Category: Year in Review

Year in Review

2018 – A Year in Review

Amanda

In November, I was back in Manhattan, Kan., for a few days and spoke to an agriculture communications class at my alma mater (Kansas State). After my presentation, I spent most of the time answering students’ questions about my career and my path there. Toward the end, one of my old professors asked, “So what’s next for you Amanda? Do you have a 5-year plan or some goals looking forward?”

I responded, “Nope, I have no idea.”….and I’m pretty sure a couple of the seniors started to doubt everything I had just told them.

He then asked, “So how do you feel about that, or how do you deal with that uncertainty,” and the short part of my response was, “Well I’m going to go work tomorrow, I’ll probably go the next day and God-willing I’ll go the day after that.”

I don’t exactly remember the rest of what I said, but I’ll explain… That short response doesn’t specifically pertain to my job, (which to be clear, I LOVE) but more so to my life in general in 2018. It was just a weird year for me — and perfectly fits the sentiment, “lots of high-highs and low-lows.”

2018 was a year where I had to focus a bit more on patience and letting things go. Yes, of course I still have goals and bigger dreams, but some of them are just starting to evolve a bit and they need the space and time to do so. Right now, I am focusing on being present for the things right in front of me. It is kind of funny to think about the habits we spend so much time forming, only to grow up a little more and realize that some things we need to unlearn — in order to be a better version of ourselves or to move on onto a new season of our life.

2018 was a little bit heart breaking and harsh. It was gritty, sarcastic and the kind of year that really made me think on my feet. But it was also so colorful, and after a super rainy summer in DC, I was grateful for every ray of sunshine, both literally and figuratively. 2018 took me on grand adventures that added new perspectives and cultures to my life, and I got the chance to laugh a few of those deep belly laughs that are so good for your soul. This year was bittersweet, often catching me off guard with memories that needed to be tucked away and full of people who showed up and dug their feet in. There are few things more precious than the grace and love of people who believe in you. 2018 planted so many seeds for good things to come in 2019 and I am so ready for it.

I am thankful for this exciting life that I get to live, and even an off year, like 2018 was for me, deserves to be celebrated.

So hold tight 2019, I know you’ve already started (slacker blogger over here), but I am going to give 2018 one last look…

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In 2018, I traveled to 2 countries…

In April, my friend Brandi was traveling to London on a work trip and we decided make a girls trip out of it. I flew over a few days after her and we had the best time exploring the city in search of corgis and royals (and found none), had our fill of fish and chips and cried during The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.

In September, I spent two weeks in Italy with 6 family members on a week-long self-guided walking tour through the Italian countryside. We also visited Rome, Pompeii, Naples, Venice and Florence. It was quite the trip, which included me spraining my ankle (still not quite ready to laugh about it yet)! And of course, I captured it all here on the blog with hundreds of photos and am still dreaming about the views we saw and all of the amazing food we ate! I had quite a few posts from this trip so I am going to list them all out here:

Walking Rieti to Rome – Summary
Doors of Italy
Exploring Rieti
Self-Guided Walk Day 1
Self-Guided Walk Day 2
Self-Guided Walk Day 3
Castello Orsini Hotel
Self-Guided Walk Days 4 and 5
Self-Guided Walk Day 6
The Colosseum and Exploring Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum
Pompeii and Naples
Venice
Florence

In 2018, my parents visited me in DC…

Other than a quick visit from my Mom in 2016 to help me move apartments during a busy time, this was my parents’ first official trip to DC to visit me! In March, I had so much fun showing them them all of my favorite places and even exploring a few that were new to me. I NEVER take it for granted how supportive my parents have always been of my goals and independence so it meant so much to me that I could take some one-on-one time with them to share my current home and why I love it so much.

In 2018, I traveled to Nashville for a 5-year college reunion with my old roommates…

Kyla, Megan and I all met when we were freshmen at K-State and residents in the Smurthwaite Scholarship/Leadership House. We quickly became friends and after two years there, we continued to live together through the remainder of college. Megan and I were co-Maids of Honor in Kyla’s wedding, and they are still such an important part of my life. 2018 marked five years since we graduated (what?!) so we decided to make the most of it and go on a reunion girls trip to Nashville and had so much fun reminiscing about college and making new memories.

In 2018, I traveled a lot for work, per usual, and continued working hard at a job that I love…

This year took me to Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona (twice); Seattle, Washington; all over North Dakota; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; and Manhattan, Kansas. In March, I celebrated three years at U.S. Wheat Associates and in July we launched our new website, after I’d spent the previous 7 months pouring everything I had into leading the project. I also shared on the blog about why I was loving my new standing desk (and still do!)

In 2018, I celebrated 100 classes at Pure Barre…

Right at the end of 2017, I practically forced myself to try Pure Barre. I didn’t really want to, but it kept coming up as something I might like and I was a little desperate for a bit of positive order in my life. It might sound dramatic, but Pure Barre honestly helped pull me out of a negative place and was one of the best things to happen to me in 2018. I found something that fits me and now I can’t imagine not having it as a part of my regular routine. In June I celebrated taking 100 classes!

