All Things Old and New

Happy New Years!

I am blessed enough to be able to say that it's been a very busy few weeks, what with finals, Christmas, New Years, and even traveling to Pennsylvania to visit friends and my boyfriend's family!

I did lose a beautiful member of my family a few days before Christmas 

:(

We had to put our dog Lucy down

My mother with Lucy

She was 17 years old with a brain tumor...she was a rescue from the pound by a friend of ours, who couldn't handle her neurotic behavior. She was CRAZY! But it was obvious she was very well trained...as well as previously in an abusive family. My little brother was her person, she would protect him from anything! She was always there whenever we needed her, she always knew when something was wrong, she would play and play and play until she couldn't walk anymore!

I firmly believe that I will see both her and my baby, our other dog Shelby, in heaven when the time comes!

It's amazing how ingrained a pet can become with one's family :)

On another slightly more exciting note: I got an iPhone! I think all of my friends and family are sick of hearing about how awesome it is but....it is SO AWESOME! Well done Steve Jobs and may you rest in peace knowing that you made this girl's Christmas amazing!

I can honestly say I'm getting anxious for school to start up again, but it won't start until January 23rd!! That break is WAY too long!

BUUUUT I get an Associates Degree at the end of this next semester, possibily even two!

Which is exciting...becauuussseee...

Many people may not know this but after my head injury, (5 concussions in 4 months) the doctors told me I'd never be able to be at the point I'm at now. I was told that reading would always be a difficulty, I would never finish school, and that my parents should look into health care facilities that would take care of me, because I'd never be able to take care of myself.

That was close to 4 years ago.

Now I'm getting a degree in general ed with an emphasis on human behavior, possibly in American Sign Language as well, and I'm on my way to other degrees in psychology and religion, with a goal to get as many letters by my name as possible; just to prove that I can!

I'd really love to throw in a SUCK IT right now. 

But I won't. that would be rude.

;)

I've got this feeling that 2012 is going to be an amazing year. Life is so good...even when it's not too great, it always presents with something else good and wonderful. 

and 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." 

{-James 1:17}

So, thank you Lord for an amazing 2011, I can't wait to see what you have in store for me now

and just so you can have a little taste of my Pennsylvania vacation...

the memorial at Valley Forge

the grounds at Valley Forge at twilight

the LOVE of my life who made the whole trip possible and wonderful