2009 A Year in Review

The "Year 2009" has certainly had its ups and downs. As the year comes to a close, I am very thankful that a new beginning is on the horizon for both Cameron and I.

I think we could both agree that our wedding was the highlight of the year. It was the best day of my life and I am so thankful for all of our friends and family that were able to share the day with us. The day couldn't have been better weather wise, the food was amazing, the cake was spectacular, the wedding party was beautiful, and the location was perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better wedding!

Our honeymoon in Puerto Rico was more fun than I had anticipated. The island was gorgeous and the people were incredibly friendly. There was tons of fun excursions and sights to see. So much fun stuff to see that I managed to take close to 900 pictures! We now have 3 photo albums of pictures to cherish our memories with.

We have our health to be thankful for and that we have eachother. I watch the news occassionally and hear horrible stories about people being homeless, losing their job, having serious health complications, or just being down on their luck. Cam and I haven't had the best luck this past year, but we are making due with what we have and we are working through what got dealt to us. We are both healthy, we have a nice home, we have food to eat, we have cars, clothing, and we have the money we need to get by.

Cam survived his physical therapy from his car accident and hasn't had any major problems with his back thus far. He recently joined a CrossFit gym in Spokane and is working at getting back into shape. He loves how challenging the workouts are and how he can receive one on one time with a trainer. Lately he has been really sore and tired after the workouts, but I am sure that he will be seeing some results in a couple of weeks. I am excited that he has found something that he likes to do.

I am still running and will start training for the Boston Marathon on December 28th. We have already booked our trip to Boston and I am extremely excited that Cassie and Scott are able to go with us! I had some good races in 2009, winning a couple, but most importantly I think I trained smarter than I ever have before. I may not have done the best at every race, but I PR'd at every race and I felt stronger than I ever have before. I have to thank my wonderful trainer, Scott, for most of my achievements. He pushed me in the gym harder than I ever would have been able to do on my own. He turned me into a stronger person that made my running even more productive. Thanks Scott! My goal for 2010 is to keep training harder and see just how fast I can run.

Most people know that I lost my job at EWU that I had held for over 3 years. It was actually a good thing so don't feel sorry for me! I had been wanting to do something different for years, but just never had the nerve or the guts to make the change. Losing my job will eventually be the best thing that has ever happened from a professional standpoint. Sure, right now are budget is tighter, but I was able to get a part time job so that helps cover some expenses while I go back to school. I am currently enrolled at Alpine College in Spokane where I am studying to become a CMA. The program is only 9 months so after this summer I should be gainfully employed again. The exciting thing is that I won't be sitting at a boring desk job working with incompetent people. My long term professional goal is to broaden my medical resume and either study radiology, nursing, or go to PA school. The possiblities are endless!

Cam is still at Scottrade and is loving his job. He works incredibly hard and he is awesome at what he does. I admire that he can work 12 hour days and it doesn't seem to phase him. Of course I don't get to see him a lot, but I know that eventually things will get easier. He is in the process of studying for his CFA and I am so proud of him for making this move to enhance his career. Now that I am in school we can have study dates!

We both have been talking about a lot of longterm goals for eachother and we are both ready to start working towards them. I am excited (I am sure Cam is too!) to be gainfully employed again so that we can start building our future together. We know that we don't want to be in Spokane forever, but right now its the perfect place for both of us to be.

Goodbye 2009- Thanks for making Cam and I family and thanks for making us a stronger couple and better people. Hello 2010- Cam and I are both excited for what you have in mind for us!