Thursday, December 29, 2011

2011: A Year of Change

2011 really was an extraordinary year.  Not only was it an extraordinary year, but it was also a remarkably balanced year, a year of bookends, of each high with its accompanying low.  Still, as I look back, it's those high points that stick in my mind, that I know I'll remember for years.  Those moments are the ones that matter in this bigger picture of my life that I am just now beginning to see develop.

Just look at the very first day of this year.  January 1, 2011.  I was in Los Angeles, California.  I woke up at 4 in the morning, marched in the Rose Bowl Parade, performed my last halftime performance in the Rose Bowl, and cheered TCU on in their victory over Wisconsin.  Once in a lifetime, amazing experience!



And then, in contrast, the heartbreaking loss to Baylor at the beginning of this season.  It was my first game as an alum and much more emotional than I anticipated.  As my mom tells the story, the game hadn't even started yet when the cameras panned over the TCU marching band, I gasped out "Band!" and started crying.  It was hard to learn how to be a long-distance fan, but I watched every game this year and was even able to attend the Homecoming game against New Mexico.  It was also TCU's last year in the Mountain West, and I'm very excited to be a part of the Big 12 next year and continue to cheer for my Frogs, in good times and bad!

Technically, I suppose the most monumental event of 2011 would have to be my graduation from TCU in May.  Four years of hard work paid off, and my family was there to watch as I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, became an Honors Laureate at a ceremony in front of Frog Fountain, and then graduated with Honors in Art History, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.A. in English.  Just a few short days later it was time for another big change, as I packed up my apartment and moved back home, leaving behind my TCU family.

Still, the friendships I made were too strong to be damaged by the distance between Texas and Kansas.  I had barely been home three weeks when I saw my G-Little, Meridith, in Fort Scott.  Later my Big, Julie, came to visit me in July and I had a great time showing her around Kansas City.  I was also able to visit Fort Worth twice, once just because and once for Homecoming.  Julie and I took advantage of technology via Skype to have frequent catch-up dates, and when I didn't have anything else, I always had the scrapbook she made me as a graduation present to remind me of how much I was loved and of all of those whom I love...I even took it to the basement with me while taking shelter from a tornado!

2011 also marked a lot of development in my drive, passion, and development towards my future in art history.  In February, I found out that I was a finalist for a Fulbright grant to Italy, something I was obviously ecstatic about.  Unfortunately, in June I was informed that I did not receive the grant.  I was devastated.  However, I was one of 81 applications for my specific grant and one of 10 finalists, of which 5 received the grant.  That is still an accomplishment to be proud of, and not going to Italy opened to door for me to attend the University of Kansas.  While it has been challenging, I love the History of Art department at KU.  I've learned things I didn't even know I needed to learn and been exposed to more people and life experiences than I could have ever planned.  I also taught my first class; I was responsible for three discussion sections from a larger lecture class with around twenty students in each.  If that wasn't a learning experience, I don't know what is!

There are so many other events which marked my year.  I recently went shopping for bridesmaid dresses with one of my dearest friends.  Our family overcame many obstacles and I hope we are stronger for it.  I read a lot, saw a lot of good movies, and listened to the Lord of the Rings soundtracks more times than is probably healthy for one individual.  I discovered many things about myself and hopefully grew as a person, and also found areas that I will continue to work on in 2012.  I want to focus on my faith, including finding a church in Lawrence, travel more, enjoy life, and be happier with myself.

As one of my absolute favorite quotes says, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover." - Mark Twain  In 2012, I will endeavor to live this quote, to follow my heart, and to find joy in every moment.

Happy New Year's, everyone, and to many more years as exciting as 2011!


Photos from the year:

TCU Colorguard at the Rose Bowl!

The best Spring Break trip with three of the best friends a girl could have.

At my last KKY/TBS District Convention - banquet with my family!

At 3rd Degree - the best family ever!  I don't know what I'd do without my Pink! family.


After my Honors Thesis presentation with my Uncle Doug
Pink! family love forever <3

M&Ms in Frog Fountain!

The long awaited zoo date with my Little Kayla :)

Kiss the Frog - it's time for graduation!

Newly graduated with my parents

Great friends at my graduation party


My G-Little Meridith and I at Fort Scott!

My mom and I before we saw Josh Groban in concert!

My Big and I in Kansas

My sister and I before the Harry Potter midnight premiere

Kelsey and I were reunited!  And made butterbeer cupcakes

First trip to Fort Worth - Heart Start Walk with Beta Delta!

Homecoming - Go Frogs!

Yay for being reunited with friends :)

The big family Thanksgiving

Annual Starbucks and Christmas lights outing with the family





Sunday, December 11, 2011

Jesus Take the Wheel

So, I was driving between Olathe and Lawrence this evening and I had my iPod on shuffle because I'm really tired of all the music I've been listening to, so I was trying to mix it up.  Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood came on and I almost skipped it, but at the last second decided not to.  So I'm just driving down the road singing along, and all of a sudden I just start crying.  Apparently that song was exactly what I needed to hear/pray at that moment, and so I'm sharing it in case someone else needs it like I did :)