2011 is drawing to a swift close. It’s been a tumultuous, but generally satisfying year. I’ve gotten several amazing opportunities and have witnessed history, first hand. Relationships have been tested, rebuilt, and some have been left behind. Friends have been made, friends have been lost. But all in all, it’s been a good year. So, here is my year in review for 2011.
In January, I began my second semester of school. I was taking Honors English Lit II and my second basic English course. Frankly, my professor made the class. I love literature to begin with, but my professor made it a complete blast to come to class. I'm still in school and will be until around fall next year, when I will be graduating with an A.A. in Library Science. I'm on the road to realizing my dream of achieving a Masters in Library Science. I may be a geek, but I love books and learning. I became a member of the National Honor Society in May. I'm looking forward to continuing to participate in this program and see what lies ahead for me in school.
I got to go visit my sister in July. It was a total surprise for me, and I loved every minute. I enjoyed getting to spend some quality time with my nephew. I’ll always remember his little face peeking out of his crib at me,
the morning after I arrived. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with me. Going from the Atlantic to Pacific was quite a change for this Florida girl. I am used to heat and humidity, and was surprised to be absolutely freezing on July 4th. Sarah took me to see most of the touristy spots. Cannon Beach, Tillamook Cheese Factory (which was amazing!!), Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery, Seaside (the end of the Lewis & Clark Trail), Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach (seen above), and of course, Multnomah Falls. The entire visit, I was able to see Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood, which I am told, is quite unusual. I had a wonderful time, and I hated to come home. But once I was home, I was able to go see the final space shuttle launch.
I took several trips, during the course of the year, to Kennedy Space Center to see
space shuttle launches. I saw a total of three.
Two were on Kennedy Space Center, itself.
It pays to know people in high places. I had so
much fun, and it was wonderful to watch
history happen in front of my eyes. There’s
nothing to compare to the roar of the shuttle
as it lifts off into outer space. I will never forget
feeling the ground shake beneath my feet
and watching the rocket lift off only a few miles
from where I stood. The picture to the right was
taken the day after I returned from Oregon. I
was extremely tired, but ecstatic to be there!
During the year, I have taken several trips to various sporting events with my dad. It’s been great for me, because not only do I get quality time with my dad, I love going to the games and rooting for my team! I even made it in one of the pictures on the ESPN home page at one point this year. Well, granted you can’t see my face, but I know it’s me, so who cares? J
Upon returning from Oregon and experiencing the final shuttle launch of the space program, I returned to my new job. I continued my work at Cracker Barrel up until the middle of November, during which time, I had returned for my third semester of school. I don’t at all recommend this to anyone. It’s downright hard to work two jobs (one full time, the other part time) and go to school full time!! It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. I made a lot of friends at Cracker Barrel, and learned a lot while I was there. I’m definitely glad to have a single full time job now. My new job is great, in that it is working with me on my class times. If I have a class during the day, which I try not to schedule, they will work with me on it. My supervisors are fantastic, and I wish I had met up with them sooner!!
I also had the opportunity this year to help my dad with an event in Orlando this year for the first Republican Debate. It was long hours, but fantastic to get to see all the presidental candidates up close. I got my picture taken with Sean Hannity, got my pass signed by Bret Baier, Megan Kelly, Rick Scott (Governor of FL), and Rick Santorum. My feet hated me by the end of the three days, but I had quite a bit of fun. I’ve always enjoyed hanging out at the political events. You never know just who you might run into. I also got the chance to talk for a moment with Herman Cain and Chris Wallace of Fox News. It was an amazing event, and I enjoyed getting to hang out with Josh and Caleb Walsh, some great friends from my Young Republican Days.All in all, it’s been a pretty great year. I’ve made quite a few trips, to Oregon, Merritt Island, and Destin. I’ve seen friends and family. It’s been a pretty good year. Not to say there haven’t been painful times, because there have been a few of those. But the overall joy has pretty much nullified any bad moments.
I hope that each of you have had an amazing year. I look for 2012 to be even more wonderful, with loads of surprises and fun waiting around the corner. I pray that God will bless each reader with a year that far surpasses any hopes or dreams, and will keep each of you and those you love safe.
Blessings to you all and Happy New Year!!!!!!!
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