In 2018, I spent a lot of time behind my camera…

It’s been my goal to learn more about photography and how to better know my camera inside and out. I haven’t really pursued that yet, but I did spend a lot of time in 2018 behind it getting a lot of practice. I will never claim to be a pro because there are too many people (and friends) whose talents I have so much respect for, but its a hobby that I love and that really fulfills my creative side. Aside from my big overseas trips, here are a few other of my photo ops in 2018:

Sawyer June turns 1
Golden Hour on the Farm
Pendleton Round-Up Wagon Train
North Dakota Wheat Tour & Sunflowers

In 2018, there was SO MUCH more…

I took a care free approach to my vision board, wrote a personal post on emotional courage and midway through the year shared how I was striving to have a better attitude by writing down my weekly “roses and thorns.” In March, I was a guest blogger for one of my favorite full-time bloggers, Erica at Whimsical September, and in October I celebrated my 28th birthday by writing a love letter to my 18-year-old self. I tried to soak in all the family time that I could on two trips home to Oregon in June and December, and of course doted on Sawyer June. I saw the Grand Canyon and George Strait in concert (in Vegas!!), both for the first time. I served on the AFA Alliance Planning Committee and had the opportunity to serve others and continue to develop myself professionally in an organization that did so much to give me my start. I enjoyed time with friends both here in DC and during my various travels, and kept coming back to the same thought of how grateful I am for their words and company. And of course, I listened to some great live music and drank a lot of great wine 🙂

Yes, 2018 saw a lot of tears and hard moments, but man, it was also so, so good. Thanks for continuing to stop by and read along on this little blog of mine.

Wishing you all the very best in 2019.

For a look at past Year in Reviews:

2017
2016
2015
2014

Photography, Year in Review

Top 20 Favorite Pictures From My Camera in 2017

Amanda

This post was actually something that I had thought of doing at the end of 2016, but never made it happen. But after another year of fun experiences behind my camera, I decided I needed to make it happen this time!

I always want to make it clear to others that I don’t think of myself as a photographer. I know a few things from practicing and being a communications professional, but I have way too much respect and admiration for both friends and strangers who take photos for a living, to claim to be anything more than an amateur.

For example, I took my camera out with me when I was feeding cows with my Dad when I was home for Christmas. Dad was taking a bale out with the tractor, which meant that the cows would let me get pretty close. Plus, it had snowed the day before and around mid-morning it was beautiful and sunny, so I just knew I could get some pretty good photos!… And guess who didn’t realize until JUST LAST NIGHT that I never had an SD card in camera the whole time, so all those photos were gone the second after I took them #notarealphotographer.

Regardless, photography is something that I really do enjoy and from time to time some of the pictures that I take aren’t half bad for an amateur (especially when the location is gorgeous).

So, in no particular order, these are my top 20 photos that I took in 2017. I originally tried to just pick 10 photos but it was impossible because of my big trip to Thailand where I saw so many beautiful things!

Enjoy!

“Docked” at a private island on the Andaman Sea near Phuket, Thailand. (More photos like this.)

Karon Beach in Phuket, Thailand. (More photos like this.)

Karon Beach in Phuket, Thailand. (More photos like this.)

On the Andaman See near Phuket, Thailand. (More photos like this.)

An island snack in Thailand (bananas and purple potatoes). (More photos like this.)

Elephant in Phuket, Thailand. (More photos like this.)

Jim Thompson House in Bangkok, Thailand. Thompson played a big role in revitalizing the Thai silk industry after World War II. (More photos like this.)

Jim Thompson House in Bangkok, Thailand. Thompson played a big role in revitalizing the Thai silk industry after World War II. (More photos like this.)


Flowers at the Pak Khlong Talat flower market in Bangkok, Thailand. (More photos like this.)

Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. (More photos like this.)

Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok, Thailand. (More photos like this.)


Touring a cookie and cracker manufacturer (that uses U.S. wheat flour) outside Bangkok, Thailand, with the 2017 U.S. Wheat Associates South Asia Board Team. (More photos like this.)


Paul Bunyon’s Foot on the hike to Gem Lake near Estes Park, Colorado. (More photos like this.)


Nothing spectacular about the quality of this picture, except that it is hilarious. Thanks Mom 🙂 (Up at Gem Lake near Estes Park, Colorado) (More photos like this.)


This was NOT on zoom! (Up at Gem Lake near Estes Park, Colorado) (More photos like this.)

Hard Red Winter Wheat Harvest in North Central Kansas. (More pictures like this.)

My family pup Jack. (More pictures like this.)

Early morning walk around Phillips Reservoir near Sumpter, Oregon, in the Blue Mountains. (More pictures like this.)

My best friend Megan in the Blue Mountains in Oregon. (More pictures like this.)

