Life's a trip. : December 2013

I will start off by saying 2013 has been a great year. I met my love Joel, have had some amazing experiences with friends and gone on a number of wonderful trips. I have seen some beautiful places with some beautiful faces and I couldn't be more thankful! I feel so lucky to have my friends and family and my Joelybean in my life and can only imagine what 2014 will bring!

Here's a list of a few notable things from 2013:

-While I didn't have surgery this year, I do still undergo some of the weirdest treatments for some of the weirdest things. I had eye plugs put in this year - yes, plugs for your eyes.

-I lost a toenail thanks to toe-bang and a touch of frostbite (or what I think was frostbite) from ice climbing. I have since taken up more precautionary measures to make sure I don't get that cold again.

-My car continues to break down on a bi-yearly basis, but I have yet to sell it. Car payments scare me (apparently more than expensive trips to the mechanic).

-I moved from my apartment to my boyfriends apartment and then to a house. Lots of moving.

-I started dating my wonderful Joelybean who has challenged me in so many ways and loves me unconditionally; I am lucky to have someone so amazing to share my life with!

-I was finally able to get over myself and compete in something again. For so long, and for reasons I might never completely understand, I couldn't ever really commit myself to working towards something athletic. It scared me very much. But, I did some triathlons and after the summer was over, I dedicated myself to running a half marathon and continuing on through the winter to train for more races in 2014. While its nothing like my training in my previous life, its something new and exciting and I have really enjoyed being active and committed to something again!

-I ran my first half marathon in 1:41.43. Not what I wanted, but I ain't complainin' for my first one!

-I saw a boobie- a blue footed boobie - in Ecuador on a refuge island off the coast. I also saw a manta ray and the largest pod of dolphins known to man kind. No penguins for 2013, though.

-I turned 26. I know birthdays are predictable, but hey, its something monumental for 2013. Officially in my later 20's.

-Ecuador. I can't even really put that into words.

-I went to Jasper and Banff FINALLY and had the most amazing trip.

-While in Jasper, I saw a huge grizzly bear from about 25 feet away. Don't panic though, I was in a canoe with bear spray in hand.

-My family lost our long time puppy dog, Buddy this summer. Buddy was our faithful k9 companion for 16 years and even when he was sick was always happy and content.

-I have faced a lot of challenges in 2013 and while I might not have dealt with everything with grace and ease that some people might have, I have done the best that I could.

-I have enjoyed time with good friends and really cherish some of my friendships that were strengthened this year. Never underestimate the power of a good friend!

-Joel built me a time trial bike. I have yet to actually ride it.

-My godmother Sheila passed away this fall after a very prolonged and difficult illness. I have never seen so many people show up to remember her and have such wonderful and heartfelt things to say. It really reminded me what a wonderfully strong and amazing person she was and how compassion and love can make the world a better place.

-I went to the 'middle of the earth,' also known as the equator.