Reflection on 2011

     Wow did 2011 fly by. It seems like just yesterday I was walking to school for my first day of junior high. In reality, I received my admittance packet from the University of Arizona, in which they offered me a full- tuition scholarship for four years and an Ipad. I have less than 90 days left of high school, and then it's out to the real world for me. It's literally the weirdest feeling I have ever felt in my entire life.

     Chance, my brother, left on his mission 4 days ago. I go off to college in about 6 months. Then it will just be my brother Ridge and my parents at home. At some points, life seems so slow... like for instance, sitting in a class at school, watching the clock tick away, wishing you could leave already. Or when you are lying in your bed on a lazy day, just relaxing and not worrying about any of the stresses in your world. But now that I look back on it, time truly flies. It's interesting that as humans, for the most part, we live in the moment, and take everything as it comes. Our God knows better though, he has an eternal perspective. He knows that our lives on Earth are just a 'twinkling of an eye' when we take into account eternity.

     Anyways! I promised myself I would do a post about the past year, so I don't forget anything that happened. This actually took me about two weeks to put together and write, so sorry about the delay! I'm going to start off in May, however, because to be honest, I can't really pull much from the first 4 months. It was not a dark time in my life, just more of a blur. I was not truly happy. I was in a relationship that I did not need, taking time off from volleyball, working a ton, and going to painful physical therapy a few times a week. I was not doing that well with my testimony, and the days just seemed to drag on. It all changed in May, though, so that is where I'll begin. Here we go.

May

     In May, my life drastically changed. I finished physical therapy, started working out my shoulder again, and began working my way back into the volleyball world. I was scared out of my mind! I was determined to get back to where I was, but I knew that the chances were small. My goal was to gain that starting spot as middle blocker for the varsity team. I broke my relationship off with Matt, my boyfriend of 11 months. He is truly a great guy, but it was something I had to do for myself. I rededicated myself to my faith and religion, and got back on the right path. I hung out with my friends I hadn't seen in months, finished the toughest year of school in my life with straight A's, and was feeling on top of the world by the end of the month.

Great Gatsby party for AP English with my dear friend Mckaylee Lemon.

Party I held at my house after the last day of school with some of my favorite people! Hello Summer 2011!

Annual Senior Bench photo;)

June

     Volleyball+ Work+ Party+ Sleep+ Repeat = June. Getting back into volleyball was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. It was not until September that I felt confident in my abilities again! Practices were long, tiring, and really rough on my shoulder. It was not long until my shoulder started having problems again, which was really disappointing for me. However, getting back into volleyball was absolutely AMAZING. I had forgotten just how much I had loved the game, and most importantly, my girls. I knew that this season would be something special if we all continued to work hard. I continued working at sonic, as I hit the one year anniversary of working there. Some days, I actually enjoyed working. I had some pretty cool co workers! Overall, however, it was not all that fun. I felt like I did way more work than what I got paid for! However, I was able to hang out with friends a lot, which was such a relief. Summer would not mean a thing if it weren't for friends and family.

Being weird with my partner& fellow middle Kayla Lederer. This girl is the reason I was able
to come back to volleyball! She always kept me motivated, and stuck by my side through everything.
Later on I will talk about her impact during the season :)

Relaxing in the pool after summer running at a party for the program at Kayla's house. It was great
to spend time with the younger girls& let them see what it meant to be a Gilbert Volleyball Girl.

Floating in the lake with Spencer Wright, Mckaylee Lemon, Sadie Maughan, and Diana Mooney. It was definitely one of the highlights of my summer- the lake is so beautiful, relaxing, and fun!