Obviously I didn’t take this one myself (thanks Megan!), but I wanted to include it because I really like. In this picture I know I was relaxed, in my happy place (my family cabin in the Blue Mountains) and surrounded by my family and best friend. It is certainly not a perfect picture in many ways, but its very me 🙂

Year in Review

2017 – A Year in Review

Amanda

Let me annoy you by being cliche and stating that “I can’t believe 2017 went by so quickly.” 🙂

But really, 2017 felt like a WHIRLWIND for me.  Personally, my year was filled with good health (well, for the most part), great adventures and even greater people. I worked through the hard knocks and challenges, and feel content that I was able to grow through most of those experiences. Looking at the world around me, it would be wrong to ignore that 2017 was certainly a hard year, but I choose to believe that this world is full of good people who aim to make 2018 better.

Looking back, I’d probably summarize 2017 as bittersweet. It’s a strange feeling to recognize being both happy and sad, and even more strange to be relatively OK with it. I met someone that became really special to me, and I did not expect that I would end 2017 not knowing if that person would be in my life going into the new year. At first I struggled with writing a year in review at all, or including him in it, but this blog is first and foremost my journal and scrapbook, and cherry picking memories is not my style. And regardless if our time is done,  those memories are still very special to me.

Around mid-December, I was sitting at CVS waiting to get my flu shot and was flipping through a GQ magazine and stopped at an interview with Senator John McCain. Regardless of whether you agree with his politics or not, in my mind its pretty hard to not acknowledge or respect that he has seen a fair amount of adversity in his lifetime. With that in mind, the very last statement really struck me:

No matter what 2017 held or what is yet to come in 2018, I hope that we can all benefit from walking through life with that attitude. I know I am going to try.

Now let’s look back at my busy year…

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In 2017, I traveled to 2 countries and 6 states (and two of them twice!)…

In February, I went on a trip of a lifetime to Bangkok, Thailand, and Manila, Philippines. The first half of my trip was a work trip to accompany three U.S. wheat farmers on a board team experience. The second half of the trip was spent on vacation in Bangkok and Phuket with my grandparents and Great Aunt Diane.  Find all of my posts about the trip HERE.

That trip won the year when it came to travel, but it wasn’t my only one. In April, Sam and I went down to Blacksburg to visit my friend Chelsea for the Virginia Tech spring game. In May, I went to Estes Park, Colorado for my work World Staff Conference. I invited my Mom to join me for the week and we spent a few extra days hiking and enjoying quick visits with friends. In June, I traveled to Manhattan, Kansas for the National Festival of Bread and squeezed in some friend time again. At the beginning of July, I made the short drive over to Annapolis, Maryland (for the first time!) for my work summer board meeting. Sam joined me a day before the meeting and we explored the downtown area. At the end of July, I attended the Agriculture Media Summit in Snowbird, Utah. In August, I went home to Oregon and finally took my best friend Megan with me to show her where I grew up. Next, I traveled to Kansas City, Missouri in November for the AFA Alliance Forum and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Trade Talk event. In between the two events, I spent a few days down in Wichita, Kansas to visit Megan. Finally, I rounded out the year in December with a trip home to Oregon for Christmas.

Estes Park, CO with Mom
Estes Park, CO with Mom
Kansas wheat harvest
Downtown Annapolis
The summit at Snowbird, UT
My family at the Farm City Pro Rodeo
With Megan at the Farm City Pro Rodeo
My family’s dog Jack
Speaking to college seniors at AFA Leaders Conference
Visiting Megan in Wichita
Visiting Megan (and Ned and Luna) in Wichita
At my family’s cabin near Sumpter, OR
With Sam in Annapolis
With my sister Janci and cousin Sawyer

In 2017, I continued to work in a job that gives me purpose…

In March, I celebrated two years with U.S. Wheat Associates and was promoted to Assistant Director of Communications in July. My goal has always been to work in a job I love, that challenges me and pushes me to become a better communicator, and to use those skills working for farmers. Thankfully, all of that continues to ring true for me.

Board Meeting
Job Promotion
With Leonard, a wheat farmer and retiring board member
Some of our staff at the summer board meeting
Work field trip to a local bakery
My new standing desk
Booth set up at NAFB Trade Talk
With the board team in Portland, OR
Kansas wheat harvest

In 2017, my family welcomed Sawyer June…

After 23 years, my sister and I finally have an Ego cousin! Sawyer June joined our family on July 13 and its safe to say that she has stole the spotlight. Shortly, after she was born I wrote her this love letter. Oh, and #sorrynosorry that she has taken over my Instagram…

In 2017, my Grammy and Grampy visited me in Washington, D.C…

In October, my grandparents came for four days to visit me and experience Washington, D.C. They were actually the ones who helped move from Kansas to D.C. almost three years ago now (what!?) but we didn’t have the time for any site-seeing. I have a really special relationship with my grandparents so I was so excited to finally share my current home with them.

In 2017, I learned that adult friendships are hard, but so very important…

I think that one of the hardest things about being a 20-something is friendship. Everyone’s lives are so busy and usually full of change, and while I think that is awesome, it tends to take a toll. It is hard to be there for that college friend who now lives across the country instead of down the hallway, and while you might have so many great memories with childhood friends, it can be hard to connect with them when you are no longer in the same stage of life. And then there is the challenge of attempting to make new adult friends, which I swear is equal to the ups and downs of dating 🙂 But I’ve learned this year especially, that friendship requires a whole lot of grace. Some people are in your life for only a season, and that’s OK. And some people are in for the long haul, but sometimes they’ll have more to give and sometimes they’ll need more from you. I am thankful for both types of friends in 2017, who filled my days with fun memories and were supportive, sometimes when I least expected it.

