For those of you who didn't get a mailed copy of my Christmas letter, here is an electronic version:
December, 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
As I look back on the events of 2010, I have much to be thankful for and many reasons to smile. It has been a fun and eventful year and I am thankful for the goals that I have accomplished, the people I have met, the places I have been, and the precious moments I have enjoyed. As I look forward to next year, I am excited for the many adventures that 2011 will bring.
I am currently living in Provo in a Condo that I purchased a couple of years ago and had been renting out. I have a wonderful roommate, Laura Rivera, who is an excellent cook and a great friend. I also live with my dog, Buster, who constantly entertains me, and who really is a nice dog once he stops barking at strangers! ;-) I am serving as the secretary in the Relief Society Presidency of my singles ward and enjoy the friendships I have developed with the people in my neighborhood.
I began the year working in Real Estate part-time while finishing up my last few classes at BYU. The last home stretch seemed to drag on, but I FINALLY finished my courses and graduated in August! Wahoo! It feels so nice to finally be done with my Bachelor’s degree! I have learned a lot from my degree in Humanities with an Art History emphasis, and I am thankful for the way it has broadened my horizons and challenged the way I view the world. I feel that I am much more understanding, tolerant, and culturally aware because of my degree. I have increased confidence in forming and defending my own opinions, rather than relying on others to create an opinion for me.
With my schooling out of the way, I joined the ranks of many recent college graduates with the question of “What now?” Though my degree in Humanities has little direct relation to the Real Estate industry, since I have had a background in Real Estate for several years now, I decided I would continue with that profession. I transferred my license to Coldwell Banker, where I am currently working as an assistant for a team of Real Estate agents and where I have more resources and education to help me build my business and provide better service to clients. I hope to be able to implement some of the skills I am learning to have a productive and successful year in 2011. Despite the economy being what it is, I am noticing that those who are committed to their job and their clients have continued to be successful despite what market reports may predict. I am looking forward to the many challenges, successes, and learning opportunities this next year will bring.
I was able to go on a family vacation to Idaho in July where we had all sorts of fun boating, hiking, and playing on a home-made water slide. I enjoyed spending time with my adorable nieces and nephews. In September I visited a good friend, Noelle Temple, in Michigan. While I was there, I was also able to visit my Great-Aunt Ruth and Great-Uncle Neil who also live in Michigan who were in their nineties and whom I hadn’t visited since I was an infant. I’m very glad I took the opportunity to do so, because Aunt Ruth passed away earlier this month. Her passing has reminded me that life is so short and fleeting. We must seize opportunities to do things like meet people, visit places, dance to our favorite song, fall in love, and enjoy precious moments, because tomorrow is promised to no one, and some chances may never pass our way again.
As many of you know, I enjoy social dancing very much. I had the opportunity to attend several dance “events” this year where I was able to meet new dancers and improve my dance skills. In January I attended the Utah Lindy Exchange which was a 3-day long dance event full of all sorts of fun Lindy-Hop, West Coast Swing, and Blues dancing. In February I went to Sacramento with a bunch of friends to the “Capital City Swing Dance Convention” which was a weekend full of West Coast Swing classes, competitions, and social dancing. I also enjoyed lots of dancing at local venues throughout the year including the Murray Arts Center, Ballroom Utah, and Blue Tango in Provo.
It happened to be at Blue Tango that one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments came to pass! One night in July, I met a handsome, friendly fellow named Steven Kinkead. When we first met, he told me he would soon be leaving to California for some specialized training for the Army. I thought he was a really nice guy, but with him leaving, I didn’t think there was a chance for anything to really develop between us. However, when he returned and I saw him dancing again, I was once again intrigued by him, he asked me to go to dinner the next evening, and then we dated for a few weeks before he left again to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin for more training. We continued our relationship long distance and were able to talk on the phone almost every day while he was gone. When he came home for Thanksgiving, he asked me to marry him and I gladly accepted! He is a wonderful man who treats me like a princess, and I am very thankful to have him in my life. He is a member of the 744th Engineering Company from Ogden, Utah, and is currently serving in the Kunar province of Afghanistan until November 11th of next year. Having a long-distance relationship has been hard, and the next 11 months are going to be tough, but as Thomas Paine once said “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only which gives everything its value.” The rewards of loving and being loved by an amazing person are worth whatever price must be paid. I fully support Steven’s decision to do his part to help keep our country safe, despite the sacrifices that are required. Steven and I are excited to be married when his deployment is over and look forward to the adventures life will bring to us. I pray for him constantly and for the rest of our troops that are fighting for our country and to promote principles of freedom around the world. I am thankful for the precious moments he has brought into my life and for the sweet and gentle way he has encouraged my heart to open, in spite of the wounds life has given it in the past.
It is my hope that your holiday season and the coming year is filled with many precious moments for you and yours. May we all open our hearts a little wider to accept the love that is offered us in both big and little packages each day.
With Love this Holiday Season,
Valerie Shoemaker
