little muffled, which I think will always be our problem due to our sound board and equipment). We did an acoustic set with two acoustic guitars and a bass (our drummer was not available and we don't have anyone to play keys). It had a very intimate feel, and all of our vocalists were highlighted -- so easy to do with so few instruments, and a nice change of pace from what we normally do.
Our resolutions haven't been established. Probably just the general typical better health types. I'd like to grow deeper in my faith and let God take me where I haven't let him previously. Looking to make sure God has a stronger presence in our marriage.
I'll be graduating with an Associate's in General Studies this spring. Yubo should be getting his license in a few months as well. Then we'll seriously consider the possibility of us moving back down to California. I'm still really on the fence about it, but perhaps because there are things that still need to be done (like my schooling). So once that's all done with, we'll be able to consider things in a different perspective.
Both sides of the family are really pushing for us to go back down. I'll admit that the pressure has gotten really annoying and adds to me feeling like I don't want to. So really where I'm at is just trying to see if that's where God wants us to go, rather than what I want or what our families want.
Everyone seems to feel like big things are gonna happen this year. I suppose many people feel that way every year. For many, it was really tough, with the loss of jobs and loved ones -- just emotionally and financially draining. So it could just be that their hopes of a better year keep them moving forward.
Whatever the reason or motivation, we move forward. I'm looking forward to a good year. We will celebrate two years of marriage in a few months. I'll have my 10-year high school reunion, which I may or may not go to. I'll finally get a degree, and Yubo will finally get his license. And we'll go from there. Moving forward.
