My Adventures: 2014. . . New Year, New Beginnings!

Happy New Year!

I'm so glad that 2013 is over, but also a little sad! 2013 has been my most interesting, fun, adventurous, and constantly changing year!

One year ago from today was my last Sunday attending the ward that I spent 10 years in. I said goodbye to my ward family that have shaped me so much! They were there when I first moved in at age 7, when I first went to Young Women's, and they were there and supportive when we announced our move over 2,000 miles away.

The next weeks brought the house and the big truck being packed up with everything we owned. Then that last day, we walked through the house, the empty house, and it no longer felt like home without my family and our stuff. We drove to visit my mom's family, and had a fun weekend with them. The final weeks were hard. Living at grandma's house 30 min away made us waking up at 5 or earlier to make it to school on time, watching my brother and some of my friends perform in the school musical, and then the final, dreaded goodbye to everyone who had made some sort of influence on me.

The day of us actually moving, there was no school that day, and we had to be at the airport really early in the morning (I believe 5:30). My 5 best friends of 3 years came and said one final goodbye, gave one final hug, and one final super six of us. We got to our new home, completely empty, and slept on the hard, wood floors the first night. Then the truck came the next day. I still wasn't in love with the idea of moving, and I didn't help much. Once they brought in the couch, I sat and watched the movers bring everything else in. Then we started the unloading.

That first week in my new home was a very long week. It consisted of unpacking, going shopping, and unpacking more. I had never been more confused. I didn't drive by myself until February because I felt like I would be so lost all the time. Now I have the hang of things, and as long as I know where a few main roads are, I can always find my way home!

First day of church was interesting. It's always hard being the new person wherever you go. I met many friendly people. The Monday brought my first early morning seminary. I was able to meet people from 2 other wards who were also seniors. I loved the people in my class. They are such a fun group of people, and I'm so glad I've been able to be accepted into their group. (I even hung out with them over Christmas break)

March brought a new job at Chick-fil-A; April we spent spring break up in Massachusetts and were able to visit my Auntie's home and see my cousins that I hadn't seen in several years; my first prom (Mormon Prom) and meeting more fun people around my stake. The end of May I flew back for graduation and spent 10 days reuniting with all my friends! I loved my time back! June brought birthday (now I can vote!) and start attending singles ward; July brought a huge road trip with family to go to family reunions! August consisted of packing, moving, and unpacking, as well as settling and starting my Freshman year of college!

College in itself is a huge learning experience. I've learned that you'll never know who your friends are going to be. They may be the girl upstairs from AL, or the next door neighbor from CO, or it may be your roommates! I learned I didn't want to be an Interior Design major, or FCHD. After taking a geology course I KNEW I would NEVER be a Geology major! I've now claimed a major. . . at least for this semester! We'll see how long I'll stick with Finance, and maybe it'll be something I fall in love with!

I've learned the saying "School, Social life, and Sleep; choose 2" is really true! There were some days where my school and social life took over and I only would have 4 hours of sleep. But other times my school and sleep would dominant and that would be when I felt like I didn't have any friends or any fun because I shut myself up to study. Also, it doesn't matter the distance, family is always just a phone call away! I know that I can call at 7 p.m. or 2 a.m. (haven't tried that one yet) and I know that my mom will answer.

As I've looked over the past year I have realized many changes! My testimony has grown, I've watched several friends leave on missions, attending 4 wards in a year, finishing high school via home school, moving on my own, and forcing myself to study (without my mom reminding me), and of course learning to cook more than 5 meals.

I've also been thinking about my new year goals. I'm going to read the Book of Mormon EVERYDAY (no matter what!)! I'm going to make my prayers better, I'm also going to write in my journal at least once a week as well as here on the blog (I don't want to forget my college life in 20 years!), I'm also going to exercise 5 times a week. Oh, and go to bed earlier! (I'm talking about 11 p.m. weekdays, and 12 or 1 on weekends--we'll see how this works :)

This is a new year! And there will be new beginnings!
I don't think this year I'll make as many new friends as last year, live in 4 different wards, or do other crazy stuff as I did last year, but I sure hope it's close!

Some pictures throughout the year :)

The house for sale :(

The last musical and my best friend Zane was in it

The best friends at the airport for one more goodbye! Kristin, Maddie, me, Ricky, Amanda, and Zane

My Auntie's family and mine at a park near their home

The five of us monkeys outside of the Boston, MA temple

First time at a eastern beach (and it's freezing in April in MA)

Mormon prom! (And yes I was in the same group as little brother!)

James river visiting Henricus State Park

At Maymount with the family!

Carson and I attempting to do the "High School Musical" jump

Reunited at last! Party a week before graduation

GRADUATION! With my best friends through high school

Trying new things! Like standing on a platform in the biggest building in North America with my family! (I fell in love with Chicago! Can't wait to go back!)