"She said I think I'll go to Boston... I think I'll start a new life, I think I'll start it over, where no one knows my name"

To start off this post, I just have to ask--has anyone ever found a song that PERFECTLY fit into their lives at that moment so amazingly that it has somehow become the "theme" for your life?
I have.
Okay, so with that said: I have been here a YEAR! Today April 5, 2009 is officially the one year mark. And wow. what a year it has been. I have come a long LONG way since I left Utah. And yes folks, this does mean a list! :D
In the past year I have:
-been to VT, RI, NH, ME, and of course MA (and on Saturday, NY (again) )
-been whale watching (so cool!!)
-lost 40 lbs
-figured out what my next few steps are in life
-found some AMAZING friends
-found me
-become happier than I think I ever have been

I am THRILLED that I get to stay here until early August and it will be really hard to leave but I do honestly believe that when August comes around it will be time for me to go home. I have had a great time here, gained some wonderful experiences that have shaped who I am and will continue to be, and I have had the opportunity to watch two beautiful, wonderful, and crazy boys that I just love.

Also over this past year I've been able to have wonderful people come and visit me while I have been out here (in order of visit): Rachelle--best friend from college from those who don't know; DIANE--beautiful! wish you were here!; MAMA--so glad I got to show you my world!; Dad & Dana--i'm so glad that i got to show you my world as well!

I have narrowed down my favorite places in MA to 3 places:
1) Salem, MA...the history there is mind blowing and the actual city is beautiful...
2) Concord, MA...it is just awesome...
3) Regina's Pizzeria in the North End (Italian Boston)--Leonardo DiCaprio ate there while filming the Departed and I have now taken a picture of his picture hanging on the wall AND sat in the same booth as he has!!! *if the pathetic-ness of this one is a surprise, you haven't talked to me since I was 11. :D haha

There is so much to say about my last year here in Boston but it is to much for a blog post so I have ATTEMPTED to narrow it down to the highlights which are as follows:
Me and Rachelle at Martha's Vineyard; my closest friend out here Suzzie and me in VT; WHALE WATCHING!!!!; me and Diane in Ogunquit, ME; me and Mom in Provincetown, MA; a group of friends in Portland, ME over thanksgiving; thanksgiving at the Pritchetts; my ward's sub 4 santa presents; a group of friends at the Waltz and Schmaltz held at Wellesley; me holding a baby alligator while visiting dad/dana in LA; mom, isaac, and Lesley (and will!) at Mesa Falls; Dad/Dana in front of the Bunker Hill Monument.

me 1 week before I left UT

ME NOW.

Okay...that is enough for now because nothing can top that picture....