Five Favorites: 2013

This year is quickly coming to a close! Many of us are reviewing what happened this past year and reflecting on all of those events. For this edition of "Five Favorites," I'd like to talk about five of my favorite things about 2013.

1. Being a Homeowner

Who would have thought I'd be a homeowner at my age (26)? It's really pretty incredible. It was probably the most stressful process of my life when I was trying to buy the house, but now that it is over and I've been in the house close to a year, it is definitely worth it. Nothing compares to having your own space that you can do whatever you want with! Now I just need to finish unpacking... Yes, I am a horrible (great?) procrastinator!

2. Driving at Sebring International Raceway

It isn't often that you get an opportunity to drive on a track that countless racing professionals have raced on for decades. Not only was this an amazing experience just because I got to drive at the limits of the car, but it was also incredible because of this track's history. This is one of the most challenging tracks around, and mastering it is an incredible feeling. I don't know if it is possible to master this track, but just driving it at a decent rate of speed is amazing.

3. Getting Engaged

OMG OMG he proposed and I said yes!!! Haha, so it was an early early morning in August when Mike and I were out on the beach for my sea turtle patrol. He asked if he could come with me this time, and of course I said that was fine because it can be a little lonely on the beach at 6am. We were walking along, and he pointed something out, so I turned that direction, and when I turned back around, he was on his knee! Being engaged has been a fantastic experience. It's amazing knowing you get to spend your life with the love of your life.

4. Decorating for the Holidays

I'm not posting a picture for this one, even though I have a few examples, because I've posted them before and I've posted them recently. I'm sure you all have gotten your fill of holiday pictures. Not only are being in a house and being engaged fantastic, but celebrating our first holiday season together in our house was awesome! It is so nice to have a place to decorate together. We even had our own Christmas tree!

5. Growth

This one is an important favorite. Growth isn't one of those things I can pinpoint, but the combination of experiences I've had this year have helped me grow as a person. I've had good times and bad times, and they all teach me something. It's nice looking back and knowing you are a better, stronger person now. Life is always changing, and that isn't a bad thing. One of my favorite quotes is "Everything drifts. Always in waves." So let's ride those waves and have a blast doing it!

Happy New Year!