To me, it seems fitting to begin this blog with a summary of the year that has been. As the year comes to a close, I do not find myself where I expected to be at all. It's been quite a journey. It seems overly trite, but '09 has been just fine. In '10, I'll start all over again, and the journey will begin fresh on Friday. 12 Months. 52 weeks. 365.25 days. Every moment will affect who I am and who I will become. The mystery of 2010 intrigues me, so let's get started already. Time to wrap up 2009 and tuck it away in our memory. So what's worth remembering?
5 Lessons from 2009:
1. Time changes everything. No one could have told me on January 1, 2009 that I would find myself in school, with a completely new direction in my life by August!
2. Happiness is relevant. It has always been relevant to the situation, but have you ever considered that happiness is relevant to your own choosing. It's a choice. You can choose it. I choose it.
3. Friends are worth it. Let yourself ignore all the hurt and frustration, the ignorance and annoyance, rather embrace the bond you share. It's worth it, trust me. Go out of your way to make their day. They'll return the favor. My friends amaze me every day. Friendships ebb and flow, come and go; but always know that a friendship lasts forever in the hearts of those who work at it.
4. Love is overrated. This lesson carries over from 2008. I continue to remind myself of it daily. (For those of you in love, I am happy for you!) For years, I told myself that I needed to be in a relationship to be happy. False. I don't remember a time when I was happier than I am now. Love is wonderful. It just isn't necessary to be happy (see #2).
5. Keep dreaming. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know, how profound. The statement is so common, but it's the enactment that is lacking in most of our lives. Dream big. Reach high. Defy limits. Dreams still come true.
5 people (or groups) that impacted me the most in 2009:
1. Hannah Broich. While she hasn't been my teacher since 2003, it was her influence then that had the strongest bearing on my current career path. It just took me until March to figure it out. Thank you Hannah! I hope I can one day inspire someone the way you did for me!
2. Liquid friends. Kylee (you're leading this group! LOL), Lucas, Krystal, Lauren, Steve, Micah, Alex, Julie, Mark, Andrea, Rachel, Rob, etc. you guys are awesome. Tuesday nights are perfect, enough said.
3. The crowd, the gang, whatever you want to call us. Alyssa, Jonathan, Angel, Caleb, Aimee, James, Ashley, and Jared (and Lily too!!) The friendship our group shares continues to amaze and encourage me everyday! I'm sure you all don't realize it, but it's true. I love you all so much. Fridays....never change!
4. Maxx girls. Megan, Stacey, Jen, Rachelle, Megan, Stacy, and Jenna. Love you girls! Memories of years past...memories still in the making!
5. Paige & Logan Douglass. The three of us have too much fun. Spring road trip to IUP currently in the planning stages. Love you cuz(es)!
5 memories that I'll remember forever:
1. Road trip...I miss Montreal. I miss Maine. I miss Boston. I will return. A nice little house on the coast of Maine would be quite perfect.
2. Stone Harbor. Forever in my heart. Every year is 7 days of perfect love with family and the beach!
3. Awesome Christmas Sweater Shindig. What a crazy night! Epic fail gingerbread house. Insane apparel.
4. Exeter Planorama. I am the captain of everything. Worst hotel I have EVER stayed at. Best time with the crew from TWELVE TWENTY ONE! you know, like STEPHANIE MYERS NACE!
5. Stepping down. It was pivotal. It was epic. It was time.
5 albums that redefined my musical world in 2009:
1. Awake by Skillet
2. Dance or Die by Family Force 5
3. The Outsiders by Needtobreathe
4. Love at the Core by Run Kid Run
5. One Life by 33Miles
6. Perceptions by This Beautiful Republic
7. Say No More by House of Heroes
8. The Voice by David Phelps
9. Vol 1 & 2 by Glee Cast
10. Searchlights by Abandon
*Did you really think I could keep this list to 5?
5 movies that I will remember:
1. Sherlock Holmes
2. Star Trek
3. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
4. The Hangover
5. I Love You Man
5 people that need to consider career changes:
1. Kanye West. Seriously. You have no respect from me, because you do not offer any to other people. You are ridiculous. You're job at McDonalds is waiting. You will most likely spend all of your money and be broke by 40.
2. Philip Seymour Hoffman. You are the most annoying actor in Hollywood. You look creepy. Please stop making movies.
3. Kylee...you were born to be an entertainer. LOL
4. The Glandons. Your class missed the mark. Please retire.
5. Courtney. Need I say more. I think I've covered it all before.
What does 2010 have in store?
