goodbye 2011!

Well boys and girls... this is it. The last few days of the amazing year that was 2011.

Since the birth of this blog back in 2009, I've been compiling a list of memorable events at the end of each year. It's great to look back and realize how much has changed, or how much you've accomplished in a span of 12 months. For the past few years, each year has been as great or better than the one before. My life is amazing, and I feel truly blessed. Here is my year, all summed up nicely:

It got off to a bit of a rough start. I had just returned from vacation. I was more homesick than I ever thought possible. My laptop stopped working, severing my main form of communication with Ryan. A terrible cold forced me to call in sick for one of my favourite trips (Sydney/Auckland). Fortunately, the good outweighed the bad. I was newly engaged. I'd spend a good portion of my days just staring at the gorgeous ring on my finger. I knew that someday Ryan and I would be reunited for good, and I had forever on my mind. Ryan bought and sent a brand new laptop to me all the way from Canada. I had an amazing new roommate who became one of the best friends that I'd make in Dubai. We bonded immediately through our love of food. I survived January. The rest was a breeze.

This spring, I saw amazing places. I walked on the Great Wall of China. I sat next to tigers in Thailand. I ate crepes in Paris. I discovered a newfound love for Hong Kong. I took a solo trip to Vienna, Austria and indulged in some of the world's best desserts. I brought my country count to a grand total of 36.

I managed to make it make to Canada in February, March, April, and May. In June I bid farewell to the sandy city of Dubai to return for good. Home was great. I surrounded myself by friends, family, and my fiancé. This summer, Ryan and I took a 4 week road trip through the western states of the USA. I went to Disneyland, fulfilling a childhood dream.

He achieved his dream by obtaining a pilot's license... rather exciting for both of us.

Fall rolled around. We planned our dream wedding and began the countdown. I scored a job with a Canadian airline, allowing me to do exactly what I love doing without the catch of having to live on the other side of the world. Training was long and stressful, but afterwards I flew to Hawaii, and got paid for it.

Ryan and I became real grown up people, and purchased a house... our very own perfect little home!

I spent Christmas with the people that I love, a perfect end to an pretty incredible year.

Looking back, it's been one of the most eventful and life changing years, and with 2012 will come just as much excitement and adventure. I'll become a completely different person... at least in terms of last names. Bring it on 2012... I'm ready for you!!