It was a good year! This was my full-year in DC/Virginia. I learned a lot and had some neat opportunities to grow and explore this year. Here are some of the highlights of 2011:
Family
I gained two new adorable nephews this year, Mason and Noah. :) I got to be at Matt and Megan's graduation, see Mike and Cari's new house and welcome Josh home from his mission!
Travel
I began the year with a weekend trip to New York City! I made another trip up to Palmyra in the summer and a weekend trip to Boston in the fall. I traveled out to Utah twice and spent two wonderful weeks in Hawaii with the whole family!
I also traveled for work a little bit this year. I made two trips to Chicago and a spent a week in Portland, as well as becoming very familiar with the Department of Education building across town. :)
Work
Speaking of work, I learned a LOT about the federal government and challenges managers and supervisors face. I worked with and learned to influence others at several levels. I learned about the importance of good communication and planning, understanding different personality and working styles, being open to learning and improving, working with lots of ambiguity, and the importance of exploring my passions, talents, and career goals.
Service
There are always so many interesting things going on in this neighborhood. :) I decided I wanted volunteer at a different service project each month. Some of my favorites:
- Japanese Cherry Blossom Street Festival (March)
- Community and Neighborhood clean-up (April)
- Passport DC -- Embassy Open Houses: Saudi Arabian Embassy (May)
- Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure volunteer (June)
- 9/11 Day of Service (September)
- ushering at Ford's Theater (December)
- Family Search Indexing (any time)
- translating for Helping in the Vineyard (any time)
Temples
I love the temple. I did really well with my goal of going every week. I think I only missed a week or two. :) I also love visiting new temples. This year I attended three new temples:
- Chicago
- Portland
- Palmyra
Learning
- It's important to be pro-active and involved and stand up for what's right.
- It's more important to love and have charity for all.
- There is great joy in service and relationships and friends.
- Life is about being humble and open, and learning and growing.
- Happiness is setting priorities and finding the right balance in life.
- It's important to know who you are. I find that some of the best places to learn and remember who I am is at the temple, at church, in the scriptures, through prayer and with family.
- DC is a wonderful place to explore at Christmas and throughout the year! :)
- Goals are important.
- I love to read. I accomplished my goal to read 50 books this year and look forward to more learning next year.
- Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and important to my happiness.
It was a good year...and I'm looking forward to an even better 2012! :)