Blazers vs. Wizards with Elizabeth
Cinco de Mayo
Hiking at Great Falls
Fireworks at Mount Vernon
Red, White and Brew Beer Festival
4th of July
With Megan at my family’s cabin
With Emily at the Chris Stapleton concert
President Inauguration
Brunch
Brunch with Zech in KC
College friends turned colleagues

In 2017, I filled my days with celebrations, new experiences, things that I love and both big and small moments worth remembering…

Presidential Inauguration
Ellie.
National Ag Day with Nicole
Sugar Mountain Winery
Beth, ag teacher-turned friend in town with students for FFA’s Washington Leadership Conference
Callie Elizabeth, born Dec. 13
Meeting Aaron Watson after his concert
Ag professionals in DC talking to visiting AFA students
Eastern Market
Washington Nationals in June.
Potomac River from the Key Bridge
Potomac River from the Key Bridge
Day trip to National Harbor with Sam
Day trip to National Harbor with Sam
Visiting the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial for the first time
Sam.
Fall colors
Turnpike Troubadours concert with Sam
Watching the Washington Nationals in May with Sam.

Peace out 2017, here’s to believing the best is yet to come in 2018.

P.S. Because I always include music at the end of my Year in Review posts… and because my love for Ed Sheeran knows no limits 🙂

Year in Review

Summer 2017: Top 10

Amanda

I saw another blogger post an “end of summer recap” and I thought it would be fun to do the same.

I know we still have a couple of weeks before summer is officially over. But the temperature dropped just a bit over the past few days (not that I’m too naive to think it won’t go back up again) and Labor Day weekend and the start of the school year has always been my marker for the season change.

This summer, like usual was BUSY, but certainly one that I want to remember. So here is a quick round up of my top 10 from this summer (in not particular order of course)!

1. Work trips

Don’t get me wrong, having lots of work trips in the summer can be pretty tiring, but I am always thankful for the opportunity to travel and visit both new and familiar places. This summer I had 3 major work trips. In June, I traveled to Manhattan, KS,(only one of my favorite places there is!) for the National Festival of Breads and the start of Kansas wheat harvest.

In July, our summer board meeting was in nearby Annapolis, MD. It was nice to not have to jump on a plane this time around! Annapolis has been toward the top of my list to visit since moving out here (it’s only about an hour away) and work finally helped make it happen.

Finally, at the end of July, I made a quick trip out to Snowbird, UT, for the annual Ag Media Summit.

2. Finally taking Megan to Oregon

The next two DEFINITELY get their own spots on the list.

We’ve been best friends almost since the day we met 8 years ago, so I was so excited that I FINALLY got to take her home to Oregon with me to see what all of the fuss is about. We had a VERY busy week, but we were able to just really enjoy what our friendship has become.

3. Vacation home to Oregon

Besides my time with Megan, I was really overdue for some family time. I meet and know lots of great people with my job and living where I do, but sometimes you just need time with “your people,” spent away from the big city.

(Part 1 of my recap home)
(Part 2 of my recap home)

4. Welcoming Sawyer June

Miss Sawyer June joined our family this summer on July 13, and its safe to say that she has been everyone’s favorite part of the summer.

5. 4th of July festivities

Not only is the 4th of July my favorite holiday, but I happen to live in the best place to celebrate it! I mean, not everyone gets to watch fireworks while relaxing in George Washington’s back yard! This year’s 4-day weekend was full of friends that included brunch, a BBQ, a beer festival and lots of fireworks.

6. Girl Time

This picture is actually from back in May, but it’s my favorite and it shows the most of us. This group of girls has become a highlight of not only my summer, but my year. We started out in bible study together, but have also had a lot of fun this summer whether it was hiking, visiting wineries, happy hour, celebrating the 4th or a girls night in.

In some ways we are all so different, but I think we all realize how important having girlfriends to share with is. Two of the girls just moved away and we sure are going to miss them!

7. Chris Stapleton concert

F.I.N.A.L.L.Y.

Even in the pouring rain, he was SO GOOD LIVE.

If you are a fan at all, I would highly recommend seeing him live.

8. Lazy days

Though I thrive off of being busy, more and more this year I have really learned to appreciate lazy days and time to myself. Some of my favorite moments this summer were pretty laid back, whether that meant an entire afternoon doing nothing but reading a book, visiting the farmer’s market or going on a long walk through this beautiful city.



9. Promotion at work

I share often that I love my job, and so it was nice to be recognized for the progress I’ve made.

10. Spending time with this guy

This guy is quickly becoming my favorite person to spend time with. We both had pretty busy schedules throughout the summer, but we tried to make the most out of the free time we had.

