School:
Last August I was starting my senior year at University of Wyoming. WOW-that seems so long ago. I was surviving the worst semester of my life (neuro+research methods). Now, I know that doesn't sound THAT bad but if you knew my research methods teacher, you'd know why my life was a living hell for a solid three months. I'd like to give a shout out to all MA GURRRLLLSS back in Laradise;) I miss you and YOU'RE ALMOST DONE JUST KEEP GOING! I was also applying to Graduate School this time last year! Spending all of my Christmas money, sending transcripts, and hopeful to the possibilities of new places to continue my education. First semester came and went and I found myself in spring break opening my letters from programs I applied to. I applied to 8 schools for a grad program. I got into (1). Needless to say, I was having a young life crisis. Questioning myself has a student, a professional, and really questioning my undying belief that all hard work pays off. I was upset, disappointed, confused, and most of all scared. I was then slapped with the harsh reality that I would soon be facing YET ANOTHER major life change. Moving, leaving friends, leaving my little home (my beautiful apartment), leaving everything I knew, and moving to a god forsaken land called Nebraska. Looking back on this moment of my life it was the second hardest I had experienced this year but it's turned out to be one of the biggest blessing I've ever been given in my life.
lesson learned:God knows what's best for you even if you don't. Blessings comes in all shapes and sizes (even disguises)
Family:
Everything has pretty much stayed the same at the ol' home front except for the fact that I seem to keep growing closer with my sister Tessa. This has also been an immense blessing this past year. She is growing up so fast and will turn 18 this year. I can't believe it! I promised myself I'd spend as much time with her as I could because soon she will be off experiencing college and growing into a beautiful young woman [and I know I'll miss her dearly during that time]. We do everything together when I'm home and living at home this summer was truly a blessing.
lesson learned:never take advantage of time spent with loved ones [ever]
Work: Yep, I had to move back home this summer. Most kids my age would be dreading this, but not me! I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! My own room, my own bed, my family, and my dog. What more could a girl ask for?-Ok, so I had to get a job. You guessed it, throwback to high school-there I was working at the swimming pool. Now, I wasn't too stoked about this at first (because I had worked there for years and thought I'd never have to set foot back in that place as an employee) but really the pool saved my life this summer. I met and made friends with SO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE and had so many unforgettable memories! Those people touched my life and they will be a part of my heart forever. While I was going through a difficult time the only thing that made it better was that place. I want to give a shout out to all my guards from the SRC!! G4L!!! Love you all GP REUNION OVER CHRISTMAS!! Can't wait to see you all!Lesson learned: live in the moment:) TAKE RISKS! and live outside of who you are.
Graduate School:I honestly thought I was going to hate Nebraska. I thought I was going to be lonely and miserable just like my first year in Wyoming. I remember when I first moved here my Dad called and said, "Hey Kate, what are your pals up to today?" Well Dad, I don't know..maybe because I HAVE NONE hahah. I was like , "Who are these pals you speak of? Please let me know, cause I could sure use some!" No, I've made SO MANY wonderful friends here and have had so much fun right from the start. Nebraska has been wonderful and I love it here! School has taught me so much already and I've had so much hands on experience. I've touched people's lives through my work and because of that this has been the most rewarding part of the entire year. That is a priceless gift and I can't wait to do that for the rest of my life.
lesson learned:don't judge a state by it's color (people from Nebraska will get this joke haha never have I seen so much red IN MY LIFE). The most unlikely places can become home (because you make a home). Never take advantage of the chance to further your education-realize what a blessing it is.
Friends:
I've made so many wonderful friends this year (too many to mention) but I don't know where I'd be without them! I'm going to tell you about a few of my favorite new friends.
Kelly: Kelly is pretty much like me except more nerdy and a dude. I mean I'm pretty nerdy, but Kel takes the cake:) But that is why I love him. He came into my life just this year and I am so happy and THANKFUL that he did. He is my best friend (more like a brother to me) and has undeniably been someone who has gotten me through the most difficult parts of this year. We take about nerdy things like light sabers (red crystals are more powerful FYI), pick up lines including the word 'lexicon', and we give each other a ton of shit on a weekly basis (I tease him a lot more though..my bad bro:) I want to take this time to thank you for everything you've done for me...from watching me drunk cry/helping me not to barf on my shoes....to listening to my sober cry/helping me not barf my hamburger helper..this friendship is one for the books and anytime you need me just say the word and I'll be there:) I love you Kelly Harms! See you soon!
Ken: O lord, where do I start with my friend Ken. Kendra is from Oregon and I met her at orientation before our first week of school. I remember the first time I talked to Ken. We were in the downstairs computer lab at the library. From that moment on, it was friendship at first sight. Ken is the reason I have so much fun in grad school, my rock when I complain about said grad school, and someone who takes care of me. My Star Wars birthday party spectacular (one of the best birthdays I've ever had) would have never been possible without her and honestly, surviving grad school would never be possible without her. She is someone I can always go to for advice/support, and or if I need her to sew something hahaha. We'll be friends forever I'm sure of it. Bitch you better be ready for our Bachelorette parties...cause you and I both know THEY ARE GOING TO BE OFF THE CHAIN! I'll wear something sparkly and pink for you;) I want you to remember you are the best! You are so beautiful inside and out, fun, loud-haha, great to be around, and someone I could never imagine my life without! Don't ever settle!