July

     July was a great month! I was on vacation for majority of the month, so it was great to get away from the Arizona heat. In the beginning of the month, I spent a week and a half in California with my family and Diana Mooney's family. It was a BLAST! The only negative part about that trip was that I was stung by a sting ray... I still have the scar on my foot! It was more painful than you'd think. I've been a little timid about getting in the water since then :/ Haha. I was home for a few short days, worked a few shifts, then headed out for California again with my YEARBOOK CREW! What can I say, I am a true yerd ;) It was my third and final year at Yearbook Tech as a camper (I hope to be a TA next year!), and it was a great experience. We figured out the theme& design of our amazing book, created a bunch of memories together, bonded, and ended up receiving not only a Superior in Theme Presentation, but the Spirit Award as well! It was our 2nd time in two years. We just had a lot of spirit, and enjoyed being obnoxiously loud. The losing school (Granite Hills) was not very happy with us, and even threatened me and another girl on facebook. Needless to say, yearbook got pretty intense. After yearbook tech, I came home for a week, worked, played some sand volleyball, then went back out to Oceanside, California for the third and final time that summer. It was really relaxing and nice to spend time with my parents and Ridge. July was exactly the kind of month I needed before one of the most important, deciding, and trying times of my life.

Crazy times at yerd camp! This was during a power outage, the night before our theme presentations were due. We worked into the morning light on dying computers trying desperately to finish. Our hard work paid off, but we enjoyed the breaks as well!

2011 Editors! It's not always easy, and we don't always get along, but we work really well together.
This will easily the best book Gilbert has had in a VERY long time!

Having fun with sparklers with my sista, Diana. This girl has been such a great influence in my life.
I would not be where I am now without her example& constant support.

Showing off our awards& prizes. Over my three years, I have met some really inspirational and
all around great people at yrbk camp. Though they play a small role in my life, they have greatly
influenced who I have become!

July 4th with Diana's family, the Mooneys & McBrides! What a great family.

My "mom", Susan Mooney. We built myrtle the turtle :)

August

     August 2011 was easily one of the most challenging, yet rewarding months of my life. No joke. I began the month with volleyball tryouts, which did not go as I had planned. Basically, on the last day of tryouts, Coach sat me down, and told me that he did not see the same player as he had last season. Obviously, he knew about my shoulder injury and the struggle I went through to get back, but he was not pleased with the progress. I knew I had a long way to go, but I never thought I would almost get cut. He told me that I was making the team, but that I would have to work for that starting spot, and that he was not just going to hand it to me. He said he had a few other girls fighting for that spot that he thought could beat me out of it. He asked me to "Prove him wrong." Now that I look back on this, it might have all just been a mind game. But at the time, my world was falling apart. I remember when I got home that night, I sat in my room and cried for hours. My biggest goal for high school was to win state as starting middle for the Gilbert Tigers, and suddenly it seemed like I was destined for failure. My shoulder and body were really out of shape, and the first few weeks of season were painful, long, and tiring. My teammates helped me stay motivated, though, and helped me battle for that spot.

     As in every good story, however, opposition has to build. Two days before our first scrimmage, and five days before our first match of the season, one of my teammates accidentally stepped on my foot under the net, which led to an inevitable ankle sprain. Needless to say, by the time I got home, it was the size of a grapefruit, and I could not put any weight on it. The black and blue bruises had already starting spotting up. My spirits were crushed when I discovered I would not be able to play for a while. I ended up missing the scrimmage and first three matches of the season. It was hard work coming back, gaining trust in my ankle again, but I honestly am grateful it happened! It caused me to appreciate the opportunities the Lord has given me in the world of volleyball, and work even harder to get back to full strength. I came back with more fire, passion, and focus than I had had in a really long time.

     My schedule for senior year seemed simple enough, but with volleyball, college applications, and yearbook, it turned out to be really stressful: AP Stats with Mr. Spiker, AP Government with Mr. Keyes, Yearbook with Mrs. Fluegel, ASL II (Dual Enrollment) with Ms. Kerry, English 101 (Dual Enrollment) with Mrs. Hays, Volleyball weights with Coach Hess& Tanna Martin, and finally Seminary with Bro. Miller.

