Top 10 of 2008

I was reading in a magazine a short article about New Year's resolutions. While I will probably still do my typical list of my goals for the upcoming year, I thought I'd also follow this article's advice to instead list some of your accomplishments from the past year.

So here is my personally selected Top 10 memories or experiences of 2008:

10. My one-year mark of graduation from BYU

That's right, it's been one full year since I finished my career on that dear campus in Provo. I've never planned to go one to more schooling, but I really miss school! Haha, but I'm a nerd like that. I have actually looked for any programs that I'd like to go into but have found nothing that really sparks my interest. I just might have to keep my envy of those who are still in school and who can continue enjoying textbooks, papers, and (my favorite) finals week.

9. Buying my first car

This was quite an experience for me as I know nothing about cars. Plus I had a pressing deadline on which I would lose the family Subaru and need a replacement. But, with the help of lots of people, specifically Ruthie and Jeremy, I ended up with a 2004 Hyundai Elantra.

8. Moving 4 times (twice across the country)

Really, I hate moving. But this is how things worked out. First, a couple weeks after I started my Church internship, I moved from Provo to Salt Lake City. (Not to mention I had already moved out of that apartment in December and was living out of a suitcase.) Second, in May, I took a leap of faith and moved back to Virginia where I hoped to find a job and move into D.C. But a month later, (third) I accepted a job back in Utah and moved back. I had about a week's notice and quickly found a temporary apartment. (And I didn't count the change between apartments after two days) Two month's later I moved (fourth) into my current apartment in Orem.

7. Interviewing for jobs

This is really my favorite part of a job search. Really, I think interviews are quite fun. I mean, come on, you get to dress up all cute and professional, bring samples of all your best accomplishments, and sit down and talk about yourself! Haha when do you ever get to do that? OK plus it's really fun to see different work environments, analyze how you might fit into them and, hopefully get offered the job. So this May I got to go to several interviews, update my portfolio and my portfolio Web site, and just enjoy the experience. Although, I admit, I was getting tired of not having a job after a month. So when the job offer I accepted came along WITHOUT an interview, I was slightly disappointed but accepted anyways.

6. Breaking from my reliance on some close friends

This was really hard, but this year I found myself in a situation where the couple people I really depended on or turned to either weren't around or didn't seem to want to be in my life. I'd find myself breaking down without them or even resulting to my humorous but somewhat drastic measures to make contact or bring them back to me. This was really sad, but I've come to terms with things and I guess that's fine.

5. Feeling increased gratitude for my life, trials and blessings

This pretty much speaks for itself, but I've been loving life lately and I'm grateful for everything and everyone in my life.

4. 2008 Summer Songs

I've posted about this a bunch. This was a great experience this year and I've loved keeping this little personal tradition alive.

3. Florida trip

When I was 10 years old, I moved away from Tallahassee, Florida. And for several years after that whenever I had a wish to make (birthdays, wishing wells, shooting stars, etc.), I wished to go to Florida with all my friends and a million bucks. Yea, it was one big wish. But this June I kinda had that elementary-aged wish come true. Except for the million bucks part. My childhood friend from Tallahassee who also later began a college roommate—Jenna Rhames—got married in Orlando this June and most of our friends all traveled to Florida for the event. We had a blast hanging out, swimming, going to Disneyworld and, of course at the wedding!

2. My first full-time job

I've had mixed thoughts about moving back to Utah Valley but am happy to say that I have really enjoyed my job and that it is treating me well. I love a set 40-hour week, paid time off and of course holiday bonuses.

1. Internship with the Church magazines

This was something I wasn't sure about when I first went it, but it ended up being an awesome experience. I got to spend some time on the staff of a very professional magazine with an international audience. I got to write all kinds of articles, get experience with Web writing and publishing and edit talks from—who?—General Authorities. I got to help put out the conference issue, attend conference in the press room and even interview General Authorities. Plus I got to run into famous Mormon people all over the place.