So 2010 has come and gone, and when I think of it, where did the year go? I feel like it was just yesterday I was ringing in 2010 in Baltimore, then I blinked and rang in 2011 in my basement with my sister (both equally as fun). So what are some themes of my life in 2010, well lets see. It was a year of southern experiences: attending Carolina Cup, visiting Savannah with my family, experience snow in the south (a nightmare), football tailgates (we had a good season) and of course another 12 months of living in the south.
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| Being a souther bell at Carolina Cup |
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| Family in Savannah |
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| Lauren and I in the "blizzard of 2010 Columbia, SC" |
It was a year of travel: Orlando for business where Johanna joined me, Baton Rogue to visit Kelly, California of course for pleasure and work, and the Bahamas on my first cruise. Then of course those who visited me: my mom and sister and Meghan in California, Johanna and my dad in South Carolina, and my friends from PA who came to Jersey to visit! So much travel that I have recently decided to open a credit card where I get milage points, yes I know something I should have thought of a little while ago. Better late than never.
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| with Kell in Baton Rogue |
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| At an ice bar in Orlando with Jo |
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| Rodeo Drive in Hollywood with Krista |
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| Trolly ride in San Francisco with Shan and Mom |
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| Cruise with Lauren |
It was a year of professional development. New experiences both this summer with my internship and this semester with my new assistantship. This paired with my education and assistantship from last year has really allowed me to A)confirm that this a profession I want and B) feel prepared to be a professional in the field.
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| Orientation at SJSU |
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| Two of my co-workers and I with Cocky |
It was another year of family and friends. I again realized how lucky I am that I got stuck with the family I got stuck with. Not many people can say then have two supporting parents, family who is willing to visit them where ever they may be, and family who by and large get along. I am also blessed with extended family - two aunts who are my second biggest cheerleaders (second to my parents) and a family in Charlotte that treats me just like I was one of them, creating a home away from home! My sister moved to her apartment, my brother went away to college, and my parents became empty nesters. As far as friends go, well it was a year or reconfirming old friendships, growing friendships that had started, and creating brand new ones. Now being away from home for 6 ish years, you learn how to be friends when you are not always around each other (you look to models like my mom and her best friend Marie), and then you cherish the time you are together even more, because there is something about an old friend that you just can't explain. You continue to sustain college friendships, because really that is where you became who you are - so you put in the effort to see those people. I continued to grow my friendships in Columbia, realizing how much I really love the people down there. Both those who I have been friends from the start with, and those who somewhere along the way became some of my best friends. Then there was new friends in California, where I met my soulmate / roommate / coworker / travel partner Denica (I could not have asked for a better person to be paired with), and had the blessing of making friends with other co-workers and mentors. Then of course, the first year HESA students arrived, and well yet again more friendships were formed.
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| At my 23rd SURPRISE party, I have great friends in Columbia, SC |
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| Denica and I, this explains us |
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| Joy and Amanda visiting me in Jersey |
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| Family, Christmas 2010 |
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| Family Reunion 2010 |
Lastly, 2010 was the year of hair color. I had never dyed my hair before, but 2010 the itch to dye it occurred. Starting with naturally dirty blonde hair, I went light brown, than blonde, than blonder, than blondest. Than I went a nice chocolate brown, that turned into a not so nice orange, to my current color which thanks to my sister is now a nice brown with some natural highlights.
But, like I said 2010 has come and gone and here we are day two into 2011. So what does 2011 bring, well isn't that a question we all wish he had the answer too. I'm nixing resolutions, because lets face it they never stick. However, these are some things I am hoping for, striving for, and attempting to accomplish.
- The ability to smoothly transition from graduate school to the "real world", both emotionally and logistically. This means once again parting ways with people I spend 435734 hours a week with, and being okay with that and of course finding a job. Preferably a job that I really like, in a location that I would like, with an income that will sustain my comfortably.
- Living a healthier life style - from taking my calcium and other supplements, to running a half marathon (any takers of someone wanting to do it with me?), to resting, breathing and taking me time.
- To travel more, where the wind will take me I'm not sure. But I would be lying if I didn't say that Greece, California, Seattle, and the Dominican Republic weren't at the top of my list.
Here's to 2011, a year full of possibility for everyone. Here are two quotes (credited to Mel) to lead you into the new years.
"Convinced she can do everything she's ever dreamed of with just a little more space."
- Brian Andreas -
"She didn't know it couldn't be done, so she went ahead and did it."
- Mary S. Almanac -
