The best of times, the worst of times

Okay, so maybe 2014 didn't quite hit the extremes of best and worst, but it was definitely a roller coaster year of highs and lows. Or maybe more like a bell curve, rather than a lot of ups and downs. I don't know and I don't feel like thinking over it that deeply to figure out what my year would have looked like on a graph. In terms of work, it was definitely the bell curve. Things were really looking up and seemed really hopeful. Until June. And then it was a long steep downward slope and, well, work just hasn't been so fun and welcoming. Happy New Year, and welcome back to limbo!

But let's skip over that aggravation. There were definitely good things in 2014, so here's the highlight reel:

• I moved to a new place, with a new roommate, and it has been a good change. 
• I survived all of the polar vortexes of 2014 and a record-breaking winter snowfall.
• I got a new niece, two new nephews, and met them all, plus I met my 3 year old niece for the first time!
• I went back home for an entire week (and got paid vacation!!!) and got to see a lot of my family and mountains!
• I completed Great Lakes bingo, saw Niagara Falls, and spent more than a few hours in Canada. Super fun.
• I presented at a professional conference for the first time.
• I enjoyed the friendships I've built and was really blessed by the people I know.
• I was called as an ordinance worker at the temple near me, and have been serving there since June.

I read some good books, including a couple about the Middle East that were quite insightful and going on an Agatha Christie binge. Watched some good movies, and some lame ones. I didn't seem to actually change any of the things I wanted to--I still go to bed too late, don't eat as healthy as I should, and spend more time on unimportant activities than I'd like, which has me frustrated to no end. Why is it so darn hard to change?! Anyway, I keep on trying to keep out of trouble and get by, so I guess it's life as normal. 

As for 2015, who knows what it will bring. Will this be the year I finally land a permanent job? Or will I chuck it all and move to Iceland? Will this be the year that I finally break those bad habits? Will Johnny finally tell Mary that he's always loved her from afar? Stay tuned to find out!