What's new with 22?

My neighbors (Hunter and Garrett) and I

One of my friends from high school commented on how I hadn't written a blog in about a month, so I decided to take time out of my busy school schedule to do so! 

In just a few days I will be turning 22. To me this has no great significance. In fact, it is just another year closer to 30. Not that it is a bad thing, I would just rather stay 21 forever! Being 21 brought me many memories, good and bad. But mostly good! I cannot imagine being in a happier place in my life at the moment. I've learned a lot about myself and met some pretty amazing people along the way. 

Since I turned 21:

I got to go to the beach for the first time.

I got to go to Vegas! (not for the first time, but it was my first time going as a LEGAL adult)

I got to finally buy my first bottle of wine!

I became extremely close with my neighbors who turned out to be extraordinary guys and great friends. 

I got to be the girl standing closest to my sister as I watched her marry the man of her dreams. 

I will soon be an Aunt to my first nephew that will be joining my two adorable nieces. 

I filed my intent to graduate.

I figured out that going home is the perfect escape to the busy school life (even though I couldn't wait to leave when I was 18)

I reconnected with old friends, and made a lot of new along the way.

I lost 35 pounds...and counting!

I figured out its okay to go with the flow and quit trying to plan every detail of my life out.

I managed to do even better in all my classes than ever before.

I started my photography passion into a personal non-professional business and love it very much.

I got to watch my brother's very last basketball game ever after watching him for 13 years. 

I got to camp out in Raiderville. 

I laughed a lot.

I cried a lot.

I smiled a lot. 

But most importantly...I learned a lot. About myself, about life, and about my friends.

This year has brought many milestones that I consider to be huge impacts in my life. People I will never forget, and moments I will always cherish. For that, I thank all those people for bringing that light in my life. I may not know where I'm going..but I know where I've been. And I know that no matter what, each day is a blessing and I will continually enjoy them. I want to laugh more than ever before, and can't wait to see what the next year will bring my friends and family. Everything happens so quickly. I know that now because of hindsight, but will be more careful now to enjoy every great moment I live in. 

So what is new with 22? Right now, I feel like it will just be another day in the life of this girl. But after seeing all the great things that come in one year...I have big plans for 22. I just don't know what they are yet. I have a feeling they will be amazing though :) 

“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” -- Abraham Lincoln

Sweet Nostalgia

In light of analyzing the past year of my life...I have come to one conclusion: LIFE GOES ON.

I have gone through many changes within this last year and I can honestly say I wouldn't take one moment back. Some of it was extremely tough to go through, but I truly believe I am stronger because of it. I gained a lot in the last year and I have lost some as well.

I had to deal with my first broken heart but got to figure out how to love myself and gain my confidence back. I had to learn to let go of the single person who made me happiest and most upset all in one...But in the meantime I found out that I can love another. And that God knows what He's doing. Sometimes two people just aren't compatible. It doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with either of them. It's just not meant to be. There is no better feeling than finally reaching that realization.

I gained a new family member this year as well. I now have an amazing new brother-in-law who made all my big sister's dreams come true. I can never express how thankful I am for having this perfect addition to our family. i don't remember another time that I have ever been as happy for someone else as I was for my sister on her wedding day. It was a day we had dreamed about for years and it finally came true. I feel like she could not have found a better match and that they will have a lifetime full of blessings to come.

More recently, I have reunited with old friends and met some amazing new ones. I know friendships are true when I feel like I've known someone forever after just spending a couple days with them. Words cannot describe the appreciation and love I have for my friends, new and old. They have stuck with me and listened to my whining, complaining, and lame jokes. And they always do so with a smile and a hug.

I couldn't ask for more in my life at the moment. So many things have happened and changed for me. And I do not regret one of those things. I some of my biggest ups and biggest downs during this time and I will forever be thankful for the people who came in and out of my life during that time, and of course am truly thankful for those who are here to stay. I'm doin' alright for the time being and couldn't ask for anything better than this.

The Chorus from the song "This" by Darius Rucker kind of puts things in perspective for my mental state and the way I view all of this that has happened the last year.

"Every stoplight I didnt make

Every chance I did or I didnt take

All the nights I went too far

All the girls that broke my heart

All the doors that I had to close

All the things I knew but I didn't know

Thank god for all I missed

Cause it led me here to this"