my year at a glance

2011 was a wonderful & challenging & whirlwind kind of year. All in all, it's been incredible... but it has kept me from being a consistent presence here on the blog. I am determined to make a mighty come-back but in order to do that, I'll need to get you up to speed.

Here are the highlights.

January
I left my beloved home state to plant some new roots in Iowa. I knew only a few people in the area & had no job lined up so it was one of the rasher (& scarier) decisions I've ever made but, time & again, it's proven to be the right move. Bonus: I was almost immediately offered a short-term internship at Camp Fire USA while I looked for a full-time job elsewhere. Double Bonus: I was able to stay at camp until I found a place to live.


February
I really started to get acquanited with the Des Moines area & all it has to offer. Unexpectedly saw one of my favorite paintings at the Des Moines Art Center. Had an adorable Valentine's day (tulips & carmels, somebody knows this girl all too well). Helped celebrate Will's 28th birthday with delicious sushi. Saw Kelsey be amazing in James & the Giant Peach. Really got lost in my pinterest addiction. & applied for lots of jobs (most of which sounded too good to be true).



March
Enjoyed my first Pecha Kucha Night at the Des Moines Social Club where Will gave a presentation about life as a Camp Director. Got paid to roller skate & dress ridiculously during Spring Break Camp. Adopted Lio. After one rather anxious month, I got an interview for a kick-ass job at Iowa State University.

April
Built adult-sized forts in Will's living room. Fell prey to Words with Friends. Became friends with Leslie Hall on facebook. Was hired as the Event Coordinator at the Iowa State University Book Store.

May
Started my fancy new big girl job. Was reminded that I had a silly part in a Camp Ondessonk commercial (yes, I'm the mustache girl).

June
June was a complete blur. Orientation consumed my life. I spent many, many hours teaching families how to reserve text books. & I sorely missed Ondessonk.

July
My mom & little sister came to Iowa for mini camp at Camp Hantesa. Went to the Stanhope Watermelon Day where they serve free all you can eat watermelon. Worked College Spirit Day at RAGBRAI.


August
Moved into my own apartment after crashing with Will for 7 months. Worked nearly every day at our booth at the Iowa State Fair & ate too many delicious fried things. Took a little weekend road trip to Minneapolis & stopped at the Surf Ballroom (home of Buddy Holly's last show) on the way. Went to IKEA & the Mall of America for the first time.


September
Had a crazy overnight drive to Southern Illinois so we could spend Labor Day at Ondessonk. Spent a lot of time planning & working at our merchandise trailer at the ISU home football games. Adopted Baxter. Started skating with the Des Moines Derby Dames. Had a wonderful 25th birthday.

October
Skated in my very first bout as Dinah Soars. Made some sweet, sweet caramel apples. Conquered a corn maze with two of my best friends.


November
Skated in my 2nd bout with D3's Crash Test Dolls & we won the after party. Went to visit Will's gorgeous home camp, Camp Miniwanca in Michigan...where he propoesd! (more on that in another post) Festivities & merriment ensued. My younger brother came home from Afghanistan! I moved out of my apartment after only 4 months & back to camp with Will. Baxter really enjoys living with two people. November was a great month.


December
Finally got to cash in on my birthday present & went to see Wicked with Will. Brought St. Nick's Day to Iowa. Set a date. Played Giant Jenga. Had a really fantastic first Christmas in Iowa.

Is it true that each year is shorter than the last? I think it must be because I really can't believe I've lived in Iowa for nearly a year. Let's hope 2012 is as full of beautiful memories as my first 12 months in Iowa.