Taylor and Reggie: These boys are my boyfriends. When I was having a hard time this summer they stepped in, adopted me, and decided that their powers combined made me the perfect boyfriend-and they were right:) They did so much for me this summer including taking me to the swing ditch when others wouldn't, taking me on a fun adventure of floating the river aka bobbing the river cause it was low that day haha), and gave me the best going away present/drunken party talks I've ever had. These were the boys that would txt me good night and good morning every day for months until I got better, the boys that were always there for me WHENEVER I needed it. Game nights, guard parties, roasting marsh mellows, and making fun of Kai while he played charades are only a few of the reasons why I love these boys! Thank you so much you two! You will always have such a special place in my heart and I've loved witnessing the accomplishments, love, and adventures you've had towards the end of this year! I can't wait to see what God has in store for such beautiful souls!
My Fleming Crew: O lord, where do I begin!? I'VE LOVED GETTING TO KNOW YOU ALL! Fleming became a second home to me this summer and I've had some of my favorite memories I've EVER created or will create out there. From peeing on cinder blocks behind the garage with Karlie, drinking Clay's hooch, having heart to hearts until 5 am with Fletcher in the garage, having the boys try to teach me how to play cribbage (while drunk), Bo beating me constantly in beer pong, Keysha snorting when she laughs, to (MY FAVORITE) SKINNY DIPPING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SOME OLD DUDE'S POND hahahahah...Fleming and the people in it have become the loves of my life! I'll never forget any of you and you all better be gearing up for Christmas break!!:) p.s. we are def skinny dipping again. If I could swim naked all the time I would.
lesson learned:you can never have too many wonderful friends. They are the best part of your life so cherish them.
The last part of this blog is saved for the biggest/hardest lesson I've learned this year-----
Lyle: Falling in love and losing love have been the hardest lesson I've learned this year. It'd been a long time since I had the desire to date anyone, the desire to really get serious with anyone, and then he walked into my life. I'm going to take you back to the beginning (because after all this is what this blog is about-precious memories). I met Lyle (officially met/hung out with Lyle at a house party). He came with Kelly. Well, him and Kelly weren't doing too well on the beer pong table that night (they lost 5+ times in a row) so moral of the story -because of house rules- they had to run up and down the block naked (ok more like two blocks)-Guys sorry I'm telling the whole world this but it's hilarious. Needless to say, before I knew this boy's phone number I knew what his bare ass looked like. Did it sway me into agreeing into having my friend give him my phone number? Maybe...HAHAHA KIDDING. I didn't see Lyle for several months after this but then near Thanksgiving break I remember walking into a bar and seeing him and I don't know...something just clicked. I got butterflies, I couldn't breathe, and I just [knew] in that moment that I wanted to fall in love with this boy (and that's exactly what happened). We fell in love. On our first date he opened the car door for me and kissed me on my driveway(I made him kiss me behind my parents car so my Dad couldn't see if he looked out the window hahaha). I remember walking inside trying to play it cool, trying to hide this gigantic smile I had. My Dad stopped me in the hallway and just shakes his head and is like Kate, I like Lyle. He is a good guy. In my mind I was like wait, he opened the car door for me, he's a good kisser, and my Dad likes him HOW DID I GET SO LUCKY!? :) Unfortunately Lyle and I weren't able to hold on to this happiness. Our relationship for whatever reason, was during a very difficult time in both of our lives. I was freaking out about moving and grad school and he was freaking out about his career path and future. I think we both started focusing on these things more than each other. I don't think he was ready for the relationship that I wanted and because of it I started doubting whether he really loved me or wanted to be with me. I started pushing away because of it and instead of reaching for me, he started pushing also. Pretty soon we had both pushed so hard that we weren't standing beside each other any longer, we were standing apart. There are times when I held back a hug, or a kiss, or even an I love you because of this. I'm also not an overly affectionate person and I think some times I came off cold or indifferent when really I was just nervous or scared. For this I apologize. I apologize for being petty and letting my insecurities affect our relationship. In retrospect there are a lot of things I'd change if given another chance and lessons I've learned. I'd like to thank Lyle for loving me, if only for a little while, for letting me share a part in the lives of his amazing family, and helping my heart feel something again when it hadn't in a very long time.
lesson learned:fix your mistakes, apologize-if they love you for 'did' love you they'll listen with an open heart, and love someone like they're leaving. If I would've stuck to those rules, I'm sure I'd be in a different position than I am today. It's so hard missing someone who doesn't miss you back but you have to ask yourself why is it that they don't miss you? What type of person isn't worth missing?-Think about things, learn lessons, and make yourself better for the next time someone worth it comes along. I've also realized that even though you'd never give up on someone [the fact that they would or did] shows you that maybe you should be putting your faith into something or someone else.
Well there ya have it. My 2011 in a nutshell! Some bad times, some sad times, A LOT OF GOOD TIMES, A LOT OF FUN TIMES, and a lot of times of growth and change. There is a quote I love-"If nothing ever changed, then there would be no butterflies." Just because you are in the larva or cocoon stage, doesn't mean that you won't ever know what it's like to fly. Good things take time. Enjoy each stage for what it is, only then will you be able to fully appreciate what it is to soar.
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