When I look over the last year I am in awe of what I have had the opportunity to do. I could never say that one was better than the other because everything has been so amazing in its own way.
My mom did a fantastic job of getting my sister and me to every major landmark west of Mt. Rushmore, however, it wasn’t until after I was married that I finally made it to the East coast. Even then I only made it to upstate New York (Whattup Rochester and Buffalo!?)
It wasn’t until I moved to Indiana that I started checking more and more of the 50 states off my list. I’ve been considering a 40 x 40 list and I think one of the first things I’ll put on my list will be to hit all 50 states by the time I’m 40. (Truthfully 50 x 50 sounds better for such a challenge but then it’s not really a challenge right? Okay, so if I really wanted a challenge it would be 50 x 30. But unless an travel company wants to suddenly sponsor my ambition it’s not going to happen. (Dear travel related companies, I am not opposed to this possibility in any way. Just so you know. (I take pictures!))) So anyway, all 50 states x 40 years old is the goal.
Last July I got to take my best friend to San Francisco, introduce her to my other friends and go to the Golden Gate Bridge with her.
Last October I went to Disneyworld with my mom, stepdad, sister, husband and little kid. We spent the whole week smiling with our spleens. If I could relive one week in my life over again? It would be this week. I get a little teary when I think about it. Happiest place on Earth? THEY AREN’T LYING PEOPLE. Cody and I would rather go back to Disneyworld than anywhere else we can think of.
In November I got to go to LA to spend time with Heather, Mel, Meghan, my cousin, my grandparents and my mom taking pictures of sunsets. (It was also the first time the moosh had ever seen the ocean. Although I had to force her to touch it.)
In December I got to be home. In Utah. With my family and many many burritos. Crap I love a good burrito.
February took me to Nashville where I got to dance on a bar with some of my most favorite ladies who live all over the country.
February also took me to NYC to meet Vivienne Tam and be a part of HP’s launch of the first ever designer notebook. (Have you seen the new HP mini Vivienne Tam designed? Buttery Yellow/Golden? With butterflies? I want to spread it on my toast and lick it.)
In March I went and hung out with tiny gramma and my sister in New Mexico. New Mexico is kind of strange. Sorry New Mexico, but you’re just kind of weird. We still had a good time though.
April landed me in Kansas City to tour Hallmark World Headquarters. Which is basically like touring heaven. When I grow up? I want to work in Hallmark Heaven. And when I die? I hope Heaven is just like Hallmark.
April also landed me in LA again, this time for something tragic but the opportunity to see people come together to help in any capacity they could was breathtaking.
In July was Chicago. Chicago=Camaro. I still love burritos more, only because they are more accessible than Camaros, but WHOO I do love a Camaro. (And Fords. Turns out Fords are kind of awesome these days.)
The past two days have been spent in NYC for a Project Runway party where I totally got my photo with Malvin. (I know I wanted to be all awkward in it, but he’s just so charming. And adorable. And awkward. I was too happy to be there that I couldn’t be awkward. Just happy.)
Next week I head to North Carolina for the Type-A Mom conference. Where I’m going to take so many pictures along side this guy and this girl that my head may explode.
In October I get to go back home (Utah) again. For the moosh to spend Halloween with her granny and grampa. She could not be more excited. She’s going as my parents dog, Katie, who the moosh adored, seriously, they were best friends. Katie was old, diabetic and blind, but she taught the moosh more about compassion than any other living thing she’s come in contact with. Katie passed away not too long ago and when I broke the news to her she was absolutely destroyed, she sobbed for a few days straight and she still prays for Katie every night.
While I’m in Utah in October I’ll actually get to go to Chicago again for two days for another thing I have coming up. AND OH MY GOSH I’M EXCITED ABOUT IT. (Soon! I’ll tell you sooo soon!)
A woman I met earlier in the year said that luck is for people who don’t believe in God.
I totally believe in God.
But I still believe I am one lucky ______ (fill in the blank with whatever you want.)
I have a really, really, REALLY good life, even without the amazing experiences of the past year.
Blessed, lucky, fortunate, horseshoe up my bum, spoiled…whatever…I’m thankful for all of it.
(Just to assure you I’m human, I have to mention that the wet shower curtain blew in and touched me while I was showering in my fancy New York hotel (EarnestGirl calls this being shower slimed) and I smelled like New York because I insisted on riding the whole way to the airport with the window down. Also, I didn’t get to see Aunt Nettie or Metalia. I’m pretty bummed about that. But that’s where the woe is me ends. Slime and smell. Seriously.)
making unbreakable - formerly moosh in indy. 
I get shower slimed every time I take a shower. You are lucky.
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@Neil, It’s called a curved shower curtain rod. Like $24. NO MORE SLIME!
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We’re gonna rock Asheville, er maybe I’ll just be eating your dust
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@Rick, My dust tastes of cherries.
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Can’t speak for everyone else but I’ve loved seeing it all through your camera lens. 😀
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@Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy, aw, thanks sugarbean.
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Hee hee, yeah NM is weird. That’s why they call it “The Land of Enchantment,” duh. 🙂
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@Candace, Never thought of it that way, but that is shockingly ironic, no?
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I see that Texas is not highlighted on this map. This must be corrected some day soon. I will offer you big as your face burritos good Texas BBQ and lot’s of Texas love!
