Decade In Review

I have watched so many decade in review things on TV lately, that I decided to put together my own decade in review.  A brief synopsis of my past 10 years would include studying abroad, graduating undergrad, backpacking Europe for 3 months, going to graduate school, meeting Justin, having my father diagnosed with cancer and die less than a year later, moving from Blacksburg right outside Washington DC, getting engaged, getting a cat, switching jobs, getting married, building a house, and switching jobs again.

So here is my view in photos:

2000

The big thing of 2000 was studying abroad.  I studied abroad in Angers, FRANCE that year and it was absolutely amazing and memorable.  Too bad most my pictures from then are printed and have not been moved to digital.

This picture was taken New Year’s 2000 (to 2001), I was heading to a friend’s wedding that evening.

2001

I turned 21 this year.  The best part of my 21st birthday was definitely having my father come out with me for the night along with a bunch of my friends!

Part of the family around Christmas time, 2001.  My mom, dad, and two of my brother’s.

2002

2002 was a big year.  I graduated college that year, with honors.  Majored in political science with a concentration in international relations with a minor in international trade. After graduation, I ended up backpacking Europe for 3 months.  I went to 15 countries on my Eurorail pass: England, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Monaco, Sweden and Norway….I guess you could say 16 countries if you wanted to count the Holy See.

2003

I started graduate school in 2003 and met some of my closest friends to this day that year.

At the New River one summer day.  I miss getting to go spend the afternoon’s at the river with no concerns in the world!

2004

The year I met Justin!!

And the year that Alice moved to Austin.

2005

My first half marathon and my first triathlons were completed this year.

The year I moved up to Northern VA and worked in the district at a non-profit.

Also the year my dad got diagnosed with cancer.

2006

My toughest year, the year my dad died from cancer.

I had to get a cat to help me through it

And my family got closer than ever

And Justin and I got engaged!

and took an amazing trip to California for Jess’ wedding:

2007

Wedding planning, parties and the like!

Stiletto loved all the gifts that were delivered!

I blew out my knee snowboarding three months before my wedding

I wore a metal immobolizer under my wedding dress

And had to have 2 surgeries to fix it

The Virginia Tech Shootings….I don’t think Blacksburg or any of us will ever really be the same again.

I went to the Kentucky Derby for my bachelorette party

And then our big day!

And our honeymoon to Playa Aventura, Mexico to an AMAZING resort!

2008

We broke ground on our new house!

Went on some trips:

Kentucky Derby

I went to Preakness with Missy:

and Justin and I went to Belmont–on the hottest day ever!

A quick trip to Mexico:

And we took my mom to the Dominican Republic!

And moved into the house!

2009

Went to the Inauguration (on the coldest day of 2009!)

Took some trips:

To Japan by myself!

And it was VERY cold and rainy through a large part of this trip!  I bundled!

and met up and stayed with one of my best friends from high school, Mari:

Justin and I celebrated our anniversary in Jamaica!

And I made a quick trip to Austin to see Alice (Without my luggage!)

And a lot of trips to Blacksburg for football!

And I quit my job to find out what it is that makes me tick.

No matter what, it was an amazing memorable decade.  I would have loved some things to be different and I cherish other things.  It has been incredible!

To Smile