Goodbye, 2010.

I know that New Year's is not for a couple of days, but I wanted to write this before 2010 left us.

2010 has definitely been an interesting year for me. When I look back on all the things that happened I start to wonder how exactly I managed my sanity through out the year. It hasn't been easy. Finishing college, working while in college, holding a high stress (but AWESOME) calling while working while in college. Leaving friends behind, meeting new friends, moving to a rather foreign-to-me place (Vegas) and embarking on new experiences I will never forget.

Let's shed light on the high points! I graduated college! Yay me! That is definitely something to be proud of. I had an incredible summer at the pool. I could not have asked for a better staff to manage/work with and could not have asked for better times. What a great summer! I successfully completed student teaching and met amazing people in the process. I taught kids who have changed my life and hopefully I have affected theirs. I also made a best friend in Vegas who has greatly helped me in the process of preparing for the temple. Thanks, Danielle. I got a piano for Christmas! Yes, a piano. I cried when I saw it. Check my Facebook videos for exhibit A.

Now, there were many, MANY more high points than that. Those are just a few. But I also learned a lot of lessons and experienced a lot of different things. I broke someone's heart for the first time in my life. And for the first time in my life, had my own heart truly broken. I found out what it meant to have true friends in this world and who they are, and that alone has made a huge difference. I learned what it means to fully trust in the Savior and Heavenly Father's plan for me, and I am working on putting that into practice (easier said than done, my friends...). I learned that nothing in life will ever go exactly as you planned it or how you think it will. And that's OK! Roll with it, kid. I know what it's like to feel as if you're being left behind; only to discover that I'm not being left behind, I'm not having these blessings kept from me because I'm being punished for something or am not good enough, and I'm not wearing a sign on my forehead that says, "Avoid Me Like the Plague." I'm not being left behind. My time for this blessing is just a little bit farther down the road than others. And I feel grateful knowing how much support, love, and sighs of relief ( :P) will come my way once that day comes. I also learned that people have their agency. Now, I always "knew" this, but in 2010 I learned the power and affect someone else's choices can have on you. I learned that I can't always be prideful and stubborn and be a pillar of strength for everyone. Sometimes pillars crack and need their own support beam.

Above all else however, I learned the beauty of patience and the importance of faith. I do not have perfect patience and I do not have perfect faith. But I am learning patience in the struggle and striving to have faith in the outcome. I will eventually find a job, I will survive specific trials that I know are coming up in my life, and I will find joy in my journey---now. I will find MY joy by sharing in the joy of others.

2010, you have been eventful. I have never been on a crazier ride. You and I have learned a lot together. I will not cry when you leave, but I am grateful for the memories and lessons I have gained during our time together. See ya later, 2010. And thanks.

There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Yes, I am finally home! And I mean home, home. GEORGIA home. :) Like I said, I don't know how long I will be here for, but pretty much until I find a job or make a decision about something.

It was a long 28 hour drive, but I didn't mind doing it by myself. It was actually kind of fun. However, I was getting sick of music today. Something I NEVER thought I would say. I love listening to music. All the time. But today, after listening to it for 2 and a half days, I was ready to be done.

Crossing that Tennessee - Georgia border line was fantastic. I screamed for joy when I crossed over the county line, and was even more excited when I turned into my neighborhood. I got the weirdest feeling. It felt as if I had never left, but at the same time it did feel as if I had left. It was weird, but a good weird. I was greeted by a home decorated for Christmas and my dad (Mom was still at work). The house looks fantastic! I will have to post pictures soon. I love my home at Christmas time. Mom does such a great job decorating and it looks gorgeous!

Mom came home but then was off again to have her annual Christmas dinner and gift exchange with some ladies she works with. So Dad and I went to dinner at California Dreamin'. Can we say, "Yum" boys and girls? And then we came home and watched "A Christmas Carol" (the one with Jim Carey). So needless to say it was a nice, relaxing night at home with my family. I missed them so much.

It is so good to be HOME. Home truly is where the heart is. I know there is something in store for me here, and I just hope that I am patient enough to receive the blessings. I hope with all my heart that I find a job. Any extra prayers and thoughts will be cherished and appreciated. :)