one year.

A year ago I was so torn. I had two lives, really. One waiting for me to continue in Oregon, and one being finished in Alaska. I was moving out of the house for good. No more coming back for the summers, when school was done. This was a huge step for me; I am so very close with both of my parents. Not only was I moving to a different state, but in a month I would be getting married. Such a rush of emotions.

I have a really hard time living in the present. And I always end up kicking myself for it. I have things to look forwards to, and base my happiness off of that goal. But what happens when it arrives? Usually, it's amazing. But I was so focused on the future that I didn't enjoy what I had in the moment. I did that with Homer. I was so eager to leave, so eager to be with my fiance. And when the time came to FINALLY leave, I didn't want to.

I'm not saying that being with Josh, who is now my husband, is disappointing. No no no. Not at all! It's more than I was dreaming, than I could ever hope for. I love him. So so much.

But let's just recap what has happened in a year, shall we?

I left homer, bound for Oregon. A tearful goodbye.

2700 mile road trip.

5 girls, 3 cars. It was definitely an adventure I will always hold dear in my heart.

I moved into a very tiny apartment (which we named the shoebox) by myself. Something I had never done. Just a few more weeks, and I would have a roommate!

And we finally got married!! It was a perfect day.

And soon, married life became the new normal.

It was definitely a year for weddings! Went to Vancouver to shoot a wedding for some friends from school. A project to keep me busy, I'll take it!

A few weeks later, Mom and Dad were heading south for the winter. So they stayed in town for a few days.

Unfortunately, the shoebox turned out to be a disaster. We got carbon monoxide poisoning, and had to temporarily move into my in-law's place.

I had a job interview at a small coffee roasting company, and got the job! OH happy day!

And because I got a job, we were approved to rent a wonderful cabin!

We moved into our new house immediately, and then went to Texas for Christmas! Josh survived meeting my crazy family :]

I started my job, and eventually got into the swing of things.

Mom flew up to Oregon, for our birthday. Yes, we share a birthday. I normally don't like birthdays, but this made it extra special.

Then out of the blue, my boss asked me to start developing pastry recipes. He was planning on moving to a new location in Hood River, and it would have a kitchen. So, recipes I did indeed start testing.

Suddenly, spring showed up, and was welcomed warmly.

Which meant that my parents were once again passing thru Oregon. And they too were welcomed warmly.

And then a new opportunity presented itself. I was offered the manager position of a new store that we would be opening very quickly.

In the middle of all the new store opening, a dear friend came to visit for a few short days.

We successfully opened the new 10-speed in White Salmon! What a rush.

The next few weeks mostly consisted of getting into a routine with the new shop. work work work.....

With a wedding thrown in, of course. Like I said...it's the year of weddings!

The eagerly anticipated 4th of July came. And I finally got to spend it with my love.

A few weeks later, we drove to California, to shoot another lovely wedding.

Turned right back around the next weekend for my sister-in-law's wedding! Phew. Glad that is done. 3 weddings in 18 months, in our family alone.

Well, that pretty much brings us up to current date. I just bought tickets for a Caribbean cruise in Febuary! It's going to be our belated honeymoon. Next month is already our 1 year anniversary. I can't believe it! I think we deserve a vacation.

Sometimes, I'm just exhausted. And then I think back on this year and give myself a little break. Yeah, its been busy. But that is me, I suppose. It's been so good, coming upon challenges, like baking and opening a new coffee shop, and been able to face them head on. Our next big mile marker is beginning to buy the White Salmon store, starting in January. It's a bit frightening, but overall, it's going to be a huge investment. Here's to future challenges, and being able to face them, with the love of my life!