Looking back...

Last year was definitely one to look back and smile on.

A year ago, I was sending in applications to seminary and preparing for interviews. It was all I could do to keep focus when everyone around me had other plans for me, telling me do/ do not go to seminary, go to this one and not that one, do music instead... I was beyond stressed out. Eventually, a few more months down the road though I found my home at Union Presbyterian Seminary when I visited the campus for an interview. Nothing could have felt more right. So I spent the rest of the year preparing in multiple ways for seminary and trying to make sure that everything is taken care of on my end so I can start class this summer with as little extra stress as possible.

I also "finished" off a huge part of my life this year. Only a few weeks after my interview at Union PS, I completed my senior recital and as much as I hate, basically called it quits in the trumpet realm for a while. Of course I still had my students and a few gigs here and there but I took some time off for me to refocus and figure out why I play trumpet. While at UNCG I lost that focus somewhere between all of the hurdles they had me jumping over and as many of you know, I was quite unhappy. That also essentially closed up my performance degree and I was able to put all of my time into finishing my ed degree. I loved student teaching and learned a whole lot from my OSTE and my students. It was a great few months but honestly, I am glad I am done. I finally completed the ed degree and graduated with a BM in Instrumental Music Performance and BM in Instrumental Music Education on December 16.

What I find most interesting about this year is who I spent my time with. I definitely became a lot closer to some friends than I ever expected. Hope, Malik, and Bobby are three people that I have always known in some capacity (mostly through class or the fraternity) but we were never terribly close. I think God had a plan for us when he put us all in the most dreadful class I have ever taken. Through the complaining and commiserating, we grew to be great friends and I love every single one of them. Eventually (and finally!), Bobby and I started dating and that was the best decision I have ever made. It is because of those three (especially Bobby... but I am going to try to keep the gross stuff out :D ) that my life has turned around and I am happier than ever. They made my last year at UNCG the best and really put my focus where it should be (whether or not they know it).

All of this, in addition to the other "smaller" things that happened this year, made 2010 a pretty awesome year. I may have lost some friends, but I gained some amazing ones. I started the year thinking I would stay single and free of commitment until seminary, and closed it in the arms of the most incredible man I know. Last January I had no idea what my plans were other than "go to seminary", I am now counting down the days until I start at Union PS. I think it is easy to say that 2010 has been the best year of my life, but I can't wait to see what 2011 brings. I am an incredibly blessed person and I thank God for all of it every single day, as I hope all of you do as well.

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

May 2011 bring you many moments to take your breath away!!!

Happy New Year!!!