Bring in the New

What to say about 2013?

It's been a tough year, that's for sure.

Another car accident, this one much worse than the last.

Adjusting and readjusting to new places.

Depression. Anxiety. Chronic pain. 

A persistent mid-life career crisis.

But J and I have also been blessed -- blessed with the opportunity to explore new parts of the country,
and the opportunity and ability to do it together.
The imminent separation we anticipated a year ago never materialized.

Instead we traversed the country together, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

In our old home state: Wimberley. Gruene. San Angelo. Austin. Castroville. Fredericksburg. The Gulf Coast.

While road tripping: Tent Rocks. The Painted Desert and Petrified Forest. The Grand Canyon. Vegas.

And in our temporary home state: Carlsbad. Santa Barbara. San Francisco. The Pacific Coast.

We celebrated the weddings of dear friends in Tucson, Minneapolis, and Durham, as well as our own anniversary at Grand Lake, St. Mary Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

We've had some amazing moments the past twelve months, but I'll be glad to close the door on 2013.
The pain, frustration, and angst have been a lot to shoulder.

As always, I love the beginning of the year and the renewed hope and optimism it brings.
Here's to 2014 being full of faith, love, and happiness.