Year in Review & Preview.

And just like that 2013 is over.

It seems like just yesterday I was celebrating my birthday, and yet it is, again, just a week away (hint, hint).

And yet, alas, time always goes by so fast. I found yet with each year it goes by faster and faster. 

As I reflect on the past year I have to say overall it was a pretty good year. 

Of course it is sprinkled with ups and downs. 

Challenges and good times. 

Faith growing experiences. 

Tears. Laughs. 

Reunions and friendships. 

Fights and fall-outs. 

Lets review the year. Because the more I think about it the more I realize a lot of big things happened this year. 

September was most definitely my biggest month yet. I decided to do something that I had been wanting for such a long time. I went with my whole family to the Manti Temple to receive my own endowment. This has definitely been one of the best decisions I have made. I am so happy it was something special and something just for me. Moments I will always remember and cherish. 

The very next day I completed a marathon. I loved this not only for my medal {which I do LOVE} but because it was a goal I had set, worked hard for and achieved. I was so so scared. But I overcame that fear and did it. And I couldn't not have been more happy. 

In August, I moved to a new house in Sugarhouse. I packed up all of my belongs and moved in about 4 hours. I have new roommates which I adore. 

I hit my one year mark at my job in October. Which means one year of the Utah life. I have taken on more responsibility and love the feeling of confidence I have at my job. 

I travled a bit. I went home about 4 times. Went on a great vacation to Disneyland. Off to STG for Spring Break. San Francisco in January with the Lanai crew for Amy's wedding. Left the country and traveled Mexico during Fall Break. And went to Ogden a lot :)

I lounged 7 Peaks. Found a great quesadilla truck. Gone to the Temple almost every week and have visited lots of temples since my endowment. 

Rudy moved to Utah in February, after a couple of rocky months, I couldn't be happier he is here.
I went to a Muse concert in September. Celebrated the Robins Rendezvous in July. Ran two other half marathons and a 10k Mud Run.
 I definitely had my low moments and I am ever grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that pulled me through them.
All in all, it was a really great year. I don't think I could have asked for anything more.

Now it is time to look forward to 2014. 

At church a few weeks ago, we discussed New Year's Resolutions, shocking. Afterwards, a girl bore her testimony and referenced a talk given by Elder Holland on Lot's Wife. Which of course we know she turned to salt after looking back at Sodom and Gomorrah.
Which definitely put my future into perspective for me, especially after my last post.
Elder Holland said, "Apparently what was wrong with Lot's wife was that she wasn't just looking back, in her heart she wanted to go back."
This is such an important reminder, especially as a new year and a new start is upon us.
I loved this. Especially as I sometimes longingly and emotional look back on the past.
On how things use to be, my group of friends, my lifestyle, the beach, the dodgers, my ward, my weekend activities.
Instead I need to look forward. I need to cherish and appreciate the blessings that have been given me and that life that I have now.

 "And when we have learned what need to have learned and brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead, we remember that faith is always pointed toward the future." 

So this year I will have the faith that is needed. I will try to cherish the beautiful snow and appreciate a new experience and a new lifestyle. I will love my new friends even more and become a really big Salt Lake Bees fan.
This year I just hope to be a little kinder, strengthen my relationship with my family, read my scriptures more and do a lot of really fun things. 

I want to go back.

Don't get me wrong. 80% ok maybe...75% of the time I do love the SLC life.

Its been over a year, I should enjoy it right?

But its cold, there snow and no beach, no dodgers and so many Mormons.

That there are so many times I want to go back to my LA life.

And there are moments like this that make me miss it oh so much.

 

I have probably blogged about the NR Crew 1,000 times. But when you have found friends like this, you tend to miss them.

The boys I have grown up with and the girls that are like your other half.

I miss filling up the entire row at church.

I miss the Sunday game nights.

Friday night YSA dances.

I miss the Christmas party and gift exchange.

I miss the drama and getting annoyed with the boys.

I miss our fun outings.

I do love that when I get the chance to come back and visit that it feels like no time has passed. It seems like just yesterday we were all hanging out. I like to pretend that while I am gone, time freezes and my friends have no fun without me. But I do love coming back and the excitement that comes with getting the gang back together as much as possible.

I know that things change, people move, nothing can stay the same forever (as much as I hopelessly wish it could) and I just have to be grateful for my two short years with my crew--although it feels so much long than just that.

