It started at a low point. I was afraid, and felt alone in something I'd never experienced before. I'd invested in something I thought was worth it, when it didn't go where I'd planned, I was left in an unfamiliar place, with a broken heart. That was not fun. I knew at some point I'd go up, and things would get better. However, at the bottom I couldn't yet see what was all around me. I had no idea what climbs and loops lay ahead. I just knew I had to hold on.
As the year progressed, I began to look around and see that the farther from the bottom I got, the more I could see in the distance. I saw beauty again. I saw laughter, happiness, and God's warmth. I met new people, I made new memories and experiences. I learned more. All the while I knew I couldn't look back down at where I'd come from. However, a few times of looking back was inevitable. Despite looking, the ride continued to progress farther and farther away from its beginning. It was fun. I went out, heard some amazing music, and found the person who had disappeared for a short time.
Just when things seemed to flatten back out, a loop happened. I moved away, started a career in a new place. I had an entire new life. Though it hasn't always been awesome, I love it. I love my town, my house, and my job. I love being an adult depending on myself. I love being this single person who has absolute freedom to go and do whatever I decide at the moment. From up here, I can see off into the distance. I have set new goals, and I am so grateful for all the experiences this ride has given me. I've achieved more than I ever thought possible in 2011. Like I said, it started broken hearted and lost, and it has ended happy and accomplished.
I'm very much looking forward to what 2012 has to offer. I can not wait to accomplish a life goal and go to Ireland. I can't wait to meet my nephew. I don't believe in setting New Year's resolutions, but if I did, mine would be to accomplish more in 2012 than I did in 2011. However, that would be an intense challenge.
God is so good to me, even when I don't ask him to be, his unconditional love is the biggest blessing, and it happens year after year. I truly am amazed by His love. He is an awesome roller coaster operator :)
Because I take pictures of absolutely everything, and my new macbook has an awesome photo organization program, I've composed a photo timeline of 2011 for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.
January
Lola continued to grow into a beast. She is the greatest dog in the world.
I worked 3 jobs while I was in San Angelo, and I absolutely loved working at GCDC, it is a non profit organization that does amazing things for its community. The two other guys who worked in the office with me are awesome, a day didn't go by that I didn't laugh incredibly hard. We played so many jokes on each other. It was an amazing experience, and I miss it. At one point, I made the poster above, with Manny on it. It spread like wildfire. So many laughs from all over town. One of my favorite memories.I loved meeting people in San Angelo, and going to all of Manny's shows. My favorite place was a venue down town called "The House of Fifi Dubois." So many fun nights were spent hanging around that place. I miss it so much.
Lola loved living in West Texas. There are so many cool places I found to take her where she could run free. This is one of my favorite places, its on the other side of a dam. I discovered it in Jan, we went out there at least twice a week every week I lived in Angelo after that.
February
February started extremely cold!! It was below freezing in the teens for over 4 straight days. School/work was cancelled and Lola and I played in the snow all day every day. It was my first real time to ever see actual snow. I loved it. When it warmed up, we were back at seeing local bands. The picture of us girls was taken before what will always be known as the "Michael Jordan Incident". Haha... Good times.
March
March is always my favorite month. The trees start filling out and the temperature starts rising. Lola and I really enjoyed this past march. We were always outdoors.
Spring Break 2011 was one for the books. I spent the week in Vegas for Maddie's Bachelorette party, and in Arizona visiting Michelle and going to a Flogging Molly concert on St. Patti's day. I can't even talk about half of the things that happened. I've been sworn to secrecy.
April
April was fun. My best friend Mackenzy came to visit from New York. We had an awesome time as usual. I got to spend time with my family and got a nice tan at the lake. However, in April west Texas caught on fire, and burned all Summer long, it was the worst fire season in several years, maybe ever.
May
May was awesome! It was spent hanging out with friends, enjoying the sunny days, and planning for the next year. It was in May I decided to accept the job I was offered and move East.
June
June was a mess. It started off great though, my friend Landon came to visit and I volunteered him to be in the Juneteenth parade with me for my job. We were the only white people there besides my boss. So much fun though! Then I went to College Station one weekend so that Keny could come with me to Houston to house hunt, and while I was there the hot water heater at my house in Angelo burst. It flooded the entire house. Everything got ripped up by the workers, and before I could get home the house was a wreck. My landlord wanted to redo the house so I had to start planning my move out QUICK, fortunately I had found a cute house to live in out East, so I wasn't homeless, although I did live in Ashlie's spare bedroom for a week while I picked up and packed the chaos at my house there. That experience had some awesome memories of its own. It was a great week, and the air mattress wasn't that bad! It was a great last week in San Angelo. I'll never forget my time there.
July
July was a busy month. I packed everything I own and with the help of my parents and friends, moved down to south Texas. Within a week of being here I started my career of being a coach and teacher. It was such a busy time. 2 a days started at the end of July and I had an entire classroom to set up and decorate. I got it all done and couldn't believe how different my life had become. I also took advantage of living 30 minutes from the beach. Lola and I went several times before school started. I got a great tan, and even met some cool people!
August
In August, I turned 25 years old. I also turned into a teacher. It was a great month, I learned so much in such a short period of time. My parents came up for my birthday and I got to take them into Houston. It was great. I also learned in August that I was going to be an aunt to a baby boy.
September
September was great. The weather was nice, we finally got some rain and the grass and trees were full. Lola enjoyed the weather. I bought new patio furniture, however I stayed really busy with coaching, so I didn't have much time to hang out in the back yard.
October
October was a fast month. Not too much happened. I finally got to go home and visit my family for the first time since July. The Aggies were having a horrible season, so their flag got flown at half mass during that streak. Halloween came and went, I've never passed out so much candy in my life. Lola hated her costume :)
November
November was all about the football! I got to go visit my friend Michelle who had just moved back to Texas! We had a great time, even though I had to rent a car to go see her. Dad and I went to an Aggie game along with Tony, Lindy, Michelle, Nick, and Landon. It was a great time, the Aggies FINALLY won!! I went home for Thanksgiving and got to see the Texas game with my family. Always good to be home.
December
So the year is over. So many memories and fun times, so many struggles and trials. The only thing in this life that is constant is change. I can not wait for what is to come.
Oh Baby Baby its a Wild World.
