Don't Blink.

I thoroughly enjoyed looking back on my ‘list of happenings’ that I compiled last year and it’s a bit crazy to think that it’s already that time again. I cannot believe what 2011 has blessed me with. It has been a wonderful, yet sometimes trying, year; a lot of ups, plenty of downs and all-arounds! With that being said, I have grown tremendously, as a person, and know that everything happens for a reason. Life truly is a rollercoaster, but I can honestly say that I am enjoying the ride.

1] My family started the year off right and instead of buying Christmas presents this year, we headed to Maui in mid-January. I will never forget the day we came home to -14 degree Minnesnowta, blistered noses and all. Surely, it was an experience that I will never forget with people I love the most.

2] I turned 22, which reminds me, 23 is just around the corner! EEeeek!

3] Jon and I officially celebrated 4 years together, on the luckiest day of the year, St. Patty’s Day.

4] Went platinum blonde, and what they say is true!

5] Finally dumped the unreliable neon and exchanged it for one of my most favorite possessions – the Yaris.

6] Took an impromptu trip to Two Harbors, Duluth with some friends from high school this past summer. Great times with great people.

7] Goodbye 1 bedroom apartment, hello 2 bedroom apartment and little brother! Jason moved in with us this past fall and started school in Eden Prairie..so far, it has been a great fit for all.

8] The beginning of July, I said goodbye to my position with Leede Research as a Marketing Research Assistant and HELLO to a big girl job. I am the Lead LoveLife Design Concierge at Love and Life Architects in Wayzata, MN. I couldn’t ask for anything better at this point. My eyes have been opened and this position has truly changed my perspective on many aspects of my life, including what I feel I am destined to do.

9] The Barrick family was blessed with another, gorgeous little addition: Jetta Adeline was born in August. She is beyond adorable and I am looking forward to watching her learn and grow. As well as teaching her dad how to paint nails, braid hair, etc. :)

10] A year in the making, Jon and I took a week-long road trip, west-bound! Full of exploration, discovery and fun, we stayed in Seattle for a few days and visited family and friends and finally made it to our destination: Squamish, British Columbia. We are very in love with the beauty and simplicity of the area and hope to one day end up there, for at least a little while. I will never forget our memories made on that journey.

11] Myself and my siblings put on quite the party for my wonderful parent’s 25^th wedding anniversary! To such a fabulous couple and role models, a little planning and some teamwork really paid off. It’s what life is all about.

12] Currently, we are still living in DT Minneapolis ~ Jon is back to playing hockey after partially tearing his MCL a couple of months back. Between being a full-time student and hockey player, he is staying busy. Internship applications have been sent out for summer placement, which is exciting. I am working full-time and loving every minute. The picture captures our, 'Welcome 2012,' new year's kiss.

Hopes and wishes for health, love and happiness to all in 2012!