Today will be our 4th year celebrating New Years together and camping out at the Rose Parade.

I could not be more pumped. Some of my best memories are during those wee hours of the night. 

Resolution #1 Check.

At the end of my Year in Review post I added a couple of resolutions to complete by the end of the year. 

I am happy to report that the first thing stated, will be able to be checked off by the end of the week. 

Move out. 

 Thats right folks. 

This 25 year old, semi working professional, 

is moving out of her parents house and getting in apartment.

like a real adult. 

It just took me two years to get the courage to actually leave the comfort of my home and my mothers cooking in exchange for an apartment, roommates and re-learning how to survive on my own again. 

Some of you may know my recent struggle on the whole moving thing for the past few months. 

Ive been debating location, roommates and time frame of this move.

And finally have been able to come to the decision to move to Santa Monica  

and ya...at the end of the week. 

I am excited to call this beach my home!!

I will be living with Shawn Gleason, a friend from BYU/ Lanai.

It all just happened so fast that before I knew it I had made the decision, paid my rent and am now starting to bring my belongings to my new abode.

I am a little sad. But mostly excited.
Its just weird that I wont be living in Granada Hills.
Perhaps a little dramatic. The drive is about 15 minutes.
But for the 20ish years that I have lived in California
 I have lived on the same street. Same house. Same room.
But if Im gonna get real sad on you it will be with the sadness of leaving my NR ward.
I entered that ward kicking and screaming in protest. And now I will leave in shedding a few tears.
{again. perhaps dramatic. I am still so close}
and yet, I love my ward. I love the people, I love that its small, I love that its home.
I think I have a special knack for getting great friends.
I left Provo nearly two years ago for California, thinking nothing could ever compete with the Lanai Crew.
And although NR3 is not entirely in the same league, it gives it a good run for its money.
Ill miss sitting in the front row of Sacrament meeting, teaching Sunday School and Heather bringing cookies for us to pass down our aisle {and accidentally eating them on fast Sunday}

But heres to new adventures in Santa Monica.
figuring out adulthood
and an attempt at Queen of the SM ward
{hey! can I say Im two for two!? Ive got good chances!}

time in the NO.

One of my favorite things about living in Utah during my college days were trips to North Ogden. 

I know, sounds kinda crazy. 

But my oldest sister Kelly happens to live there.
At the start of my freshman year I tried to make a weekend trip there every month. Im proud to say I kept with it all through my Provo days.

Kate's blessing day. 2009.

Im pretty sure I got to attend every birthday party for the kids. 

Attended lots of soccer games, a few dance recitals and lots of babysitting. 

I loved going to Ogden to escape Provo life for a bit. 

During my lonely months my sophomore year, I needed Ogden. 

And I loved having the extra time to be with my sister and get to know her kids. 

I especially loved the opportunity to meet Kate in the hospital. 

Probably one of the most difficult things about living in LA is being away from this part of my family. I seriously miss my carefree Ogden weekends.

Drewbie and Me. February 2007.

Although I have made many trips to Utah since moving out, I have been a terrible sister and aunt and have not made it to Ogden for a visit. 

Last weekend that changed. We had our Robins Reunion in SLC over the weekend. I told my parents I wanted to go to Ogden after the reunion to see Kel and told them they were not invited to join--I wanted just my own time with her and the kids. 

So I headed back to the Beehive State (during Pioneer Day no less!) for our family reunion. 

I seriously love me some Robins Rendezvous. 

I love my crazy, confusingly huge family.

Representing the Dan Robins part of the family with our blue bandannas. Sadly this is the only photo I took at the reunion. 

This year we had a "Robins Roundup" full of square dancing, a talent show, family skits, Music & the Spoken Word, tour of the Conference Center and lots of chatting and catching up. 

The rest of my time was spent in Pleasant View (as they have now moved from the NO).

We hit the pool, played games, went bowling, did lots of tackling, danced in the basement, watched the Justin Bieber movie, shopped SLC, painted Kate's nails, was a terrible babysitter and just chilled. 

Jumping photo on Mars. 

And I loved it.

I need more weekends with those kids, I love them so much. 

Lucky for me they are coming to California in two days! 

Beach, pool and tackling are in my future. 

But of course I did manage to hit the Katy Perry concert with my friends.

Dancing along side these three girls could not have been more fun.

 Sometimes I paid closer attention to their dance moves than Katy's.