Some of our adventures included Sugarloaf Mountain Winery, playing with his pup Bella, Nationals baseball games, exploring Annapolis, MD and eating crabs, visiting the National Harbor, trying new places to eat and a rather comical afternoon searching for a place to fix his phone.

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Dear Fall, you know I love you the most, but summer 2017 wasn’t too shabby.
Please take notes.

Cheers!

Year in Review

{2016} My Year in Review

Amanda

Over lunch earlier this week, I had intended to throw together a different blog post, but discovered that somehow I had written my 2016 year in review post and then completely FORGOT to publish live. So here I am (on a plane to Thailand!!!) tweaking my introduction because posting it a MONTH LATE probably is going to get me some eye rolls.

Some people might say that is reflective of how 2016 went, but I do not necessarily share that sentiment. Believe me — there some parts of 2016 that just flat out sucked, but there is no way I can look through this post and label 2016 negatively.

IMG_4204

Early in 2016, I stumbled across the image and words above while scrolling through Instagram. It struck me as an odd phrase, but I somewhat absentmindedly took a screenshot and saved it to my phone.

“…stay in your magic?”

What does that mean?

It is easy to be caught up in the world around us. The way we spend our time and who spend with it obviously have a huge influence on our decisions and beliefs, and for the most part I think it is a positive thing to constantly be challenged. However, I think what the above phrase is saying, is that “your magic” is our core. It is our quirks that override trying to fit in, beliefs that cannot be swayed by other’s reasoning, thoughts we keep to ourselves, a sense of home and being grounded. My life continues to be filled with rewarding challenges, great adventures and even greater people, but as I navigated through 2016, these words came back to me again and again. They made me slow down and steady myself a bit more than the stubborn, quicker pace that I usually move at. I would like to think that it has made me strive to be a better person and to better appreciate what makes others unique.

It certainly was an interesting year, and I am glad I got to tag along for the ride.

In 2016, I traveled, because, you know sitting around at home really is for suckers.

I know I said this at a dozen times throughout 2016, but really, I AM SO LUCKY, that I have a job that allows me to travel, both for work and for fun. There were only two months out of the year (February and August) that I did not leave DC at all. Many of those were shorter weekend trips but when you lay it out like that it really adds up! Much like the previous year, my summer in DC sped by because over the course of six weeks I only was there for 10 days.

I traveled home to Oregon THREE TIMES! I don’t think I have technically done that EVER since I moved out for college eight years ago. In January (shortly after I had been home for Christmas), work took me to Portland for a few days and I was able to sneak home for the weekend to celebrate my best friend’s baby shower. In July, I was back for over a week to spend some quality time at my family’s cabin and to celebrate my Uncle’s Josh wedding. Then in December, I returned for a long holiday vacation and enjoyed my parent’s new house and farm.

Work took me back to my beloved Kansas in May where I was sidestepping tornadoes, sharing wheat quality with overseas customers and squeezing in as much time with friends as I could. In July work also took me to Fargo, ND (a new state for me!) for a board meeting, and to St. Louis, MO, for the annual Ag Media Summit. The big surprise from work came from the late decision to have me tag along on a conference that my organization was hosted in Guam in October!

My weekend trips included two trips to Blacksburg, VA, in April and September, to visit my friend Chelsea and watch some VTech football (aka relive my college tailgating days), a day trip to Morgantown, WV, in September, to watch K-State football play WVU and a quick trip over to Baltimore in June, when another K-State friend was passing through. Two of my favorite weekends were spent on an epic girls weekend to NYC with my best friend Megan in April, and returning to Kansas City in November, for the AFA Leaders Conference and Alliance Forum, and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of an organization that I love dearly.

In 2016, I grew a lot at work and continued to love the industry and people that I work.

I celebrated my one year anniversary and took on more responsibilities. Everyday I learned more and more about the wheat industry, took on new challenges and even survived a few growing pains. It also became more apparent how lucky I am to have a boss and co-workers that support me both personally and professionally. They are a team who genuinely love the work that they do, and I have found that when challenges arise, I am very grateful for their attitudes and guidance.

In 2016, I celebrated new life and became a new surrogate Auntie to two adorable babies.

A year or two ago I think it would be safe to say that this season of change was a bit overwhelming, but in 2016 I fully embraced it. Two of my best friends became mamas and I was overjoyed to see them start their families and am honored that even though I live far away, they want me in their baby’s lives as much as possible. Richole and Dustin welcomed Wesley Ray on Mar. 4, and Leah and Ryan welcomed Robin Michele on Apr. 4. (Thank goodness that is going to be easy to remember!) My work and personal travel allowed me to visit both of them twice, and I got in all of the baby snuggles that I could.

In 2016, I had more new visitors to DC.

After spending my first year and half with a roommate, I decided I wanted to go back to living on my own. Of course the timing of it had to be difficult with a week-long work trip and a few big project deadlines all right before the start and end of my leases. So my wonderful Mom made a last minute trip to visit and help with the move. I honestly couldn’t have done it without her! We also managed to fit in just a little bit of “fun,” including walking and sitting in the pouring rain because we were determined to see the Memorial Day concert of the U.S. Capitol West Lawn.

