A Year of Adventure ... 2010

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
Charles Dickens

For me, 2010 was a very interesting year. I have so many things to be thankful for and so many blessings that have occurred throughout the year... but it would be remiss of me to not mention the challenges as well. I know I kind of  ignore or glaze over those things traditionally. I just prefer to try to see the happiness of it all, and not dwell on the negative! But, I think it is important to mention the challenges, because they are just as much a part of who you are and who you become.


The worst of times.... 


Due to the California budget mess, everyone in my district took a 8.5% pay cut. Brutal.  



In addition to a pay cut, I was given an "involuntary reassignment" to sixth grade. 



Summer vacation was non-existent thanks to summer school, math trainings and moving classrooms. 



Sixth grade is not as easy as I remember. I am lucky if I am organized and ready for them when they walk in the door.

My classroom, prior to its fancy paint job, November 2010.
Yes, while school was in session, we were displaced
right before Thanksgiving .

The best of times...

Do you? Do you? You're married! 

Even though I whined a lot about it, I am super excited to report that I went snowboarding for the first time. 


Browsing through the internet and various cookbooks led me to many new awesomely delicious recipes. 

My baby brother got married! And I officiated the wedding! 

(I cannot believe I did not blog about that! OMG! I might have to do a retro-adventure blog on that one!) 

Despite my aversion to new tastes and textures, I tried many new and adventurous food items, like crab, lobster, sushi, alligator and biscotti! 


Sight-seeing at its best, I got to go on several wonderful, trips including visiting both Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks. 


Beautiful new windows were installed in my pretty, little house. We are also nearly finished with a little patio outside of my brand-new sliding glass door. 


But I think the best thing that happened this year was that I got a roommate. How could I not feel blessed when this handsome thing is waiting for me when I come home every day?

{Photo compliments of Kevin Plattner}