I started this blog a year ago as part of my New Year's Resolution. The resolution was not to blog, but to start living life with a sense of urgency. We live on the edge of eternity, and at any moment we could meet our fate. Spurred by my step-dad's death, I was determined to quit taking this simple fact for granted. Looking back at 2010 I can't help but be proud of myself for actually keeping a New Year's resolution and for pushing myself to live this short life to the fullest.
So without further ado, here are my Top 10 memories from 2010 (in no particular order because it wouldn't be fair to pick a favorite):
10) Waterfalls. I developed a sudden obsession with waterfalls and visited as many as I could, including the grand-daddy of them all: Niagara Falls.
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| Niagara Falls, New York |
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| Webster Falls, Ontario, Canada |
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| Snoqualmie Falls, Washington |
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| Multnomah Falls, Oregon |
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| Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada |
9) Eliza and Jackson. To me, babies are terrifying. I don't like to look at them, let alone hold them. But these two babies are different. I love them. And if mine don't turn out as cute or as mild-tempered, I'm asking God for a refund.
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| Eliza Megan Chehade, born to Mic and Melissa on July 25th |
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| Eliza Megan |
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| Jackson John Mendoza, born to Jack and Sarah on June 5th |
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| JJ |
8) The Great Outdoors. My love for the outdoors continues to grow with each adventure: hiking, camping, snowshoeing, backpacking, swimming...
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| Mount Erie with my dad, Anacortes, Washington |
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| Little Mountain with my pups, Mount Vernon, Washington |
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| Little Black Tail Mountain, Idaho |
7) A Bear at Garibaldi Lake. I loved every moment of this backpacking trip... gorgeous lake, scary bear, and perfect company.
6) Rory Turns 1. Yes, I am highlighting my cat's birthday. She may or may not be a reincarnated terrorist, destroying everything in her path, but she is the best cuddler ever and I don't know what I would do without her. Meow.
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| Rory, the Silver Bullet |
5) Brittany. Before 2010, I hadn't seen Brittany in at least five years. This year, I saw her twice--I spent a week in Cambridge, Ontario and she came home for Christmas! Melissa, Mic, Eliza, Brittany, Blake, Marc, and I all got together for dinner. I could not ask for a better Christmas gift!
4) Italy/Gelato. I spent the month of September traveling around Italy, eating my weight in gelato.
3) Velma. In July, I started sponsoring a child in Adiedo, Kenya. In October, I met her and held her little hand as we walked to her house with her grandparents and siblings.
2) Africa. I have always dreamt of going to Africa. When 2010 started, I never would have guessed that my dream would be fulfilled within the year. God truly does work in mysterious ways: when Dugee died, I knew that I had to re-prioritize my life and let God back in. My first Sunday in church, I saw the bulletin announcement for a Kenya mission trip. Not only was the trip a huge success, I am now volunteering for Spring of Hope International to save the lives of hundreds of children in Kenya through its sponsorship program.
1) Love. Is the only reality. I would be nowhere without the love and support of my family and friends. My travels and adventures would not have been possible...or worth it. They are what made my year.
I am beyond blessed. Funny thing is, although it hardly seems possible, I know 2011 is going to hold just as many surprises and new experiences and end up being an even better year.
Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year my dear - hope 2011 holds everything fabulous for you!
P
LOVES!! I'm so proud of you and thankful for you in my life. I don't know what I'd do without YOU! Here's to 2011! :)
You had an amazing year! I've loved keeping up with your adventures and have deep respect for your ability to prioritize what really matters. Happy New Year!
i love love love this post! i am so proud of all you did. you are inspiring. . from cats, to africa, waterfalls, friends and of course gelato!
WOW. I got goosebumps. So many amazing things. I love reading your posts. You are a blessing and a true gem Nic. its a joy to see you grow and be your friend. Here's to 2011!