Mr. Tribby & Mr. Keyes with the Zombie Protection pole, part of their typical antics. I had Tribby last year for AP American History. Both of these men are absolutely amazing teachers. I will never forget them!

Spirit in yearbook! Though times get stressful, these girls are awesome, and our book is beautiful. Plus, there is nothing better than decking out in black& gold for the football games every Friday!

The seminary teachers, Bro. Miller, Anderson, and Arnett. Unfortunately, Bro. Wright is missing from the picture, but all of these men are truly inspired of God. What a difference they make in the lives of students.

The day after I sprained my ankle, posing with the girls at the first football game. Nothing can detract from my school spirit! Go tigers!

Our first team sleepover. We were more than a team, we were a family.
On& off the court, we made memories and had the best times together.

September

     In the beginning of September, I was finally able to play volleyball again, and wow, did life turn around! I got that starting spot, and can proudly say I held it and started every match once I was back for the rest of season! September was truly a fabulous month! Everything was going right for me. Volleyball was absolutely amazing, and in our first tournament (Westwood) we made it to the Championship match. We lost to Xavier, but it was a very successful tournament that showed us just how good we were (my first week back, too! Gave me the confidence I needed), but the improvements we had to work on as well. 

     School was flying by. We had a senior spirit day, football games every Friday, and Homecoming week towards the end of the month. All of my classes were going pretty well, I was getting along with all my teachers, and understanding everything pretty clearly! Football games were easily some of my favorite memories from high school. There was nothing better than painting up & showing spirit for the boys of fall (even if they did not always win, it was important to be there for them!). Homecoming week was a blast. We won all of our volleyball matches, went to the carnival, and had our annual golf tournament/ fundraiser for the program. Driving around on golf carts, relaxing in the sun, and meeting different supporters of the program was really nice. That night, we had homecoming, and it was SO FUN! I went with Travis Cole, a boy on the volleyball team that I had been really close friends with since high school started. We went in a large group, a lot of my LDS friends, that I had never been to a dance with before. They were quite the party :) It was a fun, innocent night full of laughter, smiles, and good times. 

     I spent a LOT of time with my volleyball girls that month, and it was truly the stuff memories are made out of. I was so blessed to know this girls and be so close to them for so long! <3

     I also met a lot of new people in September, the kind of people I would not expect myself to really be friends with. But WOW! Did they change my life, for the better. I'll talk about them in October :)

Fun with my volleyball girls! Sleeping during study hall, QT Monday,
waking me up from a nap at the golf tourney, concussion testing, spooning at Ball's house,
not warming up &putting volleyballs in our shirts, not going to study hall&
chilling in lockers, driving a golf cart with Kayla,
and putting up posters in the boys locker room;)

My homecoming group! What an amazing photographer.

Travis& I. Finding the superhero within!

With my swimmer boys at the homecoming game!

Posing with Mr. Mikan, with our championship banners in the background. This man has been
an amazing influence in my life as my jr high coach and mentor <3

Senior Spirit! Class of 2012.

Homecoming carnival, where of course we bought bahama bucks!

  

October

     October was a very interesting month, to say the least. Volleyball continued, and we were successful as ever. In the Goldwater tournament, our two starting outsides (and stars) Macey&Penina were both injured and out. This gave Kayla and I, as middles, the opportunity to show our team, coaches, and the whole state that we are just as capable to put the ball away. I can gladly say from this tournament, our team realized that the middle was a huge weapon we could use more often! Yay! We also had the Nike tournament at the end of the month, which was a good warmup for the state tournament. We also play Xavier during the regular season, but ended up losing in 5 games. It was a realy intense match, and it sucked to lose, but we were so close, so it showed us that we had the potential to beat them. My favorite match of the month, however, was senior night. Wow. It was absolutely amazing! We beat Basha in 5, in front of a HUGE crowd. So many friends& family showed up... it made us all feel so good. I think it was the reason why we played so flawlessly. We seriously made like ZERO mistakes! It was insane. The team worked really hard in October, because state was right around the corner. It was really bittersweet, playing those last few matches, because after that, I knew my volleyball career would be over. It was just weird, I guess. It was such a huge part of my life, but after the state tournament, it would be yanked from me. Though I am now sure it was the Lord's will, that he has bigger plans for me than playing college ball, it was really hard to accept defeat (due to my shoulder) at the time.

