Thoughts that saved your life

Happy new year!

As I am thinking about the past year I am remembering so many things. Some of it feels so long ago, and some feels like yesterday. So many new experiences and changes I went through this year. I am remembering mostly the things that taught me something, good or bad.

My first happy memory is starting school with my wonderful friends. Shima, Rach, Jaana, Tiffany, and Amber are amazing girls and classmates and I dont think I could get through school without them.. they keep me sane. I remember being so excited to see them again! Especially Tiff, it is so so great to live with her, we have grown incredibly close this past year. Even though we have known each other since 13, being roommates and classmates has really made me appreciate her and our friendship so much.

I started the year dating Kyle, that didnt last long.. He was just a bad decision, not really anyones fault, just not right for each other. I am happy to say we are still friends.. but I dont ever want to go back to anything more. Shortly after was the whole mess with JT, and yes, it was in fact a mess. Possibly the first time I have ever cried over a guy.. I dont think he broke my heart, I didnt love him, but he hurt and betrayed me on a level I have never experienced. He backed me into a corner with his lies and my promises. I dont know how it ever got to such a place. But I am determined never to go back there.. It was an awful time for me and I am not proud of my actions. But Ive got amazing friends who helped me pull through, and I am thankful for that. And I have let go of it all, I can talk about it, it doesnt hurt me anymore, I am okay with JT and I dont have any feelings against him. Thats the best part, I think.

I spent my birthday with my amazing family, went to NYC, got to see some of my favorite bands ever perform at the bamboozle, and brought my sister home with me. It was so great to spend the summer with Kel. We had soooo much fun and I think we are even better friends than before. I am so excited to see what adulthood/graduating has in store for her. I hope it brings her here, but whatever the case I know she will do awesome things.

I also re-ignited some friendships, the biggest being with Chris. He is such a great guy and an awesome friend. I am working to be a better friend to a few others that I have drifted from.. It gets hard when both people are busy, but I miss these friends, I want to have those relationships back. I am so thankful for my BEST friend, Liz. She is amazing and has been my best friend since age 8. And will be until age 80 and beyond. I am always amazed at how we help each other and teach each other, still manage to make each other laugh until we cry/pee, and constantly support each other, even after 12 years. I am very happy to have Stephen back as well.. its hard after 2 years to come back and see how much life has changed without you, but Stephen is adjusting fine and he is a best friend I intend to keep for a long long time.

I am looking forward to 2009, so many great things are going to happen.
Two of my sisters will graduate, Liz, Tara, and I will all be turning 21, the end of spring semester (which marks my half way point through school!), Tara and I are taking our summer EUROPE TOUR which will last an incredible 35 days, I have friends coming to visit and friends I would like to visit, and most of all I am excited to see what comes that I am not expecting or planning on. I thrive on experience and therefore I am awaiting the unexpected.

I dont make New Years resolutions, because, lets face it, losing 10 lbs will only happen if I get the flu, but I do make plans and set goals. So here is a list for 2009. Hope every one of you has a very blessed year ahead of you.

Read 3 books for pleasure. (Last year's count.. 2, pathetic)
Eat more ice cream (you can never have too much!)
Stop spending so much money on smoothie king/sonic
Take a summer class
Have a wonderful trip with Tara
Visit PA and go to NYC and spend time with Sam
See Dave Matthews Band in April
Steal street signs with Chris
Roll houses with Marlena and Ryan.
Spend time with RAE and ASHLEY because I miss those ladies.
Paint
Illustrations
Play rock band A LOT with Dave
Watch movies with Josh
Dont miss church
Move up in my job, or to a different area, Id like to be a DT or cashier/curbside worker possibly
See lots of live music
Buy a keyboard
Play it
Write more
Blog more (HA)
Make a drive to Knoxvull to see Will
Play red rover
Take more pictures
Talk to a doctor about my back/neck stuff
Quit smoking
..only kidding, I dont smoke.