Retrospect

Today is my 23rd birthday, and it's been such a great day. Instead of recapping the events of today with some pictures I'd like to take a moment to talk about this past year for me. I realized today when chatting on the phone with my Aunt Amber, that in these past 365(6) days I've gleaned years worth of life experience. As a brief recap let me just list some of the things that have happened.

Last year June 2012 I was just finishing up my senior year of college. That summer I moved to Massachusetts and spent the summer here working at a camp and also traveling a bit with friends and family. I also participated in the World Choir Games and had my last performance as a member of the MU Concert Choir. I completed my student teaching that fall, which was an amazing life changing experience. I met so many wonderful and inspirational people and I really got a better sense of myself as a teacher and future music educator. That December I graduated with a BA in Music Education, Magna Cum Laude from Mansfield University. During this time I lived in State College, PA with one of my best friend's Derek. While in State College I got involved with some community theater and after graduation I began substitute teaching in the district. In February of this year I was in a serious car accident which resulted in: totaling my car, 2 surgeries, 7 screws and 1 plate in my body, 1 week in a hospital, 2 weeks at a rehab center, and then moving back in with my family in MA for the remainder of this year. During this past year I was in a serious relationship that ended. Also in these past few months I managed to start my own online business and even achieve some profit from it thus far. I also have had my first experiences with applying and interviewing for full time teaching jobs. (I am sure I'm missing something... )

Looking back at the year of 22- I can't believe that this was all crammed into 365/6 days! It's amazing to me. I feel like I have grown so much as a human being, in this time. I have been able to take away some life lessons from this crazy past year of my life. I am so thankful to have these experiences and to be the person I am today. I am excited for what the next year of my life holds- which right now, I haven't even the slightest clue to where God might take me. I am trusting that this next year will be just as crazy and full as the last- I hope I will keep experiencing new things that will challenge me to grow and will help me strive to be even better than I am today.

One last thing: if anything, this past year has taught me the importance of relationships in my life. I want to give a special thank you to each and every family member and friend who had been here for me this past year. It has been amazing to receive such amazing support and friendship through all of these life changes. I only hope that I can be as good of a friend/family member to all of you as you have been to me. Thanks everyone! <3 nbsp="" p="">
Alright that's enough sappiness and reflection for now. Have a good night!  

Onescore and Two Years

This past Thursday I celebrated my 22nd birthday. It was also Christopher's birthday (he turned 18). Although my day was pretty low-key I wanted to share a few pictures and what I did that day.

I started off the morning by heading to Ludlow Central Bakery with my Mom. Since we both have been dieting strictly and decided to take the day off you better believe we nearly drooled on their display cases! 

 I ended up picking a pastry roughly the size of my head! (Don't worry I couldn't eat it all!) 

After that we drove in the car to downtown West Sringfield so I could get my TB skin test done (shout out to education majors). They checked it and lucky me I am TB free! 

We drove out to a credit union in CT next (I know, I know this story is really exciting; doctor's office and credit union, what could possibly be next?!)

On our long drive out and back I spotted a sign for German Shepherd puppies. Christopher has been asking if we can get a german shepherd so for his "present" I sent him a picture of this sign. (I am broke right now lol) 

Once we arrived home we hade a delicious lunch of Turkey Club sandwiches and watched an episode of 24 (a TV show my mom, chris, and I watch). 

After lunch we headed to the mall to do some birthday shopping. We both had a little leftover birthday money that my parents weren't sure what to get, so I ended up picking out a new pair of running shoes! Which I love dearly! 

Later we went out to dinner at Olive Garden, and I ordered way too much food, that again I couldn't finish (lucky Chris who ate my leftovers)! 

We came home and opened presents even with Gabby watching on Skype. I got some really nice presents and my mom was kind enough to let me shop with her and pick stuff out that I wanted. 

My birthday gifts included: 

Earrings and a necklace to go with my bridesmaid dress

Shoes that compliment the dress and jewlery

New running shoes

 Grey lace dress from forever 21

Antique sewing basket stocked with teacher supplies from gabby

and $20 Khol's cash from chris: which I put towards purchasing a professional "teacher bag" 

I loved all my gifts and the lovely FB messages or texts and calls from family and friends wishing me a happy birthday! 

We had ice cream cake after and played some board games! 

The ice cream cake included: oreo cookie crust, moose tracks ice cream, a layer of hot fugdge, peanuts, peanut butter, and whip cream, topped off with broken up reese's cups and sprinkles! Yumm! It tasted like heaven in a piece of cake!

I had a lovely relaxing day, although I can't believe I am 22. It sounds much older than 21. I feel like the past few years since 18 have just raced by. I wonder what the next 5 years might hold for me. Aside from the rest of this year I have no clear future plans. I am exploring lots of options and have no idea what direction life might take me. But for now I am gonna focus on taking it one day at a time. 

Thank you to everyone who has loved or cared about me at any point in my life. You have helped shape me into the young woman I am today, and I only hope I can inspire and share love with people as much as I have been blessed with in my life. 

<3 Have a great day everyone!