One of my biggest highlights of the year was having my best friends and college roommates visit DC. Megan and Kyla, and Kyla’s husband Nathan (a veteran when it comes to dealing with the three of us girls together on his own), have practically been planning for this trip since I first moved to DC. I had a blast sharing my new home with these guys and we definitely made the most of it!

In 2016, I really branched out and made new friends.

It is no secret that I am pretty outgoing, but in spite of that, I have always taken a bit longer to make friends. It is something that used to bother me quite a bit, but overtime I have learned to be better at embracing that it is a part of what makes me, well me. As DC started to really feel like a home, 2016 became all about putting myself out there a bit more and making new friends.

In 2016, a lot of the small moments, stand out as big ones…

I survived #WinterStormJonas, 2 feet of snow and a city completely shutting down.
I gained an aunt (but really a sister) in Sonia.
I celebrated turning 26, and am a-okay will being closer to 30 than 21.
I cheered on my Wildcats on lazy fall Saturday watch parties.
I became a Lifetime Member of the AFA Alliance.
I went on my first East Coast hike, and know that it will not be my last.
I was thankful for technology so I could watch my sister graduate college even though I couldn’t be there in person.

Out to clean off my car in between white outs
No we did not build this snowman
Met up with my friend Kylie for brunch

I enjoyed doing things I love by decorating my new apartment, a few crafts and a few live concerts.
I developed plantar fasciitis in my foot and will forever regret buying shoes just because they are cute
I had a great stay-cation over Labor Day weekend with a visit from my friend Nicole to DC.
I took the holiday season by storm with multiple Friendsgivings and holiday parties.
I found a church home and community in NCC.

I took way too many A LOT of pictures out and about exploring DC.

And while I certainly enjoyed getting to know those new friends, I also embraced the old ones that have stuck around and continue to enrich my life.

Oh 2016, you really weren’t all that bad. But I am looking forward to what in store for me in 2017.

Cheers.

Year in Review

Where It All Begins: 2015, A Year in Review

Amanda

With the new year approaching, I was struggling to come up with a witty way to review my 2015, like I did at the end of 2014. But then again, that post always makes me laugh, because so much was about to happen and I had NO CLUE. Over the past year, I’ve thought a lot about that new year’s celebrated on San Antonio Riverwalk with my friends during our Alamo Bowl trip. I remember being really happy, and though I had told myself two months before that I wasn’t going to look, but was going to be open to new job opportunities, I really did love my life in Kansas. I had no clue that just nine days later I was going to apply for a job in Washington D.C. and that a very short two months later I was going to start all over and move halfway across the country AGAIN to the place I had dreamed about since I was little.

2015 was full of adventure and taking risks. It was a year where I challenged myself and when I really learned about value. How to work toward better valuing my friends and family, criticism and praise, life and opportunity. Many of my values were strengthened and some I chose to question. And I learned to better value myself. In the book “Let’s All Be Brave” by Annie F. Downs that I have (very) slowly been working through there is a line that says, “–that I am who I am on purpose.” That thought really struck me and I’ve carried it with me ever since (literally, as the picture on my phone’s lock screen.). In the blogging world, a lot of people talk about choosing a “focus” word or phrase for the coming year and at the end of 2014, I thought I would join. My Grammy had given me a token that said “Shine From Within,” and I thought about how that sentiment could mean so many different things. I don’t know if I “focused” on that phrase as much as I said I would, but I do believe that I worked toward being my more authentic self. Of course there are always many more miles to go, and maybe I’ll find new definitions for that phrase, but I can say in full confidence, that I like where I am headed in 2016.

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Let’s not skip past 2015 though, because it’s certainly not a year that I ever want to forget.

In 2015, I took a new job and moved to Washington D.C.

Snow at our overnight stop in Effingham, IL.
In the snow my apartment building kind of looks like the Hunger Games victor’s village…
Everything BARELY fit!
#wheattour15 selfie!
Meet Julia. She’s a fellow K-Stater and loved Thor as much as I did. I’m kind of bummed that I took her job because she’s pretty rad! But I was pretty lucky that she came for one last meeting to teach me the ropes.

On January 9th I heard about a job opening at U.S. Wheat Associates
On February 9th I accepted a job there as a Communications Specialist
On March 9th I was all moved in and had my first day as a “wheatie.”
And by April 9th, I knew I had found someplace special.
The learning curve is still really steep and I might live by “fake it till you make it” forever, but I honestly love my job. I love my office environment, the work, the farmers I work for and feel so lucky to have so many great co-workers. I love the feeling that I’m doing something that benefits others and in an industry that I believe in with every part of me.

I REALLY miss both Kansas and Oregon, but I am confident that this is where I need to be in my life right now.

In 2015, I explored my new home.

