Welcome 2010!!

A good friend of mine remininced about the meaning of 2010...that it is not just the start of a new year, but of a new decade. Following her brilliant idea, I have decided to give my top 10 things of the past decade. So much happened in 10 years that it has been a challange to pick 10, but I really do think these were the best of the best.

1. Becoming a nurse and working my dream job as a pedicatric nurse focused on cardiovascular intensive care (began in 2007)

2. Graduating from Azusa Pacific University with honors (2007)

3. Attending Oxford University in Oxford, England for one semester. Walking the historical streets every day really changed the way I think and advanced my "higher" education in a way I never dreamed possible (2005)

4. Along with living in Oxford, traveling around Europe. I went to Ireland, France, Austria, Germany, and Italy; visited the Louvre, the Coliseum, a former Nazi concentraion camp, and the castle that inspired Walt Disney; attended an opera in a church in Rome, walked through the beer tents in Oktoberfest, and celebrated my 21st birthday in London. I couldn't ever dream of better life experiences. (2005)

5. Having a wonderful relationship with both brothers and my parents. Not really an event of the last 10 years, but at 25 I'm beginning to realize how wonderful and unique it is to have a strong family tie. On top of this, I am close to all my extended family. I actually got home today from a 5 day vacation with 27 members of my Dad's family.

6. Cultivating relationships, both romantic and friendly. On the romantic side...no, I haven't found "the one", but I have been through both the highs and lows that come with growing and changing through relationsips. And believe me, I have had a lot of ups and a lot of downs. And while I'm currently dating an amazing man who is so good to me, I know I have a lot more growing to do and that relationsips are an ever chaning force in our lives.

As for friendships...I don't know what to say. I have lost old friends and made new ones. All I can say is that I have the most wonderful group of girlfriends, a group that is made up of such unique and individual personalities and who I know will be there for me though all of lifes ups and downs. So, to any of you who read this, thank you.

7. Graduating from San Pasqual High School. I know, not that big of a deal now a days, but I worked hard and it payed off. And I think every milestone is a big deal. (2003)

8. Having a mini break down post college. I know this sounds like a crazy thing to be thankful for, but it made me so much stronger than I ever thought I could be. Through that tough time (and I still struggle from time to time) I have learned to be on my own and be happy about it; to enjoy the peace that comes from having my own space, and to believe in myself and my ability to take care of myself. (2007)

9. My apartment. I have the best little 748 sq. foot apartment ever! Its a cute 1 bedroom but it seems much bigger than it really is. And, bonus, the kitchen is huge!! (moved in 2008)

10. Getting my dream car. She's a 2002 red Ford Mustang convertible and I am in love with her. (2004)

Well, there you have it. The more I think about it, have have been so increadibly blessed this last decade. Even the bad times have worked out to make me stronger, smarter, and have helped shape me into the woman I am today. Here's to the next decade...and to think, next time I write a "top ten of the decade" I'll be 35!