     In October, I learned a lot about people, in general. Though times get tough, and we don't always get along, family will ALWAYS be there for me, and ALWAYS be number one. My mom bought a brand new Chevy Camaro that month, which made me a full time driver with the scion :) Chance started using the hummer. This made us all ridiculously happy! The car was beautiful. "Friends", though as a teenager seem the most important, would never be as consistent as family. Granted, there are a few close friends I consider family, so I know I can always rely on them, but in general, the 1000 facebook friends I had were not ones I could count on in times of need. I had lots of friends, and I was meeting a ton of new people this year, but I let myself fall into trusting them more than family/close friends... which was definitely a mistake. Though I learned the hard way, I realized I had to be a little more careful in trusting so called "friends" and giving my heart out too easily. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and once I meet someone, it is easy for me to care about them! I learned that people don't always realize what they have in front of them, but that I should not hold grudges against them for screwing me over. People make mistakes, but they are only trying to be happy. Now, I learned I should not put my trust in them again, but it was not worth it to hold onto hard feelings. That was inspired by Satan, not the Lord, to dwell on the negative. I moved on to better things :)

     So I got to know three really amazing people this month! Garrett Dible, Taylor Morgan, and Jordan Cuadras. These are the kids I was talking about earlier, ones I never thought I would have been friends with. Before September, I honestly hadn't known they existed haha, which was kind of sad! I met Garrett in my AP Government class, and we INSTANTLY clicked! He was such a great guy, in general. He always made me laugh, and I enjoyed cracking jokes with him in class while our teacher wasn't looking. I don't really remember how Taylor and I started talking, but I am sure glad we did! I tried convincing him& Garrett (who I soon discovered were best friends) to come to my volleyball games, but it took me about a month to do so. As I grew closer to them, they introduced me to Jordan. Pretty soon, these three guys became really important in my life! None of them are jocks or in any of my typical friend groups, I think that was why it was so refreshing to hang out with them, because they were so different from everyone else I knew. Jordan was in a band called Exit 48, which I thought was SO cool. They were pretty good (and they perform this week at G-stock!). Overall, I think they expanded my horizons, introduced me to people I had never known before, and opened my eyes to different ideas, ways of thinking, and styles of living. Though we have grown apart as the new semester has started (we don't have any classes anymore), I am so grateful for them and the contributions they have made in my life!

Habitat for Humanity. It was such an inspiring and awesome experience.

Halloween with the Balls! (Andrew&Heather) Beer Keg, Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland. :)

Hugging the Buffalo Wild Wings mascot at the last football game of the season. It was a sad
night for all  of us seniors, whether we were on the field or not. It was the last time we would see our
boys of fall play, but never again would us goons paint up& scream things from the stands. Since
freshman year, each and every Friday night has been made by the football games. I could not have asked
for anything better. <3

Carolyn Christensen's 18th birthday dinner/party! CeCi has been one of the most inspiring people
I have met from high school. She was in my english class freshman year, but had to drop out due to a
rare blood disease, called MDS. It took over a year to get diagnosed, and she continues to struggle with
her health to this day. Througout the experience, however, she has become a light to those around
the country. Recently, she was on the Today show, talking about the need for bone marrow
donors and raising awareness. What a girl!

