2013 has been a great year for me! It has also been full of learning experiences, growth, and change. A lot of chapters of my life closed, and new ones were open full of possibility, stretching, experience, and success. Here are some of the things I've done and learned:
In November of 2012 my life was changed when I decided to "try out" dating John Gaskin. By March of 2013, I realized I wanted to spend my life with him. We got officially engaged in July (although we had chosen a date by April). We began our life and eternity together on 16 August 2013 in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, South Jordan, Utah. Thus our new, crazy adventure began together!
My John is the best thing in my life. I love him, and I love to spend time with him (see why here)! Our courtship had lots of challenges, since he was unemployed for 5 months, but it was a blessing for us to work through those difficulties together. I feel it prepared us for working through life together. We love cooking delicious food together, playing with t3h Gnyardon, reading together (currently the Wheel of Time series--we're on book 5), occasionally playing games together (currently Donkey Kong), cuddling and watching shows, spending time with family, etc...
Along with my husband, getting married brought these great things into my life: I finally became an AUNT (hooray!) to the cutest nieces and nephews ever!!! And I got an evil, fangly cat!
I finally graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor degree in Exercise Science and German (double major). Hooray!!! Finally moving on to a new stage of life in my education and professional life!
By April, I realized that I was not accepted into physical therapy school, which although disappointing turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise. Had I gotten into graduate school as planned, I don't know what would have happened between John and I. After being rejected, I went through a "quarter life crisis" as I like to refer to it. After re-evaluating my vocational goals, I discovered occupational therapy! I did everything necessary and applied for occupational therapy school, which I am thrilled for!!!! So far I have an interview at one school (upcoming in February), and there are still lots of schools I haven't heard back from yet. John graduates in April 2014, and sometime in the summer we plan on being off to a new phase in life!
One of the biggest life changing discoveries for us was a budgeting program called, You Need A Budget, or YNAB. In the 3 months since we began budgeting with YNAB, it has revolutionized the way we think about budgeting and money. We are on track to meeting our goals, communicating about money, and feeling so much more prepared for the future. PLUS we LOVE our budgeting meetings! They are truly a lot of fun!
At the beginning of November I got a new job, which I am really enjoying. I work for RISE Inc. employment services. We work with people who have disabilities to help them find and maintain employment. I currently coach our clients on life skills (finance, personal hygiene, work appropriate communication, etc) and I coach individuals at their new jobs. I love meeting so many great people and getting to learn from them. I'm looking forward to learning and growing at this great opportunity.
My John is the best thing in my life. I love him, and I love to spend time with him (see why here)! Our courtship had lots of challenges, since he was unemployed for 5 months, but it was a blessing for us to work through those difficulties together. I feel it prepared us for working through life together. We love cooking delicious food together, playing with t3h Gnyardon, reading together (currently the Wheel of Time series--we're on book 5), occasionally playing games together (currently Donkey Kong), cuddling and watching shows, spending time with family, etc...
Along with my husband, getting married brought these great things into my life: I finally became an AUNT (hooray!) to the cutest nieces and nephews ever!!! And I got an evil, fangly cat!
I finally graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor degree in Exercise Science and German (double major). Hooray!!! Finally moving on to a new stage of life in my education and professional life!
By April, I realized that I was not accepted into physical therapy school, which although disappointing turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise. Had I gotten into graduate school as planned, I don't know what would have happened between John and I. After being rejected, I went through a "quarter life crisis" as I like to refer to it. After re-evaluating my vocational goals, I discovered occupational therapy! I did everything necessary and applied for occupational therapy school, which I am thrilled for!!!! So far I have an interview at one school (upcoming in February), and there are still lots of schools I haven't heard back from yet. John graduates in April 2014, and sometime in the summer we plan on being off to a new phase in life!
One of the biggest life changing discoveries for us was a budgeting program called, You Need A Budget, or YNAB. In the 3 months since we began budgeting with YNAB, it has revolutionized the way we think about budgeting and money. We are on track to meeting our goals, communicating about money, and feeling so much more prepared for the future. PLUS we LOVE our budgeting meetings! They are truly a lot of fun!
At the beginning of November I got a new job, which I am really enjoying. I work for RISE Inc. employment services. We work with people who have disabilities to help them find and maintain employment. I currently coach our clients on life skills (finance, personal hygiene, work appropriate communication, etc) and I coach individuals at their new jobs. I love meeting so many great people and getting to learn from them. I'm looking forward to learning and growing at this great opportunity.
I am so grateful for the opportunities presented to me this past year, and I'm so grateful for so many fabulous friends, my family, and my new family members!!! I'm excited for 2014 and the adventures it will bring!!!
