In 2014:
- John graduated from UVU in computer science
- I was accepted into graduate school in Boston
- I had to leave a favorite job of mine (helping people with disabilities find competitive employment) and we had to say goodbye to many people we love in Utah
- We traipsed (or rather drove) and camped across the country with our evil cat:
- In New Mexico we had an unexpected and tragic funeral for our motorcycle and we nearly froze without sleeping bags, but we LOVED Carlsbad Caverns
- In Texas we didn't camp but stayed with family; our cat explored stairs and had an unwanted adventure meeting a big puppy
- We discovered a great Podunk town in Arkansas, and experienced the muggiest & hottest camping of my life
- In Kentucky we visited Mammoth Caves and John had a run-in with a Tick while camping
- In Pennsylvania we stayed with family again
- And finally we arrived in Boston
- Once in Boston we experienced homelessness for a week after our housing fell through and we scrambled to find something new
- We camped for most of the week and then were invited to sleep on a then-stranger now-friend's floor for the weekend
- Luckily through a series of fortunate events and chance meetings we found a fantastic little apartment for a great price (for Boston that is: it's still twice as much as we paid in Utah for only half of the space)
- We moved into a new apartment on the first day of my new graduate program (thanks to the missionaries we survived moving into a 3rd floor apartment with a narrow windy staircase)
- I began my doctorate of Occupational Therapy program
- John worked from home for a summer, then decided he needed to see people in person and so he got a new job in Chinatown, Boston
- He now works for a start-up company called Act.md, which makes medical software for doctors and patients to communicate with one another. He's learning a lot and enjoying it
- I experienced a surprise pregnancy but then had a miscarriage
- It was very difficult and heartbreaking, but it turned into a faith-building experience. I learned more about the relationship between Christ's sacrificial atonement, healing, and repentance
- I got to read some interesting books and articles, attend a couple fascinating conferences, and be confronted with new ideas and thought processes
- Our cat is starting to get a tiny bit more friendly with strangers (he tends to be mistrustful and introverted)
- We discovered the deliciousness of homemade jam (we will never return to store-bought jam)
- And we really enjoyed making some amazing new friends in Boston who we are looking forward to continue getting to know!
Although it was a good year, it was a year that really stretched me as a person. Growth is good, but I won't feel bad about saying goodbye to 2014. Here's to a New Year full of wonderful people, new experiences, and learning!
I'm excited to welcome in 2015!!!
