The First Post of 2010

I've tried like four times to write a blog post, I've failed every time. I mean, this post has to be monumental! It is my first post of the new year after all! Well, here are some of the awesome things (and perhaps a couple of the not so awesome things since those have contributed to my growth in a positive way) that happened within the past year.

• I got to spend a second semester with five amazing roommates!





• One of those roommates relapsed during the semester. It was her third time with leukemia. The blessing is that she is doing well, and she's been an inspiration! Love you tons, Linds!



• Both my brothers graduated! One from high school and one with his bachelors.



• I got to go to Europe! More specifically Ireland, England, Wales, and France. Thank you school programs that make things like that possible.






• I got to meet my new cousin, Ian.






• I got my old job back at Jansport. I like to complain about that, but really it was a great blessing to have work.



• I got to go to the Strawberry Festival with Megan. I can't even believe how fun that is!






• I saw David Archeletta and Demi Lovato in concert.






• I got to be a part of a bunch of photo shoots. So much fun!

• I started a new semester at BYU Idaho where I learned a lot (and not just about my school subjects but about myself as well)



• I drove a four wheeler for the first time...so what if it ended up in a lake?



• I had some success with my writing (Huzzah!)



• I got to meet a bunch of awesome people and I got to see some old friends.
  

That makes the year seem so short! But really, so much more has happened in that time. There were some rough spots in 2009 as there will be in every year, but there were some really good times too. And you know, I'm learning to be grateful for those trials. They help shape who we are and can actually really benefit us in the long run. Strange, huh?

There's a lot of expectations for 2010 (or at least a few really big expectations!). I'm going to try and submit some of my short stories to be published 1. because I have to for a class and 2. I was actually planning on trying anyway. I may not actually be successful, but that's okay. I've got to try at least.

I'm graduating this semester. Come April I will officially have my Bachelors in English. It's very exciting and sometimes disconcerting. But I have a good feeling about the future. I'm going to start putting portfolios and resumes together. Plus I will be applying for an internship soon, so hopefully that will work out. I'm going to find something. I'm confident of that.

Um, and I'm going to Disneyland in April. That's probably the greatest expectation of all!

Well, I guess I just narrowed down the year into three expectations... I'm sure I could think of more if I really tried. Oh yes. My New Year's resolution is to inherit a chocolate factory. I'll let you know how that goes :)