Happy Wednesday to every one of you.
As many of you noticed, I didn't blog last week. However, it's not because I wanted to neglect anyone. I just so happened to be pretty busy. Luckily for all of you who have taken up an interest in my life, I have spent the last few days reading through journals from this past year. In a few short moments, you will be enjoying a small portion of the most entertaining things that have happened in 2012.
In early 2012, I learned that even if everyone else has bad things to say about your boyfriend, he can actually be a good person. Later in 2012, I realized that I was stupid. No matter how old you are or how much advice you get, it seems like you can only learn lessons from your own mistakes.
In March, I purchased a $1600 plane ticket to go to Germany. In May, I exchanged that ticket to travel abroad and decided to go to Hawaii with my family. This trip was magical. The flight was way too long but the resort and the beaches were amazing and beautiful. Perhaps I will live there someday.
In March, I celebrated my 24th birthday with everyone that is close to me. I was late to my own birthday party, watched Jesse clear off the bar with his crazy hand gestures, drank way too much, and barfed the entire way home. About a month ago, I barfed at a bar again. Really, 2012 just confirmed the idea that I am not a good drinker. I'm sure that 2013 will stay consistent with the years of drinking past.
In May, I ran my first half marathon. This was definitely in the top five best experiences of my entire life. I cannot even begin to describe the sense of accomplishment that I felt upon completing 13 miles of running. I am already registered for this year's Pittsburgh marathon in May, and I encourage anyone and everyone to participate.
Cue a dramatic email/facebook chat break up.
Also in May, I headed to Ithaca, NY to visit my friend Andrea. We had an absolute blast hiking through the woods to see the waterfalls and of course chugging wine at the winery. I hope that 2013 brings us to each other again.
In June, I got promoted to be the queen of the castle at the South Hills Hco. Store number 333 was the most perfect first store ever. To every single individual there, I love you so much. My life was touched by all of you and I will adore each one of you forever. Jess got promoted out of my store and I couldn't be more proud of her! I trained my first MIT there and she is just an angel. And, although Zach doesn't read this, he is the most genuine human being that I have ever met in my life, and I am blessed to even know him.
In July, someone hit my parked car in the mall parking lot and drove away. This marks the first time in 2012 that I cried. Thanks Jesse, for standing with me while I wallowed in my own misery. Roughly $1400 later, my Jetta was fixed.
In September, I faced by first back to school season as a store manager. It is absolutely baffling to see how crazy moms get in regards to jeans and tee shirts. Also in September, I ventured to Altoona, PA to try on dresses for my best friends wedding! Out of all of my facebook friends that got engaged last year, I can honestly say that I am happy for Jenna to be marrying Ryan this year. I love both of you and I cannot wait to be in the wedding. Carissa and Dave, the same applies to you guys. Pig will be my date, obviously. We will look good together.
In October, I planned to venture to NYC to visit Sara, Joel, and Ana... but hurricane Sandy ruined that for us. Luckily, their apartment building survived the storm and they were able to evacuate for the week of no electricity. In 2013, I will make it back to the big apple to participate in our usual shenanigans.
Novemeber and December brought on my first holiday season as a store manager and I can't believe that I survived. The amount of times that I was verbally assaulted should be illegal in PA. And finally, two weeks ago, just in time for the end of the holiday season... I was promoted again! This promotion came as a shock to me and I still can't believe that I am back at Ross Park leading the crazy show at the busiest store in the city. I am excited to see what we can do with the store. Keela, Kim, and Megan, you guys are awesome and I am so happy to have you as my team! Time to move mountains.
And now, quickly, I'd like to make a list of lessons that I learned in 2012:
* Hard work really does pay off.
* Karma exists, and thank God.
* Some people genuinely suck, no matter how nice you are to them.
* My gay-dar is wayyyyyy off.
* Most people don't consider popcorn to be a food but it obviously is.
* Some guys don't tell you they have a girlfriend until after you make out.
* Most people don't like wine, which is fine cause that means more for me!
* The south side still gets me every single time.
* Apparently getting engaged over the Christmas season is trendy.
* I love the gym more than I may ever love a human being.
* Larger women are very good at pilates and yoga.
* There are very few self-respecting girls left in the world.
* It is much easier to find terrible people than it is to find genuine ones.
* V8 smoothies are delicious.
* Abs are easily attainable.
* Sunday mornings with my lady friends are the perfect end to the week.
* Addiction is a terrible disease.
* No matter what you do, someone won't be pleased. And, that's fine.
* Immaturity still exists in 20-something year old girls.
* Heidi Golden is a saint, and I am happy to know her and work with her.
* Taking chances is absolutely imperative in life.
* Sitting in traffic really can ruin your day.
* Too many people are interested in my height and weight.
* It is sad that people with good health take it for granted.
* Giving to the less fortunate is quite rewarding.
* Generosity creates love.
* Believe nothing that you don't see with your own eyes or hear with your own ears.
* Family comes first. It's sad that some of you can't wrap your head around that, even in adulthood.
* Life is so much easier when you love what you do.
And finally, 2012 was the first year for my blog. Currently, I have 12,156 page views and I have only had the blog for about eight and a half months. I am intrigued and inspired by the fact that so many of you read this on a weekly basis. Every one of you is amazing.
Happy 2013 to all of you. I hope that you find happiness and prosperity in this year, and in your lives.
Here's to kicking off this year on the right foot,
Xoxo
