I was not ready for you either; 2010

I realize that it may be the fact that I have been on the other side of the world the past 4 months, but I was and frankly still am surprised that it is 2010. I am sure i am not alone in this. Was it really 10 years ago when i sitting with my friends just waiting for the global electronic collapse that would send everyone into chaos? indeed. And i can admit now, i was a little nervous... but come on, i was 13.

I wanted to wait and post about my time in Indonesia until I had my pictures to go along with the stories. My camera decided to quit, so I will have to wait until i have time to find someone with a card reader to get my pictures. Until then I will continue to leave you wondering exactly what happened over there.

There are a few things in 2009 that were left out of my blog and deserve a mention.

My baby sister had her Sr. Prom. Can you believe it was already 5 years ago since I graduated high school? She was absolutely beautiful.




My best friend and her boyfriend were finally able to come and visit Upsala. She has been my best friend for about 4 years now. Having grown up in a suburb of Minneapolis, Upsala and the surrounding Small towns were sure a treat for Holli and Mark to experience. I didn't know touring Morrison County could be so much fun.






After taking a semester off to go to the Philippines Spring of 2008 I finally graduated college with my BA in Sign Language and English Interpreting in May of 2009. My whole family and even my Grandma Scott came to celebrate with me. What an honor.



After receiving a phone call from a friend I met 2nd year in college who had to leave due to financial reasons i found myself on the next flight to Florida for the weekend. This was my first time there. (i don't know where i put those pictures...)

This was a summer filled with weddings. Between my friends and Josh's friends we had plenty of free food almost every weekend.

Jenny and Ben Olsen (who are now living in Vietnam teaching English)




Courtney and Tyler Lange (she just gave birth to their 2nd baby boy 3 weeks ago!)



Laura and Joel Myer



One of my best friends tends to buy a crappy car near the end of its life every winter. He proceeds to drive it through the winter with fingers crossed. With the help of a few other guys he tears it apart in the spring for the Princeton Demo Durby. 2008 i was unable to attend the Derby because of my sister's birthday. This past year...August 2009, he took First place.

Congratulations Croy!



Even though graduating college is a really big deal, and winning first place in a demo derby is a big deal... nothing can compare to the wedding of best friends. Josh's best friend from High School, Brady and his (now) wife who has become one of my best friends over the past few years got married on September 5th. It was such an amazing time of friendship, love and laughter. There couldn't be a more perfect couple. Josh and I were both in the wedding. It was a great last HooRah before I left to the other side of the world on September 11th.

Mr. and Mrs. Haislet:



All the Bridesmaids and the Bride




Josh and I during the reception:





Things I did in 2009 that i have never done before:
jumped off a waterfall
taught a formal sign language class
rode a small boat from one island across the ocean to another island
ate chicken intestine, pork/beef skin, chicken liver, and numerous other foods
held a sea urchin
attended an indonesian wedding
learned how to pray like a Muslim
made my own silver ring
went river rafting
climbed a mountian
took 7 flights within 3 weeks
drove motorcycle in a 3rd world country
went scuba diving
held a shark
rode a sea turtle
made chili

went to Indonesia
(i have a few pictures that were sent to me from friends over there)



The first moments of 2010: A peak into what Indonesia had in store...

moments after the new year began on this side of the world:




at a rice farm:


River Rafting:






Life has been exciting in Asia. only 2 months left and I will be making memories of 2010 in America.