2015 Year in Review: 9

My sister recently told me at the end of every year one of her personal training clients always had her rate the year 1 through 10.  I have never considered this before and was immediately intrigued. I imagine that some years it is easy to assign a number.

It turns out that 2015 for me is not an easy year to rate . It has been both one of the best years of my life and one of the most difficult. 

So here goes: (Disclaimer: this is not about current events although those did affect me throughout the year. It's just about me.) 

I began the year recovering from the flu at Disneyland. 

I interviewed for jobs and had no idea what the right decision would be. I repeatedly sought out my mentors, family and close friends for advice. I listened and hoped that someone would just tell me what to do. They gave excellent counsel, but this decision was on me. 

I drove to Chapel Hill to eat at Toreros and think. I made my decision somewhere between the wisteria arch and the Old Well. I was a little to a lot scared. My fears turned out to be somewhat founded as days later I would question my decision more than I have ever questioned any other.

I started running fast again physically and metaphorically. 

I saw my sister dance but more than that I saw her be a role model to her students.  Even more than that I saw her excel in her achieved dream. I saw that there is nothing that she cannot do. 

I graduated from training. 13 years in the making, time has flown. 

I went to Cambodia and Thailand and experienced amazing people, places and food.

My underwear was stolen.
I took cooking classes in both countries. It rained a lot. I washed an elephant.

 It was the definition of perfect. 

I cried as I left DC and wondered if I would make it to California.  

I drove cross country with Stitch the Siamese cat. 

I hung out with my dad at his favorite spot. I visited my 5th grade state report state.  I hiked the Grand Canyon and trained for a marathon with one of the best people I have ever met. 

I jumped into San Diego full speed ahead. 

Less than 12 hours after my arrival I went to November Project San Diego. I hugged strangers and bounced and have continued hugging people and bouncing ever since. 

                     I ran.

I did yoga. 

I did a lot of yoga.


I went to sunset beach yoga twice a week. 

And the day beach yoga at least once more. 

I learned to surf. 

I ate my weight in ceviche, tacos and acai bowls at least twice.





 I went to at least one farmers market a week and made friends with the ceviche and juice ladies. 

I started my job and did clinic and operated on my own. At first I looked around for my superior. At some point I internalized that it was me that was in charge. 

I collapsed on mile 23.6 in my marathon 36 hours after my brand new car was hit and run. While in the hospital covered with dirt and down to the soul exhaustion a friend and I decided this was as low as I could go. 

Against everyone's better judgement, I went to burning man 3 days later.

I helped build a spectacular camp but more importantly relationships old and new. It was exactly what I needed. 

I made friends, good ones. I got closer to old friends. 

I found an amazing person who I had been photographed beside years before in DC. It turned out she was my new neighbor and would inspire me in my new city and in life. 

I watched two wonderful souls get married in a barn with some of my favorite people. 

I watched my sister dance again this time in NYC and spent time with both of my parents and saw great friends.  I learned about yoga pants from my dad

I received earth shattering news via text and email 3 times. All signifying an end. 

I learned I don't understand the cycle of life or why things happen as they do. I found a deeper faith in the world and in rainbows.

I saw one of the strongest people I know be even stronger than anyone thought possible. 

I was made an Assistant Professor and was promoted to full time. I love my job and my colleagues 

I carved pumpkins. I dressed as a zombie, a mime, a jellyfish, a minion, 

& a Santa. 

I went to ugly sweater parties. I decorated cookies.  

I had more plans, invites and activities than I could have possibly engaged in even if every day was 30 hours long. 

I spent the holidays with my family with no work guilt. I celebrated birthdays, a new house and Christmas with people I love and no pager in sight. 

I smiled + laughed + cried + loved + feared + cared + worked hard + trusted + had faith. I couldn't ask for a better family, friends, city or job. = 9

Cheers to a fabulous 2015 and to 2016 whatever number it may be!