Out with the Old...

Got the idea from my cousin's blog about making a list of the best and worst of 2011, so here it is...

BEST:

- Fake Patty's as Alumni: Met up with college friends to spend the day in Aggieville... from sun-up to sun-down. As always we had a good time, made some new memories regarding old "friends" and made some new ones. Ohhh dear.

- Finished my first of of teaching: WOOHOO!! 1 year down... 39ish to go? Anyways, I completed my first year in Spearville as a fifth grade teacher. Also, started my second one.

- MEXICO!!: A trip with friends that was a long lists of firsts for me. First time out of the country, at the ocean, parasailing, eating octopus, and probably some others. This trip definitely put the love of traveling in me. When's the next one?!

- Warrior Dash: A year isn't complete without a near death experience. The Warrior Dash is mine. Who would have though this girl would run muddy paths, climb spider walls, do some other ungodly tasks, and finish it off through wading in a mud pit? Yep, I did it and ached for days after. We had fun though... the best part was taking pictures with our free gear. Be afraid, be very afraid.

- Sent my baby brother off to be a KSU WILDCAT!: Haha, I win. He may still be a Jayhawk fan or wear purple to the games he attends, but at least we all know which is the better school. This picture was taken the day he left for Manhattan.

- Assistant coached volleyball: Although stressful at times, this experience has been a lot of fun. Volleyball was something I loved in high school, and I was impressed with how much that I remembered. I was in charge of the JV team and when that season was over I ended it with the varsity girls. It was a great ride; ended up fourth in the state. Proud of these girls!

- Cousin's wedding: My closest cousin, Karlee, got married in October. It was a beautiful wedding and great to spend some time with family that I don't get to see very often.

- Best friend got engaged: Shortly after Karlee's wedding, Rachel got engaged to her (now) fiance Josh. Now for the fun part... wedding planning. My year will start off with traveling to Topeka with her mom to go dress shopping, can't wait!! I will be bringing the tissues.

- German Sparkle Party: This is by far the most AMAZING party I've ever been to! Dress in sparkles and go crazy is basically how it works. In an undisclosed location, underground bar, and underclothed people it was awesome to see a different lifestyle. I would totally go again. Here's a little peak at my outfit... if you ever need lime green furry leg warmers, just ask.

- 1st game as real Alumni: We've gone to games before, but this was the first time we hadn't sat in the student section. Although it rained the whole time, we still had fun and enjoyed watching our friends' Cyclones get defeated by our WILDCATS!

- Paint the Towne!: I have had my eyes on this painting class in Denver, but then I stumbled upon one in Wichita by accident! You choose the day by what painting you want to do, and they teach you how to do it. It's also BYOB, if you choose. I talked my dad into doing it with my on fleur-de-lis night... he's the best dad ever! :)

WORST:

- gained some unwanted weight

- bad relationships, yet again

- more stupid health problems
ALL OF THESES WILL BE FIXED IN THE NEW YEAR!!

So looking back on this year, I didn't realize it was so great until I made this list. The Good definitely outways the Bad. I am definitely blessed, and can't wait to see what all this next year has in store for me!!

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

'Til The Season to Decorate

The best thing about owning your home and Christmas is the decorating!! The last week was spent getting my living room all sparkly, matchy matchy, and semetrical. Finally, I think I got it all put together after a fight with the lights on the Christmas tree, the wreath hanger on the door, and the evenly space ribbons on the new Christmas window treatment I made.

Picture of the tree from last year... pretty much the same this year. Goes with the rest of my house :)

Favorite ornament from last year, the acorn

New ornament from this year, gold fleur-de-lis!

Full view with the TV stand

Happy dog, lit tree, and Chelsea Handler... 'tis the season.

Hours later over the course of two days it's nailed and wired up there. May have to stay there all year long, whoops!

Everything!

In Hobby Lobby I found my Christmas Swag.... Holla for the Holidays! Haha.

Cheers to Christmas Time,

Audra