The Iwo Jima memorial is a little under 1.5 miles from my apartment.
National Archives where we saw the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
National Mall from the Lincoln Memorial
2015 Armed Forces Day at Arlington National Cemetery
Mt. Vernon
White House

Looking back I don’t really remember much in March and April. I think it was all I could do to go to work and learn as much as I could everyday and curl up on the couch when I got home. But I’ve always dreamed of living here and eventually I began explore. I am fascinated by this place. So much history, so many unique people and there is always a dozen or so fun events going on here. I am continuing to slowly work my way through the tourist attractions (saving some for when I have visitors) and searching out some of the lesser known sights. I love visiting Arlington Cemetery, running on the Mall and saying Hi to Lincoln. I crossed off an item off of my bucket list and watched fireworks on the Mall and enjoyed the cherry blossoms in the spring. Anyone who would like to visit, let me know, I am honing my skills as a tour guide 🙂

In 2015, I had so many opportunities to travel.

Morning run down to the Midway.
Part of our group at the Volcan de Pacaya
Sumpter Valley.
Just a bit of relaxing.
Pool side
Sumpter Valley.
New Year’s Eve on the Riverwalk.
Sisters
Catching a few last rays.

My job took me back to Kansas, San Diego, Phoenix, Lake Tahoe and on my first big international trip to Guatemala.
I had the chance for a quick trip home and to the cabin over the summer, celebrated my sister’s 21st birthday in Las Vegas, my 25th birthday back in Kansas and witnessed my friend Blaine’s wedding. I spent Friendsgiving in North Carolina and Christmas at home again with my family.

At one point in the summer I went 8 weeks where I never spent more than 8 days in a row in D.C. This is the life friends. There is a lot of ugly that goes on in the world, but I still refuse to believe that it’s not beautiful.

In 2015, I really valued my time with my family and friends.

Ready to go out!
My favorites 🙂
Hiking with Dad.
Thanks for being my partner in crime this weekend Sonia, couldn’t have done it without you! I’m so glad you’re joining our family!
When your little sister’s best friend grows up and becomes your friend too. So glad you joined us in Vegas Jordy!
We all got a pretty good laugh watching Kristi test out whether Buck could handle two riders. But she did get up no thanks to any of us.
Got to catch up with Kari and decided to swing by to see my Dad at work at the high school and took a walk through the halls reminiscing. It’s been 6 years since we graduated!
New Year’s Eve with Kyla.
My FAVORITE picture of the whole weekend.
DC – Spring 15
Mt. Vernon
Reconnecting with my high school XC teammate Melissa!
“Golden is in the eye of the beholder, love you girl.”
On a walk with Mom.

My grandparents are the true rockstars of the year. They cut their anniversary trip short to fly to Kansas to help me pack and then made the drive East with me. And I don’t know which was more horrible, the weather on the drive or my attitude. I put all of my stress and worry on them and all they did was love me back. I am still incredibly grateful for the help and support.

Even though I moved to the East coast I still got to spend quality time with people that I love and as I mentioned above, shared many celebrations together. I had a few visitors to my new home, including my best friend Richole from Oregon and my college friend Chelsea, who is now a fellow Virginian at Virginia Tech. And most importantly I am starting to build a life here and making new friends

In 2015, I did things that made me happy.

I became a resident of Virginia and began to embrace my new home.
I began a window garden again, and failed, AGAIN.
I continued to do some DIY projects and finished my very first crochet project.
I discovered the BEST semi-annual book sale at the local library and added so many new books to my own library.
I finally got a professional camera and am enjoying learning how to better use it and sharing those images with others.
I really dove into blogging, sharing my love for music, scrapbooking my life and felt so rewarded and motivated by my new “The Road I Traveled” series. And those are all just SOME of the highlights.

There is a lot that I am hopeful for in 2016.
I hope that I continue to grow, build my self confidence and be someone that I can be proud of.
I hope that I keep learning and become a better communicator and agriculturist. I hope to better serve others, both in my career and everyone who deserves the best from me. I hope to continue to have wanderlust and be brave enough to take risks. And most of all I am always hopeful for health and happiness, for myself and those I love.
There are a lot of things that we can be in this life, but I think just being simply happy, is the best there is.

I have lots of goals and adventures to be had, so 2016, I hope you are ready, because I am not slowing down.

And of course, my list of favorite music this year is long, but these four songs are what motivated me and spoke to my heart this year.

Cheers, and Happy New Years!

Year in Review

In 2014, I Lived.

Amanda

iswearilived

In 2014, I wandered.

Memphis. Philadelphia. Austin. Chicago. Des Moines.
Countless trips to Kansas City and Wichita.
From the Oregon Coast to my beloved Blue Mountains to home sweet home.
And I’m going to be ringing in the New Year down in San Antonio

My job took me to new places and on great adventures.
It also gave me the time to travel and visit those who mean the most to me.

The Bean | Chicago
Beale Street | Memphis
Childhood best friends.
Philadelphia grub.
Boat tour | Chicago
Independence Hall | Philadelphia
Yaquina Head Lighthouse | Newport, Oregon
Surprising the family for Thanksgiving.
The Diggins | family cabin
Newport, Oregon

In 2014, I celebrated.

Three of my best friends got married…within one month, and I was in all three of them.
Yah, that happened.
I became a bridal shower/bachelorette party hosting pro.
There was a speech to write, flowers to design, lots of accessories to keep track of, DJ-ing, nerves to calm, 10 different hairstyles to do and a few tears.
There was cake too, that was pretty great.

