This blog represents last year and everything I did, hoped and dreamed.  It's time to move on to a new blog, and another year of my life.  Sometimes my life is not very sexy, but I'm amazed at how many of you continue to read this darn thing.  Sure beats talking to myself.  :-)

 

I'll try to think of what this year meant to me - but I think the biggest accomplishments right off the top of my head are the improved communications, better relationships, change of vocation and I love the fact that I'm busting at the seams with dreams and options. 

 

Thank you so much for being my friend and for being an active participant in my life.  Relationships are a big deal to me, and I don't always take the time to tell you.  I appreciate the love despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that I'm a giant pain in the ass.  :-)

 

This is Benj and I having fun at work!  Isn't he squirrely?

I'm now in the process of creating the plan for the great escape.  Here's what I've got so far.

I caught Mark making out with a fish the other day... but I didn't get the picture in time!  I did however, catch him with two of his ex-fish... at the same time!

I had my first meeting with my personal trainer and holy crap, do I have a lot of work to do!  I'm going to be a giant pain in the ass for the next couple of months in regards to food - so please please, don't invite me to dinner, unless of course, your name is Chris - in which case - I will see you tonight!  :-)

 

Also, does anyone want to go for a long bike ride on Saturday?  I'm thinking a Redmond to Seattle ride (it's paved, it's flat)... playing a little frisbee in the park, lunch and taking the bus back to Redmond??

Plans are in motion for my great escape.  My brother seemed to have been able to leave Seattle - but he had to go through a few extremes, like selling all his belongings and move to China.  I don't plan to move to China, but to take my backpack and travel through Africa and Asia.  There are many obstacles in my way - and the biggest one is unfortunately something I can't change.  I'm a girl.  So not only am I afraid of spiders and snakes... I also have to fear being married off, kidnapped and raped in addition to the general murderous mayhem.  I know I won't be able to find anyone who wants to take a year off - so I'm exploring other options and maybe mixing up a few of my ambitions in life.  My brother has urged me on multiple occassions to toss off the corporate shackles and join the peace corps.  It doesn't sound like a bad idea... but I really want to backpack and travel instead of hanging out in one place for a long period of time.  I heard that I could join up with the Organic Farmers... which would allow me to travel between locations and have a place to stay and someone waiting for me.  If you have any comments or ideas for me, please email me at nicwan at gmail.com.  :-)

Sunday wasn't particularly better as I got into a car accident while at the Tulip Festival!  The Tulip Festival was fantastic and I got some great pictures, so the day evened out and I had a great time overall.  The shitty part is that tomorrow I'm going to be in pain!  :(  I think I have one percacet left...   - Hugs, Nicole

...en anglais!  Je suis heureuse et a la meme temps je suis triste aussi.  C'est pas mal.  Ma travaille est bon et il y a quelque choses a faire aujourd'hui.  Ma amie et moi, nous sommes aller au Trinity ce soir... et peut-etre une fete chez Olga.  Il faut que je parle francais parce que, je veux devenir mieux.