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@Magda, Texas is the one state I MUST get to. MUST.
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1. Malvin is kind of beautiful. (Possibly prettier than you in that picture, which is HARD to pull off, girrrrl!)
2. I will take you to Boston, MA myself for a visit, anytime.
3. You rock.
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@Must be Motherhood, Yeah. Malvin is really REALLY pretty. However! I had my picture taken with my favorite model on the show, and that picture? An insult in film.
And Boston, yes please.
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This is an incredible post. I am wondering if I’ll get a glimpse of you when you’re in Chicago next month? You know, as we live SO very far away from each other!!!
Steph
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@Adventures In Babywearing, I HOPE SO. We’re kind of pathetic, all Indiana but never see each other. Although I must come for those cupcakes Ivy had on her birthday.
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And yet you still haven’t come to visit me. Pffft.
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@Avitable, However I have been in your neck of the woods.
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I am seeing that you have not yet visited Alabama. We are here with sweet tea and open arms whenever you’re ready.
Wow, now I’m even MORE bummed I had to cancel my trip to Type-A Mom! My boss decided this weekend would be the perfect time to send me out on a giant recruitment trip. It’s like we need students to come to our university or something. GAH. Have fun in NC! See ya at BlogHer10.
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@Jen L., Just be sure that I can come home with an Alabama accent when I leave, okay?
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@Casey, I can hook you up! Repeat after me: Heeeey, Y’aaaaaaaall!
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I am so glad to be a part of all of your adventures via your blog and photos. Blessed, lucky, whatever = it’s a joy you totally deserve.
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@pgoodness, aw, shucks. thank you.
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I’m glad we finally got to meet in chicago and I experienced your crazy driving skills, twice 🙂
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@Midwest Mommy, Yeah. We are by far bonded the closest from Chicago seeing as I had your life in my hands twice.
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You have accomplished a lot! I think luck is part of it, sure, but you have worked hard for it, too.
Lauren Johnson (do you remember her?) just completed 50 states by 30. It seems like such a fun goal- to visit all 50 states!
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@Barb @ getupandplay, Addie’s and my goal for October is to see YOOOUUU!!
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And now you have an invitation to Georgia! My trio and the moosh would have so much fun!
And we could even drive down to the Happiest Place On Earth…we usually go once a year anyway. But I’ll take any excuse to get there more often!
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@Bridget, Georgia is in my top five of remaining states to hit.
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I am pretty sure this is my favorite post from you ever. It made me smile so big, what a wonderful thing to be spreading happiness to the blogosphere. And the beach pic is fantastic.
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@Michelle, Wow, thank you Michelle! Such a high compliment. I knew I had to acknowledge all that has happened but I was so afraid it would come off as bragging when it’s more celebrating all that I’ve been able to do and meet all the lovelies I’ve been able to meet.
Thank you thank you.
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Oh wow, so many awesome travels! I have a goal (almost the same) but it’s the 50 x 50 thing. Considering I’m 24 and only have 11 states left, maybe I should change it to 30. LOL!! I am addicted to traveling though 🙂
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@Bethany, Yeah, you could easily squeeze those 11 in and totally rub it in. Heh.
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Wow those photos are great. You are so lucky. Someday I would love to travel to some of these places in America.
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@J from Ireland, I can’t even imagine what would happen to my camera if I ever made it to Europe. I’m pretty sure it would simply implode.
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Words can’t even describe the pic of the moosh as a puppy. Seriously, what a moment, what spirit, what beauty. Girl you’ve got a gift from God.
So thankful to have met you in the last year. You add beauty to my life.
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@Cherie, I love that little kid so much.
You make my life better too. And my waistline bigger.
Love.
So much.
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So you prompted me to count my states remaining. I have five, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina. I’m going to have to hurry to make 50 by 60 – not likely! Mwah.
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@Tiny Gramma, ROAD TRIP! I have places we can stay in all of those states!
It can be the road trip we never had when I was all young and you didn’t like me! We can totally squeeze those in by 60, we have a whole year!
Turkey Schmurkey!
I’M NOT KIDDING MOM. THIS IS MY SERIOUS FACE!
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What about ALABAMA !!! Yall have a house on the lake to stay at here !!!! Birmingham !!
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I’m so glad that I got to accompany you on two of those trips. Can’t wait of ’10!
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Good for you, girl! I volunteer to usher you to Wisconsin. I live midway between Milwaukee and Chicago. In fact, we could walk to WI (um, it’s only like 8 miles from my house). I can sum up the best/worst of Wisconsin in three words….MARS CHEESE CASTLE. The name is far more spectacular than the experience.
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And I was bummed out to miss you. I even had some NY classic black and whites from Zaro’s to share. Alas, I had to console myself after you left by eating them alllllllll. Next time … YOU ARE STAYING IN THE BURBS WITH ME!
OR, the time you are at your sister’s house and I’m in St. George, partay!
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All that traveling? I’d be a tired (blank). I’m glad the past year has been a quiet one for me.
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When you are in Georgia, stop in and say hi to us! We never saw you in Utah, but now that we live in Georgia…
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Awww, great post. And I love, love, LOVE the pic of you toting the Moosh on the beach. And the one of her taking your picture. And of her as a dog. Oh heck, EVERY photo EVER of her. Cutest kid to walk this planet. That’s fo sho.
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