hello 2010, my name is Brooke, I'm your #1 fan.

2009, I'm so glad you're over. Don't get me wrong, I've learned a lot and grown more than I ever could've imagined while you were around...but I'm so over you. 2010 is slated to be wonderful. Evidence?

1. kick started with an amazing trip down to vegas for the new years. climbing in a tank top outside in warm weather during the winter...whaaaa??? awesome.

2. my work hours increased. therefore, my bank account will soon increase. thank. heavens.

3. I'm done done done with undergrad in less than four months. FOUR. I'm starting a paper chain countdown. Just you wait.

4. The boys and I successfully pulled off a surprise birthday present for our mom...a black lab puppy named Harley! Such a doll! (pictures of her to come soon)

5. I have the world's best friends, and lucky me, a handful of them are also relocating to the east coast post graduation. yay for NYC! and yay for having more friends out there!

I think that's sufficient for now. 2010 you're already proving to be better than 2009. muah.

Sibling Love

LOVE my brothers. This Christmas was a bit sentimental since it'll be the last one we'll all have together for another two years (since Dan is leaving on his mission soon).

Paul you're the best older brother and friend I could ever ask for. You're always there for me, no matter what. I'm so lucky to have you. I love that I can talk to you about literally anything and you'll always have my back. You always know just what to tell me to help me through anything.

Daniel you're the goofiest, funniest guy I know. I love how much you make me laugh and smile and just relax! Who else pulls all of those goofy voices out of me? I don't think anyone else makes me as fun as you do. I'm going to miss you a lot while you're in Milan these next two years.

Miker you're a doll. Even with the ten year difference, you're a joy to have around.


Love you boys. I'm the luckiest sister in the world, I wouldn't trade you for anything.

Christmas Eve

It's been far too long since we've had the family together...one year since I've seen my favorite Paul. Gosh I love my family. My aunt just got in to town today and shared with me some of the best advice I've ever heard...

"what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
ralph waldo emerson

Beautiful.

In the meantime, Happy Christmas Eve from foggy Washington!


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PS family portraits were yesterday (thank heavens that's done!)...I'll post those soon.

Portland, OR

Discoveries from this weekend:

1. Roadtrips are heinous. They should be saved for only lovers and good friends. ie never your family...unless you have an extreme talent to keep your eyes and ears glued to iPod, laptop, or some other electronic device for the entire duration.

2. Why on earth have I never been to Portland before?! SO BEAUTIFUL!

3. Retirement is sweet. The only time I'm ever jealous of old people is when I visit my grandparents. Rockstars.

4. Procrastination has hit an all-time high for me. Christmas is in 5 days. I still need to buy presents for the brothers AND my dad. holy hannah.

5. Family photo sessions cause more stress than anything else in life. True story.


PS if you're in the Pacific Northwest this break...call me :)

Memories

Isn't it interesting how memories can leave you so lonely? (but really, you'd think it'd be the opposite...after all, you're thinking about a person.) Probably explains why my eyes are so puffy and I can't sleep at night. I can't believe it's been a year.

my dear semester

Dear Semester,

I have no idea where our time together went these past four months. You've treated me well. I've made so many new wonderful friends, learned a lot about life, and had so much fun enjoying life! Oh yes, and thank you for letting me survive finals this past week. phew! I can't believe you're one of my last. But that's the beautiful thing about life, isn't it? I love how constant the change is. Well, at least for now.

love,


B

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PS sooooooo excited for Christmas! Still not sure what or where I'll be for New Years...suggestions? Was planning on Hawaii, but I'm rainchecking that trip. Colorado? Utah? hmm...

Ilene Darling

So excited you're getting married Ilene! I had a BLAST putting together your bridal shower tonight...especially the hot cocoa bar (why on earth didn't I take a picture of that cuteness?!)