2009 ... in review

I know we're over 2 weeks into 2010 now. It's old news to be talking about 2009 ... but 2009 was a big year for me. My year spans much of this country, and even across the world. A lot happened - and I feel like the year deserves it's own month-by-month recap. So, here goes ... in point form, of course! :) It's a bit long (a whole year is a long time to cover) ... but don't worry, I won't be offended if you don't make it all the way through! I write posts like this more for myself than for others!

JANUARY:
-the year started off well, ringing in the New Year with our dear friends from Zambia, Ruhtt and Shepherd Mbumwae, and their 3 kids, Miguel, Melina and Manuel
-moved to Brandon, MB for my final school term/placement
-lived with the most amazing couple EVER in Brandon - Bonnie and Charlie Muller. Seriously, these people are the best, and I'm so thankful that they opened up their home to me
-asked if I would go back to Estonia in the summer, considered, weighed all my options, and said 'YES' - all within a span of about 20 seconds

FEBRUARY:
-lived through some crazy cold weather and storms in Manitoba
-'Family' day long weekend in Regina, with Betty-Jean, Chris and Sandra, complete with a fondue!
-Bryan Adams acoustic show with Jonathan and Alicia

MARCH:
-blogged everyday for the WHOLE month
-Jonathan and Alicia came for a weekend visit to Manitoba
-bought tickets for Coldplay
-made it home to Regina for a couple weekends, including family birthday weekend and the International supper

APRIL:
-finished off my final term as a University of Waterloo student
-celebrated Easter in Winnipeg with the family
-moved back home to Regina, SK

MAY:
-moved back to Waterloo, ON to study for boards
-spent a whole excruciating month doing not much else but studying ALL my notes from 4 years of school
-wrote my board exams

JUNE:
-road tripped to Quebec City with Alicia, and spent several wonderful days there
-day trip into Toronto with Lindsey to visit Annie
-GRADUATION ... no need to expand any further here!
-Coldplay ... live in Winnipeg = AMAZING
-one week in Prague, Czech Republic with an amazing gal
-flew on to Tallinn ... sweet return!

JULY:
-spent a wonderful sun-filled week with old and new friends at Camp Balchyoca, just outside Tallinn
-spent an incredible four weeks, practicing English and sharing my faith with AMAZING people
-shared life with 3 cool gals - Crystal, Andrea and Deanna
-found out that I PASSED my board exams
-LOVED being back in a country that I love
-celebrated my 25th birthday - definitely a birthday to remember!

AUGUST:
-saw 'The Amazing Race' being filmed in Tallinn
-flew back home to Canada
-spent a week at Victoria Beach with the family
-Alicia arrived home from Hungary
-Derkach family reunion ... can you say 'polka'? ... Best family dance EVER!

SEPTEMBER:
-bought 'Princeton the Prius'
-flew to Merritt and Powell River to check out job opportunities
-road tripped to Dallas, TEXAS for LST Harvest Call, and getting to see Estonia friends!
-went to a Dallas Cowboys football game in their brand new stadium with 90,000 other people!

OCTOBER:
-accepted position as an associate optometrist in Merritt, BC
-SWEET adventure with my sister
-Thanksgiving in Regina with the whole family
-REAL LIFE hits
-bought a house!

NOVEMBER:
-moved into my own house
-mom & dad came to visit

DECEMBER:
-Jonathan and Sarah get engaged!
-Christmas in Saskatoon with the whole family, including World Junior hockey games
-time at home in Regina, including the annual 3-on-3 tourney on the backyard rink
-road trip back to Saskatoon to go to the Canadian Mens Olympic Hockey team announcement
-quiet New Years Eve with Crystal and Brazilian friends

WHEW!! It was quite a year ... that's for sure! Sweet memories, and looking forward to making many more this year!