The end of 2010 ... and this blog

Yes ... I lost steam with this blog at the end of 2010- bit bothersome to me- but I'm hoping to take my momentum to a new adventure- and a new blog! However I can't possibly move on without capping off this blog and this year.
So how to end this blog? ... Living & Loving has chronicled the last 3 years of my life- 2008-2010 really. I moved to NZ, got married, & learned more about myself it seems than in the 10 years prior. I think I can wholeheartedly say these have been 3 of the best years of my life- but I only say this in hopes that every year continues to be better than the last- I think this is what it is to live life to the fullest.

And 2010 ... how to end this? What better way than the classic top 10 (I love lists!).

10. Reading The Element & watching The Wire- I think they been formational for me & my hope for the future. With this- the convo's J & I have had about them, and being offered a job at the Uni to work towards putting my beliefs in action!
9. My 26th birthday- I am continuously overwhelmed each year as they turn over. Jam & Webb St throwing me a surprise Christmas party, Justin taking me out on the town- Logan Brown & Museum Hotel, & Strawberry Fare. (I also must note with this- that having Jamie here this year- absolutely a blessing. Will always remember our couple's massage Jam!)
8. Dinner with my boss mid year- he took J & I out just to say thanks- encapsulates one of the many, many things I've learned from Paul & H.P.! And with that- the memories of numerous amazing nights of dinner (or bfast) & conversations with friends- these are always my favorite nights!
7. The numerous hard conversations at our flat- defining for my personal growth big time and for me, what the Mosaic journey is about.
6. Going on my first overnight hike/ tramp. Best memory- sipping hot chocolate looking out at the moon & clouds which felt eye level.
5. Finishing my first half marathon! Seriously spurred me on for the whole year to complete this goal.
4. Snorkeling with dolphins off Poor Knight's Island- I hope I never forget how hard my heart was beating. I knew it was a lifelong memory the instant it was made. Jim & Mary- THANK YOU for taking us on such a splendid trip
3. The couple's bath at Lochmara Lodge with my love- I hope I never forget the view & the smell of the bath oils! (Mum & AW came for this trip, too- no, not to the bath- they had their own!)
2. The first day of class for my Master's (and every day in Educational Leadership really). Oh and getting an A- on my first essay- such a relief!
1. Meeting Blake- and the moment at the NY airport when my sis screamed b/c I surprised her big time- absolutely priceless!

Funny to me how each of these memories sticks for me because of the people I share them with. And I know these memories are mostly events- but really the whole year has been made of moments- of struggle & celebration- and it's the moments in-between these events of connecting with people & God that I want to live for. I am absolutely blessed by those who share life with me!! Most of all- My love- Mr. Justin Blass- you spur me on to so much life & I adore you & love sharing life with you!

And so ... I will add 2 final photo albums and a post pointing you toward my new 2011 blog when it is up. Thank you for reading & for journeying with us in so many ways.