2012

I've spent the holidays doing basically nothing.  I had a two-day stay with my parents in San Francisco while in California for Christmas, but apart from that, I've spent my break horizontal in bed or on the couch.  It's been great, but I'm getting over it.  I've been craving a yoga class, so I'm planning on going to the New Year's Day class at the studio tomorrow...I've been saving up because I'm currently so broke I can't actually afford it.  But man, do I need it.

Anyway, I wanted to review some of the best moments from this past year.  It's been a big one for me.  I made some big changes and took some huge leaps of faith, things that I haven't always been good at doing.  My journey continues into 2013...

Moving to Fort Worth.  This time last year, I had just quit my full-time, soul-sucking job and made the decision to move from Austin.  I've always said my life has had places, not phases, and I just knew that Fort Worth was the next place I needed to be.  It hasn't all been peaches and sunshine, of course, but I have met some amazing people and re-connected with old friends -- all of whom have played important parts in pushing me down the path I'm on.  Lindsey, who inspired me to go back to school.  Olivia, my sister in every way but blood.  Lauren, the person who's made me love yoga.  Gemma, who makes me laugh and challenges me to think of things differently.  Julie and Seth, my Texas-parents.  And so many other wonderful people who have proven that this is the place I belong right now.

My three jobs.  Sometimes I think I'm crazy, especially since I'm keeping all three jobs when I start classes this semester.  But each one has introduced me to something new, or challenged me, or opened opportunities in an area I never thought I'd go.  It doesn't matter that I'm broke, ultimately -- it's so nice to work at places that don't make you want to scream and cry and eat a gallon of cookie dough ice cream every day.

Yoga.  I never thought I was a yoga person, and in some ways, I'm still not.  I'm picky about my yoga.  I've been taking classes at a studio that focuses on Forrest yoga, a style that has really resonated with me.  The yoga I tried before was never stimulating or challenging for me -- what I call "gym yoga," or that simple pose-pose-pose-pose sequence of putting your body in a position but without much intention behind it.  Forrest yoga has not only challenged me physically, it has challenged me mentally and spiritually.  There is meaning behind every pose and I am honored as strong and beautiful no matter how deeply I can get into a pose.  The competition element of gym yoga does not exist at this studio.  Not to mention the teachers are some of the most amazing individuals I've ever met.

Western riding.  Yup, I did it.  I've abandoned my dressage diva status to become a rhinestoned cowgirl.  I don't know how good I am at it yet, but it's been a blast and I hope to one day be able to show in this area.  A horsewoman's education is never over!