2013 ... in review!

The calendar has now been turned over to 2014 ... leaving 2013 as one to look back on.  And for me, 2013 was a good year!  Lots of memorable moments - mostly good, some hard - but all together, bringing me to where I am today.  I didn't write much last year.  It wasn't intentional - but just the way it was.  But something I've learned over the past couple years about myself, is how important words are to me.  Both in reading them, and in writing them.  Reading good words excites me!  I love good books and good blogs, and expanding my mind with what I've read.  The writing part doesn't come as easily for me.  I value the art of writing - but I find it is often a struggle to get what I want to say 'onto paper'.  I don't feel good at articulating what I'm trying to say.  Yet, even through the struggle, I find the process of writing to be somewhat life-giving to me, and I always value having my words, thoughts and memories down in a more permanent form than just stored in my memory.  So, for this year, I'm simply going to try and write more.  I'm not promising everyday, or even every week or month - but just more than I did last year.  I'm going to try and write more here, but also take pen to paper more often as well, in my journal.  We'll see how it goes!

But before I get too ahead of myself here, I need to give 2013 the time that it's due.  It really was a great year - full of some awesome times with family and friends!  Without going into too much detail, here's my highlight reel from 2013 (with some favourite pictures too!):

- A visit from mom & dad in February
- Michelle's graduation from Summit Pacific College in April

 - The whole family coming to visit at Easter, and a trip to Whistler

- Taking the youth group to HistoryMaker in Chilliwack

 
- A weekend trip to Victoria with Michelle & Wendy to visit Kari

 
- An amazing two-week trip exploring the Maritimes with Tamara & Matthew

- Canada Day weekend in Vancouver with Sandra and Alicia, including seeing T. Swift

- Buying a new road bike, and spending my summer training for the Gran Fondo Banff

 - Celebrating my 29th birthday!

- Completing the 142-km Gran Fondo Banff

 
- A beautiful fall afternoon at the shooting range - and getting to shoot for the first time ever!

- Kari & Cody's lovely fall wedding

 
- Another visit from dad in October, including a trip into Vancouver

- An awesome extended weekend in Waterloo, visiting old friends and classmates

- Getting to be at home for the Riders winning the Grey Cup!

- A week at home to celebrate my baby sister's wedding!!

- Getting to celebrate at the wedding of one of my oldest and dearest friends, Chelsa, as she married Tim!

- Spending Christmas holidays at home, full of many fun family traditions, like curling, family gift exchange, and skates on the backyard rink, visits with many good friends, and a little bit of relaxation too!

All in all, a pretty fantastic year!  And I'm looking forward to what 2014 will bring my way! :)