December 31, 2017.
Wow. Time flies.
2017 holds some of the best and worst moments of my life. It was filled with moments that made me laugh, moments that made me cry, moments that were Insta worthy and moments that weren't that hot, moments that kicked me down and moments that dragged me back up. So here's an evaluation of these past 12 months- alongside some pictures for your enjoyment.
In January, my only resolution was to have a decent sleeping schedule and a balanced diet. Here's a picture of me drinking apple cider straight out the bottle at 2 in the morning on January 3rd. So we all know how that turned out. Check back again next year!
February was a very interesting month! A few friends and I put together a surprise party for one of our buddies.. And while we were waiting for the birthday boy we took a few pictures: (enjoy the awk)
I also experienced my first Western NY snowfall!
In March, my inner five year old went through an awakening:
I also got the privilege to explore New York City with one of my most beloved friends! ( totally unrelated side note- SO thankful my eyebrows don't look like that anymore. Yiikes.)
In April, I spent spring break with friends in Maine, 13 hours away from the tiny bubble I call campus- and it did more for me than I could ever explain.
I also got to spend quality time with a bunch of quality people over hot wings and cheesy macaroni!
In May, I flew nine thousand miles back home after a year of not seeing my family, and the first thing I did was jump into my fish pond. I regret nothing.
I also got the privilege to be a part of the camp my church was involved in! I met all these wonderful kids who had a passion for the Lord, which warmed my heart more than anything.
In June, we celebrated Father's Day. My daddio went back to Heaven in 2004, but never once have I felt like my blessings have fell short because of that fact. My grandfather ( aka my HERO) is the man of the table here- he deserves the world.
July was probably the most challenging month of all this year- I got out of a relationship that had lasted my entire freshman year of college, and it hurt, a lot. It pretty much went downhill from there- A self harm relapse happened, a car accident happened, a friend committed suicide.. you name it. Everything that could go wrong, did- yet God never stopped showing me His love for me. As Romans 5:8 goes: He loved me at my darkest.
I celebrated my eighteenth birthday on the rooftop of a fishing chalet with the people that make me whole- It was absolutely magical.
I also attended a worship workshop where I learnt how to rejoice for the gifts God has given me, and put them to good use to glorify Him. All of these beautiful moments I got to share with these strong, empowering women of Christ that I am honored to call my sisters:
August was a bittersweet month- saying goodbye to my family was extremely hard. However, moving back in and seeing all of my friends again made things a lot better!
In September, my two roommates and I decided to take a leap of faith and get a pet. Meet Trevor! Update: He's still alive and well ;)
October was a month filled with adventure! I tried my first ever pumpkin spice latte.. and hated it. If that's your favorite drink in the entire world, I am very sorry and wish it had worked out for me.. but it didn't.
A friend was talking to me about a bamboo forest near campus, which appealed to me more than it should've- so needless to say I went on a HUNT, and was not disappointed at all:
I also carved a pumpkin for the first time ever and was very happy about it!
OKAY last October fun event- my best friend and I went to a sunflower field and for just one second I believed in Thumbelina:
In November, I got to pet a baby goat for the first time! It was such a wonderful experience. For those of you who don't already know this, goats have rectangular shaped pupils and it's the most peculiar yet amazing thing ever.
And last but not least, December.
This year has been such an incredible year of growth, and I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that I am able to plow through the fun times and the not-so-fun times knowing that above all, there is a heavenly father watching me, guiding me, and most importantly, sustaining me. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Seventy times seven- I'm a lot happier now.
So, in conclusion: My year was great- how was yours?