2016 in Review

Hello readers,

It's been some time since I've shared my adventures with you! My schedule and job kept me quite busy during the last couple months and I was trying to stay on top of everything, but unfortunately let my blog go by the wayside. I expect to have a little more time for adventure and reflection this next semester and will try to keep you more up to date!

So this is the time of year when I traditionally take some time to reflect on the ups and the downs, the adventures, the friends, and the ins and outs of my year.  I had an exciting year, and here are some of the main events of 2016:

• I brought in the year surrounded by the red rocks of Moab, Utah
• I fell in love with Grenoble, France (the city, the surroundings, my friends, my job, opportunities for new adventures, and the lifestyle)
• I worked only abroad (never in the USA)
• I taught English to students from age 17 to 60, and gave them real grades for their transcripts
• I was paid to translate an interesting family history from French to English 
• I skiied in the Alps on my own skis
• I started climbing and bouldering
• I spent a few days exploring outdoor bouldering in the world-class area of Fontainbleau
• I experienced a French hospital
• I drank champagne in Champagne
• I spent various weekends with friends skiing, camping, dancing, and enjoying each other's company
• I had class cancelled due to national strikes
• I travelled in, through, and around Paris
• I moved into a little studio next to some of my best friends
• I carried furniture across a city, laughing the whole time
• I found many little treasures at thrift stores and had my picture taken for their promotional material
• I revisited Perpignan, Aix-en-Provence, and Cassis
• I visited my best friend in sunny San Diego
• I accompanied my mom on her tour guide trips in Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park
• I saw a play in French (the Count of Monte Cristo)
• I comforted friends through their disappointment and bewilderment of Brexit
• I voted for the U.S. Elections and couldn't believe the results
• I continued practicing love and respect over hate
• I drank vin chaud (mulled wine) at Christmas markets
• I saw the magical Fête des Lumières in Lyon
• I came home for the holidays

So it's been a busy year, and that's how I like it. I'm happy to have so much adventure. Yet what's been really special this year has been the people in my life. My family plays such an important role in who I am. It's been difficult being far away, but I've also found another family of my friends in Grenoble. I don't yet know what 2017 will bring. I know that I'll finish the school year working at Université Grenoble-Alpes, but that I'll need to find another opportunity once my contract finishes at the end of August.  There are different options; we'll just have to see what direction I go!

Spending time with my dad in the Rockies

Climbed my second 14er! 

Hiking in the calanques by Cassis, France

Exploring the passerrelles with Grenoble friends

Experiencing fancy Versailles

A student project being displayed at the university. I'm a proud teacher!

San Diego, California

Arches National Park, Utah

Happy Holidays everyone!