Garrett, Jordie, and Taylor. These are actually from Black Friday in November (it was my first time!),
but I thought I'd put them in October, since November was so crazy with state anyways.
They are all awesome guys :)

November

     Easily, one of the greatest, yet trying months of my LIFE. To start off... MY VOLLEYBALL TEAM WON THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! :) That just about sums it up. Just kidding. I'm going to write about it in it's own section, because I know it will be long. After volleyball ended, I had to focus on my senior research paper and college applications. I applied to ASU, UofA, and BYU. My top choice is BYU, but it really depends on scholarships. I have full tuition to the other 2 schools, which is hard to pass up! The senior research paper was SO annoying, and SO time consuming. I was working on it until the hour before it was due. Though I don't think it was my best work, I got a 95 on the whole project, so I took it haha. Note to all the seniors next year; DON'T PROCRASTINATE! You will want to shoot yourself.

     In November, I was able to rest my body after 4 months of torture on my shoulder. Although towards the end of the month, I started to go on really long bike rides with Mallory. The atmosphere was relaxing, but they were actually really strenuous! The farthest we went was 20.6 miles, and boy, did my legs hurt after! I also went rock climbing/repelling with my ward. I brought Diana Mooney, it was a blast! It was really hard at first, because you really only use your toes to hold. I am much more of an arms person, so it was difficult adjusting to only using your legs to pull yourself up. It was a great experience, and I would love to do it again.

     Thanksgiving was so rewarding this year. It would be the last Thanksgiving before Chance left on his mission... which reminds me, HE GOT HIS MISSION CALL! It was sooo cool! He actually just left to the MTC on January 11th, but he was called to serve in Louisville Kentucky, Spanish Speaking. The whole experience was new to my family, so it was all very exciting. Back to Thanksgiving. It is always really refreshing to spend time with family, but this year was especially nice. We stayed at my uncle Ladd's house literally all day, just eating, having a good time, and sharing stories and laughter. There is nothing better than listening to your parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents reminiscence about the past. I know I cannot wait to do that with my future family!

Rock Climbing! So legit.

At an FCA meeting! Fellowship of Christian Athletes finally was able to become an official club this year,
which could not have made me happier. There was nothing better than sharing our thoughts on Christ
and his gospel, even though we were of different faiths!

The night Chance opened his mission call.

 THE ROAD TO STATE 2011

     After we stayed out partying (which was a blast! pizza, pazookies, chocolate milk& whipped cream, and hanging out with our devoted fans at Sarah Beene's house) till midnight on senior night, it was back to business. I was focused, to say the least, during the last month of season. Winning state, taking it all, has been my biggest dream& goal for high school. Though we had a somewhat tough path to state in the tournament, we were in the perfect position to come out victorious. As a team, we wanted it all, and we weren't going to settle for anything less.

     In the first round, we had a home match versus Westview, a ghetto school from Phoenix. Because of the new section/seeding rules from the AIA, this team was able to make the state tournament, and a few good ones were cut. So it was a little weird! They were not very good, so of course, we dropped our level a little bit playing them. The match was pretty boring overall, but we beat them in 3. Our coach was disappointed that we dropped down our high level/speed of playing, but he understood, and told us to start focusing for our big quarterfinal match Thursday night.

     In the second round, we were matched up against Hamilton. It was absolutely perfect. We lost to them last season in semi finals, so it was the perfect revenge for us. They were a really strong team, so we would have to play our game to win. We played them earlier in the season at the Nike tournament, and lost, so some of the girls were nervous. Most of us were confident that we would be able to win. As we came out of the locker room, into the gym, ready to play, we saw a HUGE crowd in the stands. The Hamilton fans (that called themselves the Dog Pound) thought it'd be cute to have a "whiteout" (where all their fans wear white). Our amazing student was not going to let them take the lead from the stands, however, so we had a "blackout". I have NEVER seen that many people there. It was absolutely amazing to see so many friends, family, former coaches, teammates, and people from the volleyball world there to watch such an intense match. The first two sets, we came out and KILLED them. It felt amazing to be able to do that to Hamilton! The third set, they picked their game back up, and ended up winning 26-24. It was a close game in the fourth set, but we pulled out the win! The game turned around when Angela Webb was put in, and she hardcore STUFFED an outside hitter with a massive block. It was absolutely amazing. I was blocking with her, but at the time, I did not even realize what had happened. The whole gym erupted. It was insane! :)

