Goodbye 2012

Last night I rang in the start of a new year in the arms of my brother and a few close friends. We put on sequined sweaters, drank champagne, and walked downtown to watch the ball drop holding homemade hot chocolates. This morning at a late breakfast we went around the table and talked about the highlights of the past year. It's funny because the more we all talked, the more we realized everything that occurred in the last 365 days. Time seems to pass like lightning lately, days ending almost immediately as they seem to start.

I must admit, this was quite a year. I always seem to be busy, barely making time to cook dinner or feed the cat, but looking back on everything I wouldn't have it any other way. So here are a few highlights of the last 12 months:

Ran my first half-marathon
(and traveled to Disney with family and friends for the occasion!)

Taught my first letterpress demo

Took my first yoga class

Visited New York

Turned 23

Created the identity for SiTE:LAB Blandford, was a contributing artist as well

Designed the event invitation for the opening of the world's largest Ronald McDonalds house

Visited Chicago

Annual Bear Lake trip

Chelsea and Matt got married

So did Danielle and Zack!

Camping trip to the Pine River

SiTE:LAB ArtPrize

Visited Boston

Started on a path toward new career opportunities

Participated as a vendor in the UICA Holiday Artists' Market

In addition to the big markers are the little things that happen to us along the way. A relationship was started and ended before the year was out. It hurt, a lot. However, it taught me something which means it truly happened for a reason. I made new friends and became closer to a few already in my life. I baked my very first gluten free vegan cupcake. Learned so much being a part of Not Design (this was a huge part of my life in the last year it deserves an entry all it's own). Had a design purchased for a greeting card. Was officially published in a book.

As I sit here now it hits me that I have never been more unsure of what my life will look like in a year from now. The great thing is that the thought seems less scary and more brilliantly exciting than ever.

Cheers to a beautiful and blessed 2012 and nothing but hope for the new year.

goodbye ireland

for those who say we never take pics in the classroom during study abroad ;)

at long last, 5 weeks later it was time for us "studious americans" to say goodbye to the country we loved. it was an amazing trip, filled with insightful movies, lots of history and mythology lessons, field trips, sight-seeing, weekend tours, and so much more. we learned together, learned from each other, and from the country we called home this past month. i can truly say this was one of the best experiences of my life. between the busyness of the city and the magical countryside, i would go back in a heartbeat. so as our journey came to a close we parted ways for the last time.

we had drinks on the pier for the last time.

we had our last big night out.

we danced in the middle of the street.we ate mystery candy.



we sang, we laughed, we cried.
for some of the best people i have ever met, you will always have a place in my heart.

we embraced a few group hugs.

we shared our last walk home.and around 5 am i walked to the bus stop for the last time.
goodbye foxrock bridge. goodbye dun laoghaire.
goodbye ireland, i will never forget you.

bye wetzels

well, today is my last day of work, many people would probably be really excited to say that but i'm feeling a bit blue. i am really excited for my trip and also for the new opportunities that i have for the fall. but i love the people i work with, and believe it or not i actually usually like the actual work most the time. now two of my friends there are having babies! (oh trust me..you'll be hearing about this come shower time!) and all the girls have graduated highschool! aw how time flies. we've been like a tiny little wetzels family, and you guys have really been here whenever i needed someone this past year. so thanks for everything.

pretzel cupcakes i made for a store meeting this past winter!

come buy a pretzel from me at rivertown today if you're in the area :)