Monday, December 30, 2013

2013 Year in Review


I think a good general statement for this year is that it was both the best and the worst year of my life. I went through the lowest of lows suffering a nervous breakdown at one point and I also experienced the highest of highs marrying the man of my dreams. I wouldn't change any of it though. I have no regrets because it all served to make me a stronger and more grateful person. Here is a list of things that happened to me this year in no particular order.  


  • We traveled cross-country in a 14 year old Volkswagon Polo from Cusco to Lima.
  • I came to terms with my foreseeable future living in Peru.
  • I lost and regained my identity and realized that it is something that is forever changing depending on what I do and who I am with. We are not nouns (teacher, traveler, student, etc.) we are verbs. We are what we do. I read, I sing, I play violin, I love, I laugh, I teach.
  • I learned to let go of things that I can't change and embrace things that I love about Peru.
  • I fell and continue to fall more and more in love with my husband.
  • I got married in a religious wedding to the best man ever.
  • I learned how to get around on Lima's public transportation.
  • Marco and I played tourists in Lima at least once a month.
  • I became even better friends with my mother and became super grateful for her outlook on life.
  • I was fortunate to get a part time job that opened my eyes to education in Peru. It wasn't a dream job but it was exactly what I needed.
  • I took part in the Suzuki Festival in January which is always a wonderful refreshing experience. 
  • I joined a few expat groups which helped me adjust to life in Lima.
  • I found a yoga class close to my home.
  • I stepped into the role of military wife for the first time by going to some military social events.
  • I taught violin lessons in students' houses and realized that I really don't like doing it that way.
  • I auditioned and made it into a professional choir which has allowed me to meet incredibly talented ladies and make a bit of extra money singing in weddings. Not to mention I have now had the pleasure of seeing an incredible amount of insides of Catholic Churches in Lima.
  • I gigged with my violin.
  • I became best friends with someone who is one of the sweetest most adorable persons in the world.
  • I got a job that will allow me to see my best friend on a daily basis and will allow me to work with kids and teach violin.
  • I met my husband's side of the family
  • I celebrated my 27th birthday (and my 4th birthday in Peru) with a really nice party that included army acquaintances and choir girlfriends.
  • So many friends and family came to Peru for our wedding including my Dad who had never traveled farther south than Mexico before. I love my family so much.
  • My husband and I slowly created the comfy and cozy home we want by adding furniture little by little.
  • I learned about how much power we give to thoughts and those thoughts are our realities. 
  • Gratitude became my best friend this year.
  • I have become incredibly happy and excited for all that is to come in the next year.


As for resolutions, my main resolution is to continue to be optimistic and live a balanced life in all ways possible. There is a great meme that I found on Pinterest that I will try and post because it has great overarching resolutions. Life is an adventure and there is always something more to learn and be curious about. 


I do not own rights to this meme but it sure is great!



Happy New Year 2014 everyone!

4 comments:

  1. This may be the best 2013 recap I've seen yet. Proud to know you my dear Amy!

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    1. Thanks Amanda! I am proud to know you too!! I hope you had a great New Years!

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  2. Gratitude, gratitude! I'm grateful to have met you this year! Now I think it was good timing because it's helped me come to terms with life in Lima and get excited to discover more!

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  3. I am so glad to hear that! We will surely be spending more time together this year!

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