Thanks Utah!
good to see you every few months. 

it all ends.

After being reprimanded by Allie Barker for not going to the midnight showing of HP last Thursday night, I knew I had to get myself to see the newest movie this weekend to prove that I am truly a  Harry Potter fanatic!

As expected, the movie did not disappoint! 

coolest thing i have ever seen. just a snippet of the wall displaying every HP movie poster.


And, as expected, I was crying probably after the first twenty minutes. 

I could not hold it together during this movie. I cried during all the sad parts and the happy parts and the ending.
Basically the entire time.
And it wasnt even just the plot line, I got all nostalgic during the movie.

The Harry Potter series was my childhood, my teenage years. 

I believe my love for reading can be traced back to that day when my 12 year old self was in a bookstore with my mom. She told me she would pay me $20 if I read the book "Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone", the new hit book. My response: "No way, that looks so lame"
Two hours later I was to be found laying by my pool, HP in hand thinking "What the heck am I reading!? Wizards? Hogwarts? Muggles?"
And yet, after the first chapter I was hooked.
Which then led to buying and reading the other books. And then re-reading them.Watching the movies. Buying books 6 & 7 on amazon for the guarantee that the book would be delivered on the day it came out in stores. Hyperventilating as book 7 was in hand. And then re-reading those and midnight premieres of  the movies.

And so it was a big part of my growing up years, and watching that movie and realizing the fun and excitement of Harry Potter was over just made me lose it.
Might sound lame, but its true.
I love 'Arry Potter.
As everyone should.

I loved coming to church on Sunday and talking to all of my girlfriends about Harry Potter. We talked about all of the details of the movie, what parts we cried in and explaining parts of the book.
Ill see it with anyone who wants to go again!

i love this boy.

And her name is Alyssa. 

AKA

AJ. Boy. Slaveant. 

Alyssa and her fam moved into the GH ward when I was about 11 and she was 9. And from then on I dont remember a time that we were not friends. 

In HS, along with our other BFFs we formed the Blonde Burgade.

and yes, we know NOW that is it spelled wrong.

We were the GH girls and we bonded over a love for Ronald Reagan, the Spice Girls, putting up with the GH boys, sleepovers, gold fish and creme cheese and taking pictures with statues.

Before my senior year of HS I practically lived at Jennalyn and Alyssa's house. I slept over on most nights, ate dinner with their fam and spent our nights playing hide and go seek in the neighborhood with the boys and then gossiping late at night. 

The Blonde Burgade may have decimated a bit, but Alyssa and I are still going strong.

We think the exact same thing, talk a million miles a minute when we are together, love gnomes and making gremlin noises, still love Ronald, love dancing with each other, Zac Efron and every once in awhile we like to hold hands--I dont know why or how it happens, it just does. We even have this weird thing of taking almost kissing photos. 

We always love telling people we are cousins, and love it even more when they believe us.

Now this lover of mine is getting married in 16 DAYS.

When she texted me the night of the proposal I cried, for three reasons:

1. I was oh so happy for her.

2. I was scared. I know from lots of experience that friendships change once people start getting married and I didnt want that to happen with us. 

3. Honestly, I was sad. I didnt think/ want Alyssa to get married before me.

But Alyssa has turned out to be the best engaged person ever.

Although I attribute a lot of it--most of is--to the fact that her fiance is in Utah.

She still hangs out with all of us and the boys, even her ex. She still holds my hand. She comes to the singles ward, the activities, movie nights, firesides and even dances. She doesnt even know how many days until her wedding. I have to remind her. 

The best part of her wedding--for me at least--is that she asked me to be a bridesmaid. Just me and her sisters--something a true sister or cousin gets to do. 

I could not be more honored that Alyssa asked me to be in her wedding. It means the world to me. This is a title I have always wanted. Most girls may not like it--Always the bridesmaid, and not the bride--but im ok with that. its something you only give to your most closest and loved friends and I couldnt be more excited to help her celebrate her special day. 

Because I am still scared of #2 happening from my list, I made Alyssa pinky promise that our friendship wont change when she gets married. Although we cant hold hands as much and she wont be as excited to have sleepovers with me, I know we will still love each other, gossip and get excited to see each other. 

Thanks Alyssa for being an amazing BFF.

We have been friends for over a decade.
My longest lasting friendship.

I love you girl...I mean, boy.

2010 in Review.

