Watching the Golden Globes right now. Ah, Meryl Streep I adore you. Who else can play Margaret Thatcher and Julia Child. No one, I tell you.

I am still attempting to find the great in every day on my new blog, though not quite making the “everyday” mark. After working all day, the last thing I want to do is look at a screen.

I celebrated New Years Eve in a bar and balloons dropped from the ceiling.

A pug that dials 911.

I love Paradise Bakery.

I got a bit controversial when I questioned people judging a domestic violence victim.

I love Google Chrome. In fact, after I wrote this, I got a chrome pedicure like the one pictured. So I shared my four favorite Chrome tools.

The husband sent me flowers at work — and I dressed our pug in a pink coat. With a furry hood.

I write this post every year. It is fun to look back. This year was an interesting one. It’s kind of insane to think that when the year started, I didn’t think I would finish grad school until July 2012. I thought 2011 would be a year of no change. Oh, how wrong I was. Everything has changed this year.

January: I went to China. It was such an amazing trip. Best part of my MBA for sure. Loved the adventure, loved solidifying friendships that I hope to have forever. Such a carefree time and I loved it.

Then I came back and life fell apart. February to June is really a blur of barely living. I know saying that makes me vulnerable — but have you seen this TED talk? It isn’t a bad thing and I wish there was more vulnerability in this world, so I’m starting with me.

Since I didn’t want to talk about life, I started taking pictures of my outfits. It was fun. Oh, and I went to Chicago with my bestie Brooke. Highlight. And I was the assistant camp director for Young Women’s camp too.

July: I started making some life choices that helped turn the frown upside down. I decided to quit my job of three years to ease some stress. Husband and I went to Palm Springs for our fourth wedding anniversary.

August: The highlight was spending a week in Utah after leaving my job. So nice.

September: I started full-time student life. I studied on the beach. It was delicious. But then I accepted the position at KSL and prepped to work and go to school full time. I highly underestimated how stressful this would be. I’m so glad it is over.

October: I went to Utah for a week. It was great to “preview” the position I accepted before I moved and make sure it was a fit. Everyone was so nice — and it blew me away. I came home and started the two most stressful months ever. Oh, and I was selected by my professor to speak at V2. Scary but awesome. I rocked it.

November: I presented at BlogWorld – scary but awesome. We went to Disneyland. Way fun. My family came for Thanksgiving. We started packing and saying goodbye to America’s Finest City.

December: I said goodbye to friends. I cried a lot. I told my therapist that I was going to need therapy for saying goodbye to my therapist. I finished grad school. We moved. I started working in Salt Lake City. It’s a giant blur but a good blur. It’s been a bit out of control.

I’m hoping that 2012 is the year of no change that we thought 2011 would be. The husband can take (and pass!) the bar exam. We want to buy a house and get settled. So there will be change. But as for kids or any other additions to our family — I am hoping to wait at least another year. We’ll see though right? Life has a funny way of laughing at your plans.

This was my DIY card after we opened presents this morning. I hope you made wonderful memories today. I think the best gift was a copy of my gransdfather’s journal from WWII. One of the first entries is about him receiving a letter from Kay Kirkham. Guess what? My grandma’s name is Kay.

So cute.

How is it already the weekend? I don’t know how this happens? How are we leaving San Diego in 10 days?

I was driving up College Avenue on Thursday after presenting in class (we rocked it!) and thought about the very first time I encountered that road. I followed printed off Google Map directions for five hours, driving straight from Las Vegas. I was excited and about an hour ahead of the husband, who was in his truck with the U-haul.

I took the exit and was shocked we lived so close to San Diego State. No, the street name of College Avenue didn’t give it away, thanks to Provo and having University Avenue run the length of the city. I kept going and found a grocery store. I had no idea how many times I would end up in that parking lot for froyo.

I drove past what was to be our apartment twice before I figured out that the super-small building was ours. Saying it wasn’t luxury would be an understatement. We were paying three times what I had in Provo for a smaller space. The first night we spent there I was pretty sure we were going to get robbed.

I got over it. It became life. We moved after nine months, which helped. Now, I love this place. I love that we’re 20 minutes away from the beach. I love that we’re 20 minutes away from everything. I have never had a commute longer than 15 minutes. And after putting up with one-too-many winters, I’ve enjoyed my 4-year reprieve from the snow.

It’s bittersweet. Maybe it’s because I feel a bit like I grew here. From working as a reporter to transitioning to public relations to grad school, this will always be the place where I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up. For now anyway, no promises that it won’t change. And have the most amazing friends I’ve ever had. I have leaned on them a lot this year — something I’m not used to doing. And they’ve leaned back an I’ve loved feeling the strength of adopted sisterhood.

So poof, 10 days and I’ll say goodbye?

The new chapter has its perks though. The first time in our marriage that one of us isn’t in school? Beautiful. Buying a house a likelihood instead of a dream. Actually seeing family for the holidays, instead of via Skype. Not having to pack all the Cafe Rio into one trip. Connecting with my roots and heritage — and finding strength in that, versus forging ahead on my own.

The good news is that I’ve been working remotely and I absolutely cannot wait to get to Utah to really be able to work. It is a motivator to get the house packed for sure! Though if anyone wants to help, I won’t turn you down.

The thankful list that didn’t get posted because my family came into town. And then we almost got ran over by crazy shoppers at the San Ysidro outlets at midnight, which was more about laughing and adventure than about getting good deals.

What I really am is grateful. This year has been a bit difficult in places so I’ve had a hard time reminding myself to be thankful for what I have. But my life is blessed.

A few things that I’m thankful for…

My puppy.

The husband.

Family.

Family coming into town.

Family helping us pack our house.

My employment.

My Kindle.

Mascara.

Costume jewelry.

The Royal Wedding this year. So happy.

School.

That my family is here.

Tradition

70-degree weather.

Post-its.

Learning to enjoy the journey.

My phone.

Learning how to put my hair in a sock bun.

Adventure.

Our beautiful planet.

People who recycle.

Cousins.

Cameras.

Husbands. Twice, because he deserves it.

And sleeping in. So grateful when that happens.