2011 by Photos and a Summary

As 2011 kept going I found myself at more of a loss of how to explain it to others. It was one of those years where you kind of had to be there. I did manage to put together a photo summary, one photo per month, again though. Here you go:

Click the photo for a larger version.

• January – Trip to the Quilt Fiesta, Beyond Bread, and Bookmans.
• February – Warm inside while it froze and snowed outside.
• March – Celebrating five years since our first date.
• April – Kind of a boring month actually, although Mom and Dad Giles came for a visit.
• May – Memorial Day BBQ and a trip to Utah
• June – There were fires on the mountain but we still managed to get up to our spot for the solstice.
• July – Trip to Snowflake, AZ for the temple on Lisa’s birthday.
• August – Fulfilling one of Lisa’s dreams to work chains at a football game.
• September – Making good use of our couch. It’s perfect for a nap.
• October – In which we reveal just how much we’re into the TV show Chuck (and if you aren’t, what is wrong with you?)
• November – Celebrating life and being thankful for all of its miracles.
• December – Holding each other close and celebrating the life of our Savior.

And how about a list of things I did in 2011 (if I remember them):

1. Taught 301 to 14 students and added belly dancing for breaks because it was a 3 hours class and that’s just long.
2. Went to the Tucson Quilt Show with Brett.
3. Froze.
4. Built a snowman in our backyard.
5. Took advantage of the great health insurance we have through Brett’s work and got frustrated with the crappy insurance I have through mine (and incompetent insurance people at doctor’s offices)
6. “Coached” the young women in volleyball (I’m actually really awful at volleyball, so my job was to stand on the side and cheer).
7. Submitted an outcome assessment to the IRB, got approved, and did surveys at an elementary school.
8. Submitted my dissertation to the IRB (this year I’ll submit it to my committee and get their formal approval), got approved in 6 working days (all time record) and completed round one of a tutoring program and data collection.
9. Had my parents come visit.
10. Went to Utah to spend time with the Dennis women.
11. Took two classes at the community college.
12. Got a three year teaching certificate in Arizona (probably my last teaching certificate)
13. Took a test to prove I’m a highly qualified teacher (as if that was ever in doubt, would’ve been a lot cheaper if they’d just taken my word for it).
14. Helped paint a friend’s house (Brett volunteered me).
15. Taught 301 during the summer (no belly dancing).
16. Got a new niece (and made her a quilt).
17. Mom visited again for Independence Day.
18. BBQ-ed for Memorial Day, Independence Day, day before Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve.
19. Saw the last Harry Potter movie in the theater, twice.
20. Got called to be the Young Women president.
21. Went to the Snowflake, Arizona temple. That’s all three in Arizona for now.
22. Worked chains for the Palo Verde home football games with Brett.
23. Taught 310 to a class of future drama, music, and theatre teachers. Now that’s a class with personality.
24. Dressed up as Chuck and Sarah for Halloween.
25. Celebrated our second anniversary.
26. Got really into knitting small things.
27. Cooked Thanksgiving dinner.
28. Was quoted in a book.
29. Watched Brett recaulk our bath tub (I love our bath tub).
30. Went to Utah for Christmas.
31. Got closer to making our grass a lawn than I did last year.
32. Finished the Old Testament. Read the New Testament (again) and The Book of Mormon with Brett.
33. Read 8 books.
34. Ran/walked over 600 miles.
35. And, most important of all, loved Brett with everything I’ve got.