The most memorable year of my life to date, 2010, did not disappoint – Or, did it? ha. It definitely had it highs, but unfortunately, it also had it’s lows. In one year I traveled to Cologne, Munich, Salzburg, Frankfurt, Montreal, Toronto, Long Beach, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Indianapolis and Dallas. All which provided memorable experiences for a lifetime, I’m sure. Besides traveling, there were many others notable experiences/lessons/likes/dislikes/etc…, here are just a few:
Most memorable experience: Climbing to the Festung Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg, Austria – in the middle of snowy down pour (remember this photo, friends?). Every time I recall looking down on the snow covered town, I let out a big ‘ahhhh’, so breathtakingly peaceful and perfect.
Worst travel experience: (3-way tie)
1. My Lorazapam OD on my flight over to Cologne – my seat had been switched to a window, which prompted me to take more meds than usual. When we landed I found myself head first in the airport bathroom. It should be noted that I’ve since given up all pharmaceuticals.
2. Trying to navigate to my hotel in Munich (on foot, with a rolling suitcase) when all of the streets/sidewalks were covered in snow! Did I mention I got lost and was carrying my suitcase for about 45 minutes? hahaha, I just lol’ed a bit. Talk about a damsel in distress!
3. Flying home from Toronto, extremely sick, without a voice. I couldn’t wait to get home, and of course, I had two flight delays totaling 6 hours of wait time. Life Inevitable, eh? 
Favorite City: Salzburg, of course!!
Funniest experience: The cab ride of shame back to my hotel in Cologne, Germany. Which, made for one hilarious day.
Most listened to Audio Book: Joel Osteen, Become a Better You. I love this man, seriously. I keep this book on my ipod and regularly listen and re-listen to it while driving.
Best Chic-lit read: Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Match Me If You Can. Or, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Natural Born Charmers. The later being somewhat of a sequel to the former.
Things I broke and/or lost: Palm Pre, purse, digital camera, HTC, Debit Card, Drivers License, 2 wall chargers, one outlet converter and a smidge of dignity.. Whoops?
Biggest “Bam!” moment: While I was in Salzburg, I ran into a friend of mine from high school – small world, I know. After spending the day together, it was late and he needed to catch a bus back to his place. When the bus driver came around, Brandon tried to ask if this was bus number 29. Unfortunately, the bus driver didn’t speak a lick of English. However, something clicked in me, and I hopped up on the bus and said “Entschuldigen Sie Sir, ist dieser bus neunundzwanzig?” In which he replied in German, “No, the next bus is number 29.” When I stepped off the bus, the dumbfounded look on Brandon’s face completely justified all the hours I had spent learning such a minute bit of German. Heck yes.
Most favorite affirmation: I love me! (write it on a large post-it note and place it on your bathroom mirror – or anywhere you’ll see it frequently).
Worst Medical Trauma: Bone grafting gone bad – aka: the most painful week of my life.
Best Entertainment Experience: Circ Du Soleil ‘Love’. And, Love it was – Did I mention, I’m looking at moving to Las Vegas It’s like ADHD heaven!
Favorite new hobby: Photography (mostly food), duh! This could also fall in the “most expensive new hobby” category as well!
Best meal: Tommy Bahama, Myrtle Beach, SC. Seriously, the biggest and best asparagus of my life. Oh, and the TB’s Island Almond Rice is the best rice I’ve ever had!! (Hank, I beg you, please don’t move back to Missouri!)
Hardest lesson learned: I sometimes have to much confidence in peoples ability to do good- Which, in my case this year, proved to be somewhat problematic.
Best quote: “Excuse me sir, I think I left my cell phone on your dance floor last night…”
Favorite new jean (because every year I have one): Joe’s Jeans ‘The Muse’ in both skinny and boot cut – amazing.
Annnd, lastly -
Favorite raw food discovery (which only took 4 years): Kelp Noodles; because they are super healthy (hello, iodine!) and help satisfy traditional noodle cravings… Love! Here’s my favorite raw/vegan alfredo for kelp noodles.
Raw Alfredo
2 cup cashew/sunflower cheese (equal parts sunnies + cashews blended with water)
3 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. white miso
.5 tsp. salt
1 tsp. peppercorns
2 Tbsp. truffle infused olive oil
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. Will keep for about 5 days.
Wishing everyone a fabulous New Year!
