The Brow wrote out her goals on her blog and inspired me to make a list of my own (I think this is the same way this happened last year...I'm telling you, we are gonna be friends for life!)

So I've been thinking a lot (I know...that's nothing new) about who I am and where I want to go and I've surprised myself with how different I actually am. Thanks to my Heavenly Father for chipping away at the pieces I didn't like about myself, thanks to my closest girlfriends (and Jesse) who chip away or build up areas, and thanks to myself for accepting the change and having a better attitude about rolling with the situations.

All in all, I'd say 2009 was a tumultuous year for me. Some highlights:

*One of my roommates had to be hospitalized, which showed me that I know how to handle a crisis and when the going gets tough, I stand and fight for the people I love

*I moved into a new house (only to be kicked out again due to a wedding proposal!)

*I had a summer full of small improvements to my faith

*I took out my endowments (a feeling I never want to forget)

*I made my own halloween costume! (I'm not crafty so this was exciting for me)

*I aced my finals

*I stuck to my goal of attending the temple once a month

*I made mistakes, but I can admit them and know how to improve them

*I accepted hurt from a close friend and instead of pushing away, I dug my heels in and forced myself to take the 'grown' up route

Now to some these may seem insignificant, maybe even to most. But to me, these were the defining moments of my year. These were the areas that I needed to fit myself a little more into the mold of Amber.

2010 is going to be another wonderful year...my fingers are tingling as I think about the changes my life is going to take. I am almost finished with school...Three more semesters and I will officially graduate with a Pharm D. I will be moving to Charlottesville in the spring and for the first time I will have an apartment by myself. (A fact that both terrifies me and excites me) I will be applying for Residencies and have the opportunity to go to another state. I guess you could state the ever cliche quote: The world is at my fingertips and I just need to grab it.

So for the goal part of this post:

1. Take time for the Spiritual Things. This involves reading scriptures, ensigns, and talks daily. It involves going to the temple once a month-more if possible. It involves paying attention all three hours of church and taking as much as I can on Sunday's to fill my spiritual cup for the week. This is always a goal...it's the most important goal, because without it I am not happy and without it life is a constant struggle.

2. Let things go. Life is meant to be happy and enjoyed, its difficult to do this if I hold onto the little things that are insignificant. People can only be who they are, not who I expect them to be-so I have to let it go.

3. Participate in more crafts. I enjoy doing things: scrapbooking, knitting, embroidery, quilting. Now I just need to do some things! My goal is to start grandma's scrapbook (just start...because its going to be an emotional one) and to complete at least 3 other crafts.

4. Be Prepared. No more lollygagging in my tasks. No more procrastination. (At least attempt it anyways!)

5. Budget. This is critical considering I am going to be living on my own and that it is almost time to start paying back student loans EEEEEEEK!

6. Be healthy. I hate the goal of losing weight...I always feel like a failure. So instead I just want to continue being healthy. That means exercising 2-4x a week, staying away from lots of processed foods, and not eating gobs of food (except for on girls night...cause that is what girls night is all about!)

7. Put myself out there. Now I don't mean this to be taken wrong. I just like my comfort zones and that keeps me from trying new things. I did better this year-I asked some guys out, I tried new activities, and I enjoyed them. So I guess that means I need to do the same again! There needs to be time to date and time to do things (so I guess I better keep on goal number 4!)

8. Love. For anyone who knows me, this is always a goal in life. I honestly believe love is the healing balm of everything. So it makes the list again.

Those are the big ones. There of course will always be small ones throughout the year...but for now: Happy New Year and good luck to all your goals!