Looking back, I see there was the struggles- I lost my Grandpa in January. Even though I was not extremely close to him, it was heartbreaking to see my mom lose her father. I can't imagine life without my father & I know she didn't want to start imagine her life without hers.
Besides the loss, I gained another year of being with Tommy. We celebrated our two years of being together on January 4th, 2011. My longest relationship & a relationship that made me a better person, regardless of it later ending this year.
In February, I celebrated my last homecoming as a high school senior. It was one of my favorite nights. The next day, we got to hold a homecoming for Special Needs which was beyond fun and moving! I could cry tears of joy from watching their faces light up.
March was known for the never-ending sleepovers at Chelsea's and the month I got to see my favorite NHL player, Alexander Ovechkin play.
April was an emotional roller-coaster. This was the big month that Brianna and I became "sisters" & started hanging out almost every day. It also was the month that Tommy broke up with me. Regardless, I don't regret a moment or memory that I shared with him. We had a beautiful relationship & it came to a finish. Who knows what God has planned for the both of us?! I wish him the best in all he does & I know he feels the same for me.
This was also the month where I wanted a change. I chopped off 3-4 inches of my hair- where it sat on my shoulders and I joined the soccer team which was probably one of the best and most challenging experiences in high school even though I barely got to play because of grades and my new job. I got hired at a movie theater where I met my two new best friends, Ashley & Sam and so many more incredible people that I love so much! :)
May was my favorite month of all. It was my last Prom that I shared with Robert, who I had the time of my life with. He's a sweetheart & I am thankful for that memory with him.
I became extremely close with a boy named Josh ,who came along and changed everything. I am thankful for all our wild memories. I still think he's an incredible guy and has a lot going for him even though we have gone our separate ways because of school, work, etc.
The best part was Senior Trip! I am beyond thankful and happy that I went. I saw the beauty of the mountains, trails, scenery, etc. Everything else in life seemed so small when I was put in the middle of God's creation. Everything about that trip was beautiful. I did my best to capture all of it. I got to experience a rehabilitation center in Arizona where one of my close friends came out of & wanted to visit everyone. It was beyond moving and emotional. It made me open my eyes to how beautiful & fragile life is and how glad I am to have the supportive, Christian family that I was given. To experience this whole entire trip with my class, I had to ride an airplane for the first time. For those who are wondering, I survived and didn't throw up! And of course- we can't forget Barbra Streisand.
When I think of June, I think of freedom, being crazy & eighteen. I graduated from high school and got to go to Taylor Swift's concert the very next day. How cool is that?! I also saw Rihanna, B.O.B, Tim McGraw, The Band Perry & Katy Perry. It was also the one year anniversary of losing my best friend, Timmy. I promised him I would graduate from high school and I did- I even passed Biology! In memory of him, I got my lip pierced which he said I would never do because I'm too chicken. Well, Tim- I hope you're looking at me now!
July was a little stressful with my graduation party & getting everything ready for that. In the end, it was fun and a great time with family and friends who got to share that special day with me. I got to see Keith Urban, Jake Owen, Nicki Minaj & Britney Spears. I also went to Cedar Point with Bri & Ryan- where Bri learned to whip her hair back and forth.
I started my first semester of college & got a new kitten named Baby towards the end of August, but before that I went to visit my Grandma with my mom, two brothers & Bri- where my Uncle Scott, cousins- Christian & Emily also were. I'd have to say going to the beach and relaxing was the best part. Having all of us there was crazy, but enjoyable! I love them. :) My brother and I got to go to the Kenny Chesney & Zac Brown Band Concert for free because I won tickets off the radio. To say the least, that concert was definitely interesting.. but, Ryan and I had a good time. I also saw Lady Antebellum (my favorite band) with Melynn at the zoo! It was a weird location, but an awesome show as always. They never let me down with their music.
In September, I finally had my diploma in hand which I had worked so incredibly hard for. It was definately a weird change going from high school to college, but it's growing on me and I like where I'm at. I went to see Chris Brown and attempted to see Jason Aldean- both times were great and I had fun with the people that joined me. I also went to my first Michigan football game with Shane. It was overwhelming at first being in such a huge stadium, but it was a fun time that I shared with him even though we had to work afterwards.
October was my birthday month and favorite holiday- Halloween. I went to Cedar Point with Bri and Ryan for Halloweekends! We literally did every single Haunted House and I was dragged on the Dragster for the first time. I almost cried! I was so incredibly scared, but I told myself that I was fearless and did it anyway.
I had a great birthday and shared it with Ashley, Brianna, Ryan and Nick who put up with me all night long! Thank you guys :)
Later that week, we made pumpkins. I made two; both were a fail. Shane's pumpkin was probably the best.
The first thought that comes to mind when I think of November is Theory of a Deadman. Bri and I experienced our first VIP concert and got to meet the guys then watch the concert- fourth row from the stage. I loved the whole night. Plus who wouldn't want to meet Tyler?!
I went to the Michigan vs. Ohio State game with one of my friends & big U of M fan, Ryan. The whole game almost gave me two or three heart-attacks, but Michigan won and Ryan & I are now part of football history.
Demi Lovato was also this month. Seeing her on stage and being as strong as she is now was really great. It's cool to see artists share their experiences and come out stronger than before. She honestly was one of my favorite performers that I have seen.
After these two concerts, we went to Wisconsin to celebrate my second favorite holiday, Thanksgiving with my mom's side of the family. I was beyond happy to get out of the car and see my cousins. I love them all, despite the long distance we have between here and Wisconsin. Oh & we can't forget the Black Friday shopping that we did in record time this year- only one hour!!
And here we are in December, the most enchanting month of them all.I finished my first semester of college with B's! On one of my exams I had a 203/200 and the other a 170/170- which I thank God for almost every day. Looking back at high school, where I didn't have the grades I wanted and looking at where I am now- is a miracle. I have been motivated and moving in the right direction thanks to those who helped me out my senior year. God is good!
After months of dating- Shane finally made me his girlfriend. I look forward to all the beautiful times ahead with him. He never fails to put a smile on my face. :)
The best friend turned 21 & I still remain the designated driver for her. Oh and Shane, Ashley, Ryan, Justin- the list goes on. Let's be honest though, I wouldn't have it any other way.As the new year enters quickly, I hope for moments that "own the night". I want those moments that take your breath away, the ones you never forget, ones that you dive into fearlessly, ones where you look back and laugh or can't stop smiling about, the kind that you take pictures of and hang up for years in your room. I look forward to "owning" 2012 & hope that whoever is reading this does too. Don't let worries, distractions, fears and people get in your way of your special nights. Don't settle for anything less this 2012, than what you deserve.
