2010 Highlight Reel

This year has r o a r e d  by. It was like a high speed train that blew through every stop. I have changed and grown (hopefully not my circumference) more in 2010 than maybe in any other given year. It was certainly full of some of the highest highs and lowest lows. Many aspects of my life stayed the same, and there were also many changes. I experienced surprises, and some instances surprised me because of the lack of change- like work. Keeping in mind that many things this past year were not happy or easy, here are some highlights of the best of 2010:

I rang in 2010 in the heart of Manhattan (NYC, baby!) wearing cocktail attire and sipping champagne. The ball drop was on a TV screen, but it was so exciting knowing that it was only a few blocks away and that Emma and I had walked around Times Square just hours earlier. We watched illegal vendors peddling glow-in-the-dark necklaces and 2010 glasses. F0r so many reasons, that was quite possibly one of the best new years I will ever experience in my life. I was on top of the world. I also learned that as travelers, Emma and I complement each other perfectly. 

I watched from the South Lawn of the White House as Marine One landed and Barack Obama walked to the Oval Office.

Just one short month later, DC got blasted with, not one, but TWO blizzards within days of each other. A snowplow was stuck in the middle of my street all week, for Heaven's sake. For many in DC, these blizzards, which coincided with Super Bowl Sunday, were a nightmare. There was no meat, cookie dough, milk, eggs, or frozen pizza on any shelves in DC. 

I had to work every day of the week since I live so close. BUT, I met Alan Greenspan that week. I also drank whiskey every night at local pubs with Emma and Noor and ended up meeting the folks who became my circle of friends.

SNOWPACALYPSE!

I went "Irish Car Bomb" hopping on U Street around Saint Patty's Day with Kenny and Emma and learned that it is a liability to serve such drinks, so most bars won't do it. For those of you who have never had the pleasure, it is a pint of Guinness with a shot of Bailey's and Jameson dropped in and chugged. It's probably good that we couldn't get them anywhere except for the Irish bar and Nelly's (gay sports bar- cleanest and prettiest sports bar you'll ever see). 

I also went to Hawai'i in March. It was mostly a fly-by for me. I spent 15 hours traveling there and arrived before my family, so I played on the beach, bought a towel, and passed out (hey, 5 hour time difference). I got 3 days there and played in the waves at Waimea Bay with my brother until I was so salty that I thought I'd never be hydrated again. The hardest thing in the world is to board a plane out of Hawaii. I must have been crazy to leave. Again.

Rachel

Rachel came to visit me! The weather wasn't too awesome, but it sure was wonderful to see her.

Preakness

I went to the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore with Emma and Erich.

Wedding reception

My cousin got married in May, so I was back to Wyoming for family and fun! The bridesmaid dress caused quite the drama, but it all worked out well. Clint and Alecia are married and happy. Next up in 2011: Cousin Hilery!

May also brought warm weather to DC permanently. I have spent lots of time on rooftops all over the city, notably on the rooftop of the Newseum for Cinco de Mayo and 101 Constitution for lots of different receptions. Cinco de Mayo definitely does not go into my highlight reel though- just the rooftop!

Emma and me in Michigan

On the road

I was ready for summer to get here. I don't care how hot, humid, and downright miserable DC gets. I love it. I looked gross pretty much the entire summer, but then again, so did everyone else. I drove my car out to DC from Wyoming. That little 30+ hour trip wasn't on my highlight reel purely because I never want to drive through Nebraska again. It smells. Also, the first day of driving was the 4th of July. My favorite holiday, and I didn't get to celebrate. Brother came with me though, and I loved the time with him. We even swung up to Michigan to pick up Miss Emma and spend the night with her sweet family. I'm so thankful he came with, and then he stayed in DC for a whole week! I needed him there and loved having him. 

I started swimming again this summer, and I learned that running really isn't that bad. It's not that good, either. I loved having friends over for dinner and wine in the backyard. Despite the fact that I am a mosquito magnet, it is so enjoyable to sit outside as the sun sets sipping on wine and talking story. I could stay awake forever in the summer. It is my season.

JACK JOHNSON PLAYED AT MERRIWEATHER. It was worth it for floor tickets. I could see the sweat dripping off him and G. Love. SO so so so fantastic. Did I mention that I loved this?!

Cody

Jimmy and I threw an epic block party in August, and my cousin Cody came to visit! I also turned 24 in August. I loved being 23 (it was my golden year), but so far 24 is pretty excellent. The CUBS were in town on my birthday!! Best. Present. Ever. So Jimmy, Jenny, Pat and I went to celebrate my birthday at Nationals Park. The Cubs won. Obviously.

I also got to make it back to Casper for the 3rd annual G. Michael Perry memorial softball tournament for Special Olympics Wyoming. It was good weather and even better attitude! 

Jimmy's girlfriend Jenny and I started having chai dates at Ebenezers and now we are roommates! Jimmy, Kenny, Travis, and I drove to Toledo, Ohio to watch University of Wyoming football! And they won! Anne met us there, too.

Christopher came back to visit in October. We sat in the 10th row at a Redskins game (Peyton Manning was right there. I mean, RIGHT there) and had great shenanigans.

Redskins v Colts

Zack flew into DC for Halloween, and everybody looked so excellent dressed up.

Kenny and I made pumpkin pies before Thanksgiving. It was bittersweet due to one of the lowest lows of the year- losing Don, his dad. Don's pumpkin pie was epic, and Kenny and I did our best to match it. It was special.

Uncle John's generosity made it possible for me to go to Gram's in South Carolina for Thanksgiving. Read about that here.

December honestly was a blur. The Capitol Christmas tree came from Wyoming this year! That certainly kept the office extra busy, but it was worth it because it looks gorgeous out there. I get to be in Wyoming for Christmas and stay to ring in 2011 with my family before heading back to DC.  


It is impossible to touch on each good thing that 2010 brought. So many happy, fun, and fantastic experiences occurred throughout the year.


My wish for you is that 2011 brings all things wonderful. I hope that your highlight reel for the year ahead is packed with happy memories.
Happy New Year!
Love Always,
Elisabeth