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!