     The third round was truly the most magical day of my life, next to state, of course. We were matched up with Xavier for semi-finals at Grand Canyon University. Gilbert has had the curse of the semi finals since 2006 since we last won the state championship, losing every year since then. I honestly think there were only a few girls including myself who, on the inside, knew we could win. Most doubted, I think, mainly because it was Xavier, and every time we played them that season we had lost (twice in tournaments, once during season). That bus ride was the longest of my life, but it was amazing. I completely zoned out, turned on my pump up music, and imagined dominating Xavier in every way possible. I can't forget to mention the spirit bus that came all the way out to support us, full of Gilbert high students/ athletes ready to cheer! It was awesome. There were SO many people there.
As we got to the gym, we went to warm up, mentally and physically. We listened to a song from Transformers (sounds cheesy, but it totally pumped us up and got us in the zone), said a prayer, talked about goals, and tried to keep the butterflies away from our stomachs. We were all a little nervous, but by the time we were halfway through the first game, we were ready to beat these preppy private school girls. We won the first two, lost the third, and won the fourth. WOW. After the match, it was complete hysteria. Both teams were crying. The Xavier girls were because their season was over (and their pre-designed state rings could not be ordered anymore).  We were crying because we finally accomplished our goal of beating Xavier. We have never beat them, and we finally did it. We shut them down, and took the match. I remember right after we shook hands, Kayla and I both looked at each other and started bawling our eyes out. It was definitely a funny sight to see. We felt so many emotions, and it almost felt unreal. I always knew we could do it, I never had a doubt, but seeing it actually happen, and being the girl on the court to do it, was so weird. I also remember hugging my dad after the game. I think he was crying too. He has been there supporting me since 6th grade at all my volleyball games, practices, and tournaments. I know I made him so proud, and it was definitely one of the greatest feelings in the world.

(Note: I am not done with this section! I figured I should just post this now, then finish this part later, since it is so long anyways.)

December

       It was definitely a weird month, to say the least. People screwed me over so many times in this month, it sucked. Haha so it was kind of a sad month for me. But hey, you live and learn, right? If anything, I have learned I need to not care so much about people and choose friends more wisely.

     December was stressful trying to finish the semester out strong, study for finals, and get everything done I needed to before the year ended... which included finding a new job (I could NOT go back to Sonic, I would have had a mental breakdown). Luckily, I finished the semester with straight A's, and got a job at IHOP as a waitress! It was hard work, but I did it, and it felt great. 

     Seminary that month was so spiritual for me. I felt the Spirit so much, and it just reconfirmed my testimony daily going into class. It's so cool to see how the Gospel transforms people's lives... even if they have been members since birth. You can truly have an impact on someone, just through your words and example. Because of seminary, I have learned to see the best in people, even through their hard, outer, not always attractive, shells. If you dig deep enough, though, you can find a beautiful inside, full of goodness, testimony, and light! We should never judge people, and learn to be that shining example others will look too. If we all strove to do that

     I have learned that I will NEVER fully understand people or life... but I guess that is how it is supposed to be. You take what you get, and try to help each other out on the way. No more holding grudges or having expectations for people. People aren't perfect, so if they hurt you, it's unintentional. If it was intentional, you obviously don't need a person like that in your life, and you should distance yourself from them (even if it hurts).