I can not believe that 2010 has come and gone. 

It seems like just yesterday I was leaving DC, graduating, trying to debate between saying twenty-ten or two thousand and ten, and writing my 2009 review post and reminiscing on the amazing year I had in 2009.  

And now 2011 is literally just around the corner.

And I think this year Im going to settle with twenty-eleven.
The other just seems like too much of a mouth full.

When I wrote my 2009 review I knew going into 2010 held a lot of unknown. This was my first year not in school and supposedly my first year until adulthood.

2010 has brought on...

A lot of changes. 
And for someone who self admits to hate change, thats kind of a big deal. 

A lot of heartbreak.

A lot of frustrations.

A lot of fun.

A lot of moving. 

A lot of crying. 

A lot of new friends.

A lot of new experiences.

And a lot of the unexpected. 

And with that my 2010 Year in Review..

January. 

I moved back to Utah! I lived in a apartment that was not Lanai. After being there for a week I got an amazing job at Oak Canyon Jr High. I still miss that job! I took a trip to Vegas with the Lanai Crew to see Bardi. Celebrated my 23rd Birthday! 

February.

I saw Jason Castro in concert with my roommate Aubrey. Went to a Monster Truck Rally instead of having a Valentine's Date. Two trips back home to escape the cold. 

March.

Busy month. 2nd annual trip to Dodgers Spring Training. Partied with the Lanai Crew at a wedding. Got to see Allie Barker again! Went on lots of dates. 

April. 

Got a boyfriend. Experienced a Spring Break for the first time in four years. Went to General Conference. Graduated from college! It just became more official walking across a stage. Went home for a weekend to go to Disneyland and attend first Dodger game of the season.

May. 

Finally started to enjoy somewhat warm weather in Provo. Lost my two best friends Taylor and Chanel by having them move away from me. Prayed a lot. My job ended. 

June.

 Decided to move home! I packed up my car and drove to LA all by myself in the first week. It was definitely an unexpected change in my life. Went to a lot of Dodger games. Went to Temecula to see some of my Lanai friends. Two Kobe Bryant sightings. One of my most favorite people, Lillie, came home from her mission!

July. 

Started to somewhat have a job. Experienced first round of heartbreak in the year. Decided I needed to make friends in order to be more happy. Made awesome friends. Kelly and the kids came to visit. Hung out by the pool everyday with the kids. Went to the beach a lot. Drove up the coast with family to see some beach towns, San Fransisco and the Dodgers. 

August. 

Went to Newport to see Taylor. Reunited with GH kids. Started to love living in LA and love my NR3 ward and friends. Really became BFF with Rudy. He helped me in so many ways, and more ways then he probably knows. Started a new job! More trips to Dodger games and the beach. Continued to debate on what I should do with my life.

September.

Went to Las Vegas and St George to see the Lanai Crew and go to JB's wedding. Stayed up late, walked the strip and partied with all of my favorite people. Went to a concert. Do I need to mention that I went to Dodger games? Realized that I was super happy living in LA.

October. 

Probably should have started looking for a new job, but I didnt. Went back to Utah for the first time since Spring and for the first time not actually living there. Got to see my Provo friends as well as family for my cousin's wedding. Realized I didn't really miss Provo. Went on lots of dates. 

November. 

Back to unemployment. Its the story of my life this year. Started temping again, depended on the day if I liked it or not. Went to the beach the first weekend. Went on lots of fun outings with friends: karoke, City Walk, powderpuff football, Auto Show, Hollywood Park, Girl's Night, Harry Potter. Robyn. Needed these fun outings to get over douche. 

December. 

Continue to temp while trying to look for a job. Continue to stress on a daily basis about my life. Got to hang out with Annie and Chanel. Continue to party hard with my NR3 friends and love every minute of my new crew that I have. Lots of Christmas celebrations--Temple lights, candy can lane, Newport lights, Gingerbread house making, Secret Santa with friends, Christmas movies. Spend time with the fam for Christmas.

In the end it was a great year.
There were some rough patches. But it was fun. And I learned and I enjoyed it.
I am ever so grateful for my growing testimony in the Gospel that truly helped me get through this year of change.
2010 wasnt as good as 2009 and I hope for an even better year for 2011.

Some things I want for 2011:
More fun.
More friends.
More change. But in a good way.
A job.
An apartment. no offense ma and pops.
Love.
And more adventures.

{Happy New Year!!}