2011: A Look Back

Last December, I took a scroll through blogging lane to capture the highlights from 2010. I enjoyed having one post where I could sum up the year in all its glory and figured it should be my new tradition.

Today we salute you, 2011, for another great year!

• My childhood friend, Lauren got married early in the New Year bringing me back to New Orleans for her wedding weekend! I had my first balcony experience on Bourbon!
• SNOWmageddon rocked St. Louis and I learned that not everywhere does a city shut down with a little dusting. Heck, not even when it POURS and POURS. The snow seemed to never end...
• The university closed for two days in early February there was so much snow (A first for the university since forever.)
• I dove into the world of internet dating in February (without much to show for it) but am happy I took the plunge.
• I learned what a true-life tornado drill looks like when the siren is blaring and I had to get 270+ people down to the basement on several occasions throughout February and March.
• I read the Hunger Games series in March (still in love with that series and cannot wait for the movie to come out in March 2012).
• A trip to Philadelphia for 5 days (COLD) for The Placement Exchange to recruit new staff members in March.
• A trip home in mid March for the wedding of a family friend at the Cathedral. BEAUTIFUL. She and her husband are both serving our country and I'm grateful to both of them.
• The Oyster and Stout Festival at Schlafly near the end of March. I'm a sucker for good oysters and delicious beers and this event did. not. disappoint. Ready for a repeat in 2012!
• Boyball in April. Loved returning to Athens for this weekend event. Got to see so many faces who made my two years in Athens unforgettable.
• My parents came to St. Louis for Easter!
• I walked in Memphis for BBQ Fest in May. Mmm...cravings.
• Survived the closing of the building, my first full year in housing, and won three awards including the Division's Rising Star Award!
• Memorial Day weekend at the lake in Innsbrook with Brian and Jenny. Fantastic and much needed getaway.
• A trip back home to NOLA in June for my grandfather's birthday. Loved seeing my cousins who live in DC for the first time in years.
• The St. Louis Brewer's Heritage Festival in June. One of the best festivals I attended last year in the city!
• A weekend trek to Chicago to visit with LB and Brian. A great, GREAT weekend.
• My second PRIDE experience in St. Louis. So happy I volunteered!
• My blog turned 3 and I turned 29!
• Daphne came to visit in September and we experienced the caverns and the Forest Park Balloon Festival.
• Spina got married at the end of September bringing together several old colleagues for an evening full of laughter, dancing, and spirits!
• The Bachelor party happened in October. Hellur, Biloxi, MS!
• Topeka, Kansas for a conference in early November and the recipient of the Outstanding New Professional award for the region!
• MY BROTHER GOT MARRIED and I celebrated Thanksgiving at home in November. What. a. week.
• A quick trip to Atlanta for the NASPA Multicultural Institute where I presented at my first national conference and visited with Will, Mark, and Daphne in early December.
• A wonderful week home for Christmas.

Sprinkled throughout those bullet points were inspiring and thought-provoking movies, wonderful books, some incredible sporting events like the Cardinals winning the World Series, and the LSU Tigers winning the SEC Championship. There were some memorable weekends in the Lou with visits to the Farmer's Market, bike rides through Forest Park, and adventures to new restaurants and festivals like the Taste of St. Louis downtown. I relished my trips to the Fox & Muny to see "9 to 5," "Next to Normal," and "The Little Mermaid" and developed some new friendships in the city.

I'm looking forward to 2012 and all that it may bring. On the horizon are a trip to Thailand, a visit from Kari, conferences in Phoenix and Louisville and a few weddings!

Happy New Year!