     "Every person is meant to be in your life for a reason. Some are blessings, but some are lessons. Some will walk in, and never walk out; don't be surprised if they do, though." That is my take on it, I guess. A lot of people surprised me this month. I had a lot of people walk out... which in the end, is fine. I should be happy with the contributions they made to my life, and get over it. But it's not an easy thing to do! Once you become my friend, I deeply care about you. Even if we aren't very close, my heart instantly goes out to you. I am extremely loyal, and I expect that loyalty in return. It's hard when I don't always get it (actually, its like 90% of the time haha), because I know I would do anything for you, but you don't always feel that in return.

     I actually had a really deep conversation with Heather Ball about it, and she taught me something really important. I was really impressed with her, especially because she is only 15 years old! She is wise beyond her years, I think that is why we are such good friends. I confided in her in the fact that I am scared to graduate because I know I will fall away from a lot of my "close friends" that I have now. She told me that it was just a part of life that we all have to deal with, and that I should just treasure the memories we have made. She told me I would move away, grow, and meet new people, but those memories will always be there to smile on, even if those people aren't there to enjoy them with you. It seriously helped me so much!

     Christmas, like Thanksgiving, was really sweet spending time with family. There is seriously nothing better or that gives me more joy! I think that is what Christmas is all about. Being like Christ, loving and serving one another, and following him. Family teaches you all of that, because that is where it is the hardest to put into action! It's easy to serve simple strangers... but to do something nice for your annoying brother or picky mom? That's tough. I absolutely love my family. Though Christmas was small and simple for my family (especially with Chance leaving on a mission a month later), it was memorable. The best (and essentially only) present I got was my STATE RING! It was a complete surprise, and easily the best present I have ever received. I have not taken it off since I got it. 

     Winter break was pretty relaxing! I actually did not do a lot... and whether that was due to plans failing, friends bailing, or people being sketchy in general, it doesn't really matter. I spent time with those who made time for me :) 

Winter formal was so much fun! I loved everyone in the group. Though the music was lame, we had a decent time.
After, a smaller group came over to my house and had a bonfire. Most left by midnight, but one stayed until about 3:30
just talking with me. It was nice.

First night of winter break after going to the Gilbert vs. Highland soccer game. Love my football boys!

I got a new haircut! I chopped off about 6 inches and got some serious layers. It might have been a small thing,
but haircuts are a big deal to me. It signalized a change I was making in my life.

Winter break shenanigans! Sherlock holmes midnight premier the night before our last final, house sitting
with the girls in Ahwatukee, Diana's annual Christmas party, and Temple lights.

The little things truly add up. I've seen this teacher around school, and he has always kind of freaked me out.
When I recognized it was him, it totally changed my perspective on him. No one asked him to dress up, but he did,
and passed out candy canes, out of the kindness of his heart, and because he knew he could make people smile.
I don't even know his name... but what a great teacher and person.
Love the holiday season, you truly see the best in people.

Well, I am glad 2011 is over, to say the least. A lot of amazing things happened, a lot of trials were concurred, but I am ready to move on to the next stage of my life... COLLEGE! :)

     

I am going to finish off this blog post with my New Years Resolutions. Now, being realistic, they aren't going to be perfectly achievable ones. Overall, I just want to look back, and see a decent amount of progress from 2011! 

2012 Goals

• Stop trying to figure everything out! Just go with the flow of life, appreciate the good times, learn to get over the sad ones, and just live life as it comes.
• Love and serve others more, through word, deed, and example.
• Focus on the big things of life, and stop stressing over the small ones.
• Not go on facebook/twitter/pinterest/stumbleupon so much. 
• Time management! ^ Get what needs to get done first.
• Spend more time with my family. Make sure to email Chance weekly (as he is gone on his mission now).
• Go hard or go home! Never do anything half way, give it my all. Finish what I start.
• Post on this blog at least once a month as my journal for the month so I don't have to do a super long entry at the end of the year like I just had to!

Until next time,

Hunter Howard

Quote for the post:

"Live without pretending. Love without depending. Listen without defending. Speak without offending." -Unknown

JustLetLoveIn <3