2011: Highlights

2011 has been a crazy year, and I honestly cannot believe it's over already. What's even crazier to me is: I have no idea what 2012 will bring. Since I can't predict the future, let's look at where 2011 took me...

January:

We took a road-trip to California that included home-made candies, Disneyland, a dueling piano bar and reminiscing.

I started my last semester of college, part of which was spent as an intern at the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

Then I got this crazy idea I should train for a triathlon, which was awesome -- at least for awhile, until health issues and stress got in the way.

I took photos of my pregnant sister-in-law, Becky, in anticipation of the baby boy she would soon deliver.

Hilary's Art

Just before Hilary's wedding, Grandad sent me an email and pitched an idea to create a special wedding gift for Hilary. He had written a poem especially for her, and wanted me to create some art to go with it.

I couldn't say no.

Oklahoma Ice Skating and Festival of Light

I received free tickets to the Norman Outdoor Holiday Ice Rink from work, so Nathaniel and I headed out Tuesday afternoon to give our ice-legs a chance. Neither of us had skated since high school so it was definitely an interesting experience.

I'd be lying if I told you I didn't hold on to the wall most of the time, but Nathaniel skated like an almost-pro. We enjoyed it for the most part, but all the kids skating the wrong direction or cutting in front of us was...less than enjoyable.

After Nathaniel's knees took a direct hit into the ice when a kid zoomed in front of him, we called it a day.

 On the ice.

We took a break at home before heading out to the Chickasha Festival of Lights.

H + T = Jarmans

I headed out to Utah the weekend before Christmas to celebrate my cousin Hilary getting married. If I had a quarter every time somebody said I looked like Hilary, I'd be a millionaire, and that's where the nickname Twinny was born.

Twinny is passionate and spirited. She's fun and sincere. And if you ask me, she married someone her exact opposite to balance her out: mellow, steadfast and humble. Taylor and Twinny make a good team.

And they sure do look happy together.

Temple Square in December

While I was in Utah for Hilary's wedding, we — me, my parents, my grandparents and Uncle Kent — headed to Temple Square to enjoy the Christmas lights.

Grandad, Mom, Grandma and me...posing.

But this is how it really happens. Thanks to my dad for the brilliant photojournalism.

Company was good. The weather was freezing. The spirit was lovely. All-in-all a wonderful evening. 

Simple Christmas

This Christmas was simple and perfect. We had no plans besides the two of us and our apartment. We slept in, we cooked breakfast, we danced to Frank Sinatra Christmas in the kitchen, went to church, cooked dinner and then played games at a friend's house.

Simple. Peaceful. And clear-full of the Christmas Spirit of generosity, gratitude and joy.

 Our dinner. Mashed potatoes, giant dinner roles, breaded pork chops and steamed asparagus. Delicious.

 Merry Christmas!

Always,

Merry Christmas, part 2

This is my mom...

I'm pretty sure she was bored. But mostly, I'm pretty sure...

Photo Ornaments

 photo ornaments for two of my friends

If I was a good blogger, I would have posted this a few weeks ago. I made a few ornaments for family and friends this year, and it is literally the easiest ornament you could imagine.

Jacob T. Marley

If you've ever read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, then you'll love Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett. (And by the way, if you haven't read Dickens' classic Christmas tale...you're missing out!) Jacob T. Marley narrates how Marley got into his chains and shackles to begin with, and what inspired him to haunt his old business partner Ebenezer.

A story of redemption, compassion and forgiveness, the story follows the moral transformation of both Marley and Scrooge. The story is also light-hearted and humorous, reminding the reader what it means to be human.

And I know it's the weekend of Christmas...but it's never too late to read this book. Plus, if you have an e-reader you can buy and read it right now.

Check it out here and here!

Always,

I love to laugh

I looked in the mirror today, smiled at myself and saw a hint of laugh lines.

They didn't make me frown.

Laugh lines, however faint, make me feel beautiful -- successful, even.

I hope they are my deepest wrinkles someday.

Always,

Tis the Season

San Francisco Christmas 2009

Always,

Hannah the Journalist, part 2

Want to read my journalism stories? They're about fires, murder, crime, education, and everything in between.

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Always,