happy year's past

i've said it before and i'll say it again: new year's resolutions make no sense to me. why is there this impeccable urge to "be more active," "save more money," or "be a better person" as soon as the calendar reaches january 1st? and then what about the failure people feel for not making their "goals." i guess i've always believed that if you want to change something, then go ahead and do it. any day of the year, for that matter.

so i'm going to spend this last day of 2012 reflecting on the past year, focusing on the things that brought me here today. it was a whirlwind of a year, one in which i can honestly say i've grown the most. and for that, i am thankful. 

reminiscing on 2012...

i moved into my first studio...alone.

i celebrated a quarter-of-a-century with close friends, my mama, and oodles of food and wine. never felt better.

g and i survived our first international trip together in costa rica. they always say you never really know someone until you travel with them. well, it is confirmed that i love the guy.

we started hosting dinners for friends, documenting the preparation process in our dinner studio blog. looking back now, i realize it's been a while from our last one. that's gotta change.

we raced in the mud run. it was no half marathon, but let me tell you, it had plenty of challenges. 

mama and i celebrated life, love, and health in italy and france. it was the trip of a lifetime, just mama and me.

i experienced utter perfection at the chanel of all treats, pierre herme. paris continues to blow my mind with its loveliness.

g and i visited yosemite...twice. the first time, for the usual hiking and relaxation. the second time, to hike half dome under a full moon. by far, it was the most exhilarating experience of my life.

i sold many of my things, gave my 30-day notice, and moved in with g. this step in our relationship happened so organically, i feel like i've lived here forever. for the first time in seven years of living in la, i truly believe i have a home.

we found a dog on the side of the freeway. chase came into our lives when many transitions were happening. he couldn't have come at a more perfect time...he completes our family. and let's be real, g and i have become those people. 

we went back to seattle and brought my parents. this visit confirmed our decision to make the move north. at this point, i don't know the exact time it will happen, but we're hoping for late 2013...

we got inked! in seattle! our mantras, permanently displayed. greatest souvenir!

contributed a vote for another term for obama. what an election it was!

chase, g, and i endured a failure of a vacation. sixteen hours of packing, unpacking, fighting the wind, sleeping in the car, and packing right back up to go home. joshua tree will be better enjoyed through pictures in a magazine.

finally found my go-to granola. life is good with a big bowl of this stuff, first thing in the morning.

as this year officially comes to a close, i plan on baking, lounging, and falling asleep to a sappy movie. since g will be at work, i'll just have to save my midnight kiss for tomorrow morning. 2012, you have been abundant. may 2013 be just as flourishing (and delicious)!