To Kyla, Leah and Richole, thank you so much for asking me to be a part your special days and, a part of your lives. You each are such vibrant, loving, beautiful women, and I am so blessed by our endless laughter and memories.

Taking pictures at the Pearce wedding. Such a fun wedding party!
Kyla’s Bridal Shower.
Doing Kyla’s hair.
Richole & Dustin’s small ceremony on the Oregon coast was PERFECT!
Minutes before Leah & Ryan got hitched!
Co-Maids of Honor & Best Men giving our speeches.
Leah’s Bachelorette Weekend.
The full Pearce wedding party at the rehersal dinner.

In 2014, I took big kid steps.

I might have graduated college in 2013, but since I continued to live with my college roommates for the remainder of the year I was kind of in limbo between college life and “post grad life.”

But in 2014, I made up for it.
I moved into my own place and cut 7 inches off my hair.
I fought the urge to get a puppy and settled for plants.
I bought good furniture, became a Kansas resident and a Manhattan townie.
I’ve started to cook more than ramen and pb & j sandwiches.
Heck, I don’t even think talking about budgets and retirement plans are boring anymore.

I realize I’ve barely made it past chapter one on all there is to learn,
but from where I’m sitting, this life ain’t half bad.

Carl, Kevin and Russell.
Work trip.
New hair cut!
Pinterest | weheartit.com

In 2014, I learned to enjoy this season of life.

Concerts under summer stars. A purple stadium to cheer in. Making last minute plans and random weekend adventures.
Visits from my family to Kansas and traveling home to surprise them for Thanksgiving.
I had time.
Time to think, read, explore and enjoy good wine.
Time to rediscover old hobbies and uncover new ones.
Time for successful DIY projects and failed attempts at new recipes.
It’s hard not to want to rush through toward the next bend in the road, but 2014 taught me to take a deep breath and take the time to enjoy this season, and live.

BaconFestKC with Megan and Cameron.
Rodeo with Bri.
Sister tattoos.
K-State tailgating with Leah, Aspen and Miranda.
Audrianna’s baby shower!
Exploring Wichita with Mom.
4th of July with Leah, Megan and Jancey.
Celebrating Brandi’s graduations!
Grammy came to visit me!
Grampy and I at the Auburn game.
Pinterest | devonaragona.wordpress.com
OneRepublic, The Script and American Authors.
Celebrating my birthday with a weekend trip to Kyla’s.
Always love my random run-in and life chats with Justin!

In 2014, I swear I lived.

Thanks to all who were part of a pretty fantastic year.
Looking forward to spending 2015 with you, and all that is to come.

Year in Review

My 2012 Year in Review

Amanda

If I were to describe my 2012 Twitter style, I would “hashtag” things like #musicjunkie #growingup #EMAW #itsthesimplethings #internlife #family #thingsmyroommatessay #ksuagmag #agcommproblems #awesomesauce #AFAlove #blessed…just to name a few.

Yes, it has been good year with many great experiences and opportunities filled with love and laughter. I am so blessed and fortunate to have shared it with so many. So, I’m jumping on the band wagon and sharing my Top 10 Moments in 2012 (in no particular order of course.)

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  1. Family vacation in Cabo San Lucas
  2. Summer internship with ICM, Inc. and experiencing living in Wichita, Kansas.
  3. Being on leadership staff for the Fall 2012 edition of the Kansas State Agriculturist magazine
  4. Became quite the concert-goer taking in Wade Bowen, Josh Abbott Band, Kyle Park, Kevin Fowler, Logan Mize, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and ……attending Country Stampede!
  5. Was able to make four visits home to Oregon for the Oregon FFA State Convention in my hometown, my baby sister’s high school graduation, attending Caitlin and Matt’s wedding, a quick trip to the cabin, the Umatilla County Fair and of course, the holidays.
  6. My parents and grandparents visited me in Kansas and witnessed a Wildcat victory over Miami.
  7. Speaking of Wildcat football…Can you say Big XII Champs? What an amazing season to be a part of.
  8. Moved in to an apartment with my two best friends Kyla & Megan. We’ve laughed, cried and went a little crazy. I couldn’t imagine senior year without these two by my side.
  9. Those I love are happy and healthy, and with the exception of a wee sprained ankle, this fall was the first semester in college that I did not get ridiculously sick.
  10. Finished up my year of service on the Agriculture Future of America 2011-2012 Student Advisory team with a trip to Washington D.C. and attended fall conference again as a regular delegate, all with eight teammates who are now eight of my closest friends.

2013, you have big shoes to fill. I’m looking forward to being editor of the Kansas State Agriculturist magazine, graduating from K-State, further enabling my concert junkie status and starting my new job with the Kansas Pork Association. And, considering I’m writing this as I sit on a plane on my way to watch my Wildcats play in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, I think it’s going to start out pretty good.

Thanks for being a part of my crazy adventures.

Here’s to the New Year!

– Amanda