The Year in Review

So, I'm a bad blog writer. It seems like when I was in the married world there was lots to say, and now that I'm in the singles scene, there's still lots to say... I just don't know if I want to say it! :)

I just thought I would share a few of my most memorable moments from this year.

On July 25th, I ran my first marathon. That's 26.2 miles people! Sometimes I can barely believe that I did it. This was an incredibly hard, scary, yet rewarding experience. I didn't think I could do it.

I also ran my first Ragnar Race with these gals:
Ragnar was awesome!!! Ragnar is hard to explain for those who have never done it. (See this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL1hLU_LBvs). I loved it because it was a fun challenge, I got to hang out in Las Vegas, and best of all, I got to do it with some of my favorite friends from Philadelphia.

This year has kind of been the year of running. I also ran two half marathons (one in 110 degree weather!) and two 5ks with my brothers.

Aside from running, I gained a new appreciation for my family, especially my brothers and my sister-in-law. I guess being in Philly and in law school the three years prior to 2011, I was so busy that I didn't think I was missing my family. Now that I'm back, I have a strong sense of what I missed out on during those three years that I lived away. Family is EVERYTHING. I'm so grateful for the family I have and that our bond is eternal. We've been having so much fun together shooting the breeze, running races, watching movies and The Next Iron Chef, playing games, getting yogurt, snowboarding, traveling to Las Vegas, and doing who knows what else.

I am especially grateful to my brother, Casey, who pulled me out of a slump and helped me to be normal again. Thanks to Casey, I started going to the singles ward again (where I have been serving as the Relief Society Secretary) and I also met my goal for 2011 of running 8 miles in less than 80 minutes! Our latest 8 mile time was 67 minutes. Woot!

I switched firms this year (yep, that was quick) and switched from practicing civil litigation to bankruptcy. A year ago, I never would have guessed that I would be specializing in bankruptcy. I didn't even take bankruptcy in law school! I feel like the Lord has a way of making life work out like it's supposed to though. The days go by so fast and I don't want to be doing anything else. In sum: love the firm, love the practice area. Win win.

Thanks to the firm, I met and had dinner with Olene Walker, mother of SEVEN and the first and only woman governer of Utah. This lady was one of the most inspiring people I have ever met in my life! When I asked her how I can be a successful female professional in Utah (aka the Old Boys Club), she said "Be educated about the issues you face, speak up, and volunteer (but make sure that whatever you volunteer to do, you do well.)" This advice has stayed with me and I have tried to implement it this year.

Of all the things that happened this year, I think this year will really be remembered as the year that I truly gained a testimony of the Atonement and healing power of Jesus Christ. I have never had a stronger testimony of His saving grace, His sacrifice for us, and His potential influence in all of our lives. Likewise I have never before had a stronger sense of gratitude.

He has changed my life.

I am grateful to be celebrating His birth this holiday season by doing His work and testifying of Him. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and remember the reason for the season! Wise men still seek Him!