Year in Review

I've been away from the blog awhile. I apologize to those few who read here. I've been preparing (trying!) for my mission and with the holidays, things get busy. This time of year, we see lists and list of the Top "Enter Something Interesting" of the Year. Top songs, movies, celebrities, scandals, events, videos, photos, television shows, games, technologies, etc.

This is my list. If you recall, I was very happy to ring in a new year last year. Now, as I look back, I cannot believe this year is closing. Compared to the last few years, this one has been pretty darn good! Yet, I am grateful for a new one approaching.

Here is my Top 2011 List! (I inserted links instead of photos)

5. D23 Expo

I did not make it to Disneyland this year...shocker!! The closest thing I got to Disneyland was the D23 Convention in Anaheim. What a wonderful Disney fix. This will have to get me through the next 18 months since I won't be able to visit Main Street U.S.A before I leave. (And, yes, our Disneyland Kinect helps a little)

4. EFY

Everyone said that EFY was just like a mini-mission. It was scared, nervous, stressed, wanted to come home, learned from it, loved it, missed it. I am following the same pattern now in preparing for my mission. So, I'm expecting to have an awesome experience. If I weren't leaving to Texas, I would be applying for a counselor position at EFY again. 

3. Graduation

I still cannot believe that I graduated from college! That is a grown-up thing to do. I still don't feel grown up. I was tempted to skip out on the graduation ceremony and go party (like I did for MCC). However, I still went. I will never forget the overwhelming sense of joy that flushed through my heart as I walked into that arena. I was finished! All the hard work, sleepless nights, and pain was over. To all who are in school: I promise this day will come!

2. Mission Call

As of today, I leave in 39 days. That is amazing. I never thought I would serve a mission, but the Lord knew it. I hope that I will be able to report well at the end of my 18 months in Houston. I know that the Savior, Jesus Christ lives. I know that His Restored Church is on the earth today. I know that by following Christ and applying His teachings into my life makes me happy. I want to share this with others.

1. Temple

There is no link for this one because I thought my feelings were too private to share on a blog. Yet, today, I will share a small fraction of my feelings about attending the temple for the first time. I've wanted to enter the holy temple for a few years now. Since many of my friends were married or on missions, I knew they had something I didn't yet. But, oh! How I desired it! Finally, on November 22, 2011, I went to the temple. I wept for joy knowing that I had finally made it! For those who have not yet, I promise that it is worth any preparation that we must take to enter. It is a true and holy place. It makes me happy just thinking about it!

And there you have it. Yes, many other wonderful things happened, but this is my top 5. Have a Happy New Year to you all! Best of luck in 2012!