a year to remember

A year is a long time, yet it isn't.

I remember very clearly how unsettled I felt at the end of last year. Things weren't going as I had planned, and I wasn't happy. I tore my room apart, wanting a new start and thinking that I needed to start the transformation by bringing a different vibe to the place I called home.

I wanted to be surrounded by inspiration. I printed out my favorite poems, tacking them to my wall. I took down every photograph and replaced it with my own drawings. I had forgotten how much I loved to draw. I tried to quit gcmag, but after a lot of deliberation and encouragement from Jess, I decided to stay and do things a little differently.

I changed my priorities. I took chances. On people. On things in my life.

I went to Georgia, NYC, Washington, made unforgettable memories with so many people, and sometimes I still feel like I accomplished nothing. Here I am at the end of 2014, and some of the things I wanted most didn't work out.

If I push all the chaos to the side for a moment and allow myself to become introspective, a calm comes over me. The things that happen to me, the choices I make will come and pass. They will take me somewhere. To where - I don't know, but I have to trust that the pieces of my life that I perceive as wrinkles, will somehow iron out.

This year was beyond my expectations. I am so grateful. I just hope to start this year with a similar view - to make decisions for me, to keep the inspiration flowing, and to keep my mind and heart open to the possibilities life offers.

Here's an overload of pictures that show just how much joy this year brought me:

GEORGIA

In February, I traveled to Savannah, Ga. with the Central Michigan University Sigma Tau Delta chapter. Many of my peers presented papers and poetry, and I sat in on seminars about English and interacted with literature-loving friends. We also took some time to explore the history of the area and soak in some much needed sunshine.

NEW YORK CITY

 The Grand Central Magazine editors had the opportunity to go to NYC for a media conference. They had a little bit of everything there: seminars for editorial, PR, advertising, lit mags, photography, etc. We spent an afternoon in Central Park, got on the subway to find the best pizza in NYC and ended up in a scary part of town, and did some touristy things. I also lost my phone.

MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

My birthday was literally the best. I don't like to do much for my birthdays, but my roommates talked me into a party. My roomies and I had themed parties for almost every occasion, so this was no exception. My birthday was casino-themed, hence the glasses, and red/black attire. We danced ALL night, and I hope everyone had just as much fun as I did.

One of the biggest surprises of the day was when I opened a present from Benj. It was a signed book of poetry by Aimee Nezhukumatathil! It meant so much to me because I told  him that she had written my favorite poem called "Small Murders." I feel like no one would remember something like that (especially with such a long and uncommon last name), but he remembered and reached out to her to write a special birthday message, which is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. I was also super surprised when I realized that later in the year I would be going to see Lana Del Rey with Jas and Lauren!

GRAND CENTRAL MAGAZINE

Being an editor for Grand Central Magazine had it's ups and downs, but I am so thankful for the experience. I met some amazing people who I can truly call friends. A huge shout out to the campus life crew who made my job fun and exciting with all their fresh article ideas. Miss you all.

GRADUATION

I graduated! Yes, we might've done a huge photo shoot (sorry, Matt), but it was a big occasion for Megan, Jas, and I. After our ceremonies, Jas, my fam, and I went to Cops & Doughnuts in Clare. They had a mug shot poster, and we couldn't resist snapping a few pics.

SOME OF THE MOST AMAZING PEOPLE EVER

Where do I even start? I have such great memories with each and every person in these pictures. From roomie love, to getting all gussied up for the military ball, to working with Ed on his book and going to  his wedding, to becoming even closer to muh girl Jess, to amazing adventures with Benj. Thankful for all of you!

SUMMER

This summer I spent a lot of time looking for a job. It wasn't a super successful venture, but I did get the internship at YES! The summer consisted of sanding, priming, and painting my grandma's garage - and it took forever. We also did a lot of blueberry and cherry picking in the orchards around her house. I played mom for a week and it was a lot of fun spending so much time with Isaac and Chloe. In July, I watched a miracle happen - baby Elijah was brought into the world. Before Benj shipped off to China, we went to Dow Gardens, the beach, and failed miserably at trying to pitch a tent. I also got to kiss my sweet dog, Bo, for the last time.

WASHINGTON

At the end of September, my parents and I flew to Washington. I started at YES! Magazine on Bainbridge Island as an online reporting intern at the beginning of October. You can read about some of my adventures in Washington here, here, here, and here. Although I was in Michigan for Christmas, I am back in Washington to begin the new year.

I have three more months at YES! Magazine. I suspect that this year will be full of changes and struggles as I transition into full-blown adulthood (finding a career, starting to build a life for myself), but I'm ready to conquer it. Hopefully.

Happy New Year everyone.