Top Twelve of Twenty Twelve

This year was far too interesting, adventurous, exciting, and dramatic to go without a review. In an order that I refuse to give any meaning to, excepting in possible chronological order, I give you the top twelve* of 2012:
1) Defended my doctoral thesis and graduated. Titles are a strange thing, and I really don't use mine or hear it used all too often - and when it is used, I forget it is in reference to me.

2) Fortunately, I lived with my family in Utah for three weeks after graduating (which I considered vacation). Unfortunately, I was mostly in recovery mode. Notable because I hadn't seen them for that much uninterrupted time for over 6 years.

3) Skied and snow-shoed in Utah. I forgot how much I enjoy skiing, park city, and snow in general. 

4) Lost my dear Grandmother Leora Corbin. I wrote about her and was able to make it back to funeral where many many many of my 57 cousins on that side were able to come. She is missed much.
5) Moving to Boston was an ordeal. However, soon after settling here, I learned about Finnish Saunas, and went to my first one (owned and operated by the temperance society no less) which was super relaxing and loved it. 

6) I had a much needed visit from an excellent friend and previous roommate in my new home. We went to a Boston Red Socks game at Fenway and meandered through almost all of the Freedom Trail. 

7) Listened to the Fourth of July Extravaganza with the Boston Pops. Outdoor free concerts are a favorite thing of mine.

8) Visited Niagra Falls. It's one of those things people just have to check off as having seen. It was a fun trip, and I had listened to a podcast earlier that year, so it was fun to actually see the site.
9) Attended the Los Angeles Temple for a friends wedding. My parents got married there and I'm somewhat sentimental, so it was really cool to be able to go inside and be there. Also, I loved being at Angela's wedding.

10) Sailed on the Charles River and joined in the "Battle of the Charles" water fight in late summer. My family bought a sailing vessel late this summer - however I have yet to go sailing with Skipper Stowers and his Crew.

11) Vacation to Bermuda for my birthday! Well, it wasn't necessarily a birthday trip (labor day is so conveniently near to my birthday) but, regardless, it was amazing! So many good memories, amazing sights, scooter rides, from that trip with such loved dear friends. 

12) Living close to the Daniels. I got to visit almost twice a month. Nieces and nephews are the best, especially mine. They have since moved and it makes me sad that they are not as near, but I did visit them for Thanksgiving.

All in all, this year was exhausting from both amazing, exciting things and very sad things. I've done more traveling this year than I've done in previous years, and it's been good for me to live closer to family and get to visit them so often. Also, I stretched more this year than I ever have before, and although it hurt, I'm grateful for it. 
Here's to a new year. 

*I realize that these are not a categorical list of 12 since all are probably very dissimilar to you. However, to me, all 12 have very much meaning and therefore have made the list.

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