Life, the Universe, and Everything...

Sorry I haven't posted in so long. It's been a whirlwind of a year. Looking back, I realize that 2006 was the most trying (& tiring) year of my life, but an important one, and one filled with some of my happiest memories.

The hardest parts of the year: 1) dealing with chemically/hormonally induced depression and anxiety attacks (which made life very confusing) and 2) Lora's onset of cancer - including all her hospital stays, watching her lose motor skills & function, and especially watch her go through so much pain (both physical & emotional), and then basically trying to cover for my mom as she's become Lora's full-time caretaker. (Pic: Lu in rehab after September's surgery)


The best parts of the year: 1) The "best" is reserved for Dan. It was almost one year ago that Dan and I started dating. We had a long, slow start, but it's been a steady climb this year. He grew to be my best friend, and now we're getting married!!! (Pic @ right: our first choice for our wedding announcement...what do you think? Just kidding. Pic below is our real feelings...)

We've been through a lot, and we'll go through a lot more, and there's no one I'd rather have at my side. It's been a gradual, thoughtful, effort & prayer-filled process, and he's been a pillar of strength and comfort to me during some very difficult times.

Through this last year, I came to understand more and more WHY I kept (and keep) choosing Dan over other guys. I love the opportunity to know - deep in my heart - that there is something very unique about
Dan (and our relationship), that I didn't have - and didn't want - with anyone else. So, if all goes well...on March 10th, 2007, I will officially become Marci Dorman. Better start getting used to it.

(If you need help transitioning, you can call me Marci Mc-Dorman between now and the wedding.)

Honorable mentions for the year:

2) Traveling to Panama and Mexico with VIDA humanitarian group (Pic @ left: Panamanian kids looking at themselves on my digital camera) 3) Visiting Jared & Chrissa out east at their new home 4) Shauna moving back to Utah 5) Getting the garage nearly cleaned out 4) Going to Hawaii to photograph a wedding 5) Forming a great new friendship with Kristin Burnett 6) Melanie Andrus returning from her mission 7) Volunteering at the homeless shelter in Salt Lake (I've always wanted to do that) 8) Serving as Relief Society Pres. -- which was FAR out of my comfort zone, but has been a great learning experience.


Sorry it's a little short, and not very well-written, but I didn't have much time, and I just had to tell you the news. I hope you all will be able to be there.

By the way, I'll tell you how Dan proposed to me once I get the pictures. I love visual aids.