2009: In Words

2009. Where did it go?

I have been asking myself this a lot lately. It seems I blinked and a whole year passed. But looking back on this year, it has been amazing and definitely one to remember.

Someone told me I should write a book about this year. Little did they know, on my 5 hour flight back to LA in October, I wrote the entire flight. No, not to be published, but to look back months later and remember exactly how I felt about my year so far. Give me a few minutes, and allow me take you down memory lane....

If I were to describe this year in one word, it would be WOW. (In second place: CHANGE) (In third place: Roadtrips)

My year was so unpredictable yet perfectly planned. So perfectly planned that I was aware each day that no matter what I had decided, God had a plan that was going to happen. In the end, I was taught that no matter what, you have to trust in his plan, wear your heart on your sleeve, a smile on your face, and have no regrets, for everything happens for a reason.

I guess I should issue this....

WARNING: I am a very detailed individual and remember everything so beware of post length.

January. I can't help but smile. It was a great month which started in Memphis with friends, new and old. Day 6- 3 of my best friends and I headed to NYC to stay with my sister. Day 9- Chelsea and Seth got engaged at Tavern on the Green. We got out of NYC just in time for an engagement party in Memphis. Then- time to start my last semester of college. A Brad Paisley concert, trip to Oaklawn, fun times in Fayetteville, and a few jazzercise classes later and well...January was gone.

Oh.... but we can't forget the Ice Storm in Fayetteville that cancelled class for 4 days. Everyone lost power except for Natalie and I. Which meant sleepovers and games galore, followed by everyone getting out of town for a long weekend. Pretty sure all of us: Gail, Natalie, Ashley, Seanne, Amanda, and Chelsea made road trips that weekend.

February had begun and it was full of surprises of every shape, form, fashion, good, bad, indifferent. I used Chelsea "Having to have" her nails done to my advantage (remember she just got engaged!), discovered Uncle Gaylord's blueberry pancakes, and lived off Baba boudan's coffee while school was getting in full force. This is the month I realized what an idiot I was.... To take an online English class instead of one at 7:30 am that a grad student taught and generally took away some of the assignments. Thanks to the person who told me that a little too late. Still bitter? No, I actually learned something from those 22 lessons I had to turn in. Seriously : ) I also got to babysit one of the sweetest 6 month olds ever a few times in February. (Erin Parker, this is for you) He made my heart melt one day; I was feeding him is bottle and he started rubbing my hand then just held it. It was the sweetest thing in the world. (Yes, I'm a sucker for children) But it was exactly what I needed!

Before I knew it, March had arrived. I won $120 in March on three card poker. LOL. No, I'm not much of a gambler, but for my first time to play, I didn't think I did too bad! I met my parents in Fort Smith for a wine tasting that my dad was working. He informed me the casino was 10 minutes away. So.... we forced Mom into staying up past her bed time and going. My Dad's co-workers were playing, taught me how, next thing I know, I had turned $20 into $250 and had no idea about it. I thought straights and flushes just happened every hand. I cashed out with $125, then handed my dad his $20 back : ) kept the rest, which made me a happy girl! Lacey came to Fayetteville for a visit and well....we didn't have the same luck playing three card poker. : ) Spring Break I went to Memphis to tag along with the Future Jewells and look at venues for their wedding, see the Smiths, then joined Uncle Al, Tammy, and Meemaw in Hot Springs! I also realized that I was graduating college in 2 months and didn't have a clue what I was going to do.

In April, I lived in the library. With one of my busiest semesters being my last one, I lived there. Literally, except to sleep. I also turned 22. And celebrated my b-day the day before with friends by 1)getting dropped off for a massage 2)dinner that night 3)going back to Ashley and Chelsea's immediately after dinner to put on PJs and watch Movies since it was POURING DOWN RAIN in Fayetteville! April was also the month I volunteered and worked with J. Bailey Occasions for Brides for the Cure, and realized what I really enjoyed doing. After an 18 hr day, being up, helping at Race for the Cure, then setting up and helping at a wedding, and leaving the reception at 1 am...I was driving home exhausted but with a HUGE Smile on my face. I had one of the best days ever helping out, working at events. I had found my calling. (Thanks Jenesssa :)

Next thing I knew, 4 months were gone, and so were 4 years of college. May had arrived! And I was about to GRADUATE!!!! AHHHHH SO Exciting! College: Check! WOW! May was filled with finals. Last 2 weeks I was with 6 papers, 2 presentations, 2 tests, 2 finals left, and a portfolio due for my online class. I didn't believe myself when I turned in my last assignment. I triple checked my planner : ) Time for a Graduation Party with friends and moving out of the apartment that Natalie and I had lived in for 2 years. And yet, I was still Clueless what the next step in life would be! But I wasn't worried, one of my favorite professors told me to be patient and wait! This was the best advice I received, plus I had a wedding to be in (Corey & Jacob Powell's), another one to go to, and a garage sale to have!!! Oh and a trip to Fayetteville to pick up a couch to sale!

Summer was here and I was happy! It was my favorite season of the year, and in June, we all loaded up to go to Mexico Beach for the Whitt Family Reunion!!! All 75 of us. I told my mom that I couldn't get a "real" job till after MB cause I really needed this beach trip! : ) I couldn't miss out on seafood and karaoke! After the beach, I headed out to camp to see the kiddos and co-workers! On the way home, I had a heart-to-heart with myself while driving, and gave myself 2 weeks to get an event design/production internship secured or settle for a marketing job/get masters/grow up. This was the end of June when I decided this.

July: I headed to the Lake for the fourth after securing a telephone interview with Mark Sheldon of AOO Events. A week and a half later, they had formed a shared internship position that would be worth my investment in moving to Los Angeles, CA for a few months. As cliche as it sounds, I really had landed my dream internship, and wasn't afraid of a thing. I made a quick trip to Memphis for Chels' bday, saw friends in Arkansas, and went to the lake one last time with the family. By the end of July, I was in the car with my Dad driving across the U.S. to Los Angeles, California (for the first time ever).

August was a new chapter of the year! My internship began and so did my journey in California! Favorite things: Hollywood Stars tour, Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, & first job on-site being on Magic Johnson's tennis court. Plus meeting lots of new friends in California, that welcomed a "Southerner" with open arms! (For more details on August, refer to the side bar on the right, click on August.)

September I asked myself....How does a girl from Arkansas end up working at the Emmy Governor's ball and HBO post party... to be honest, I am still not sure! To read all about September refer to sidebar on the right) September was also the month for weddings! I was able to help on-site at numerous ones but two that stick out the most are the wedding at the Firestone Vineyard and Pelican Hill Resort. I also made two very great friends, Megan and Brett who were Arkansans in CA as well.

I decided to stay in LA for October to work for some of the companies I had interned with. I traveled to Pittsburgh for a fun gala, then back to LA to work another event. Then it was PLay, Play, PLAY, in LALA land time. Including skydiving for the first time ever, Disneyland, and a trip back to Arkansas for Birthday Parties and Football games! (See right sidebar for more on Oct.)

November: Where did it go? It literally disappeared before my eyes. Moved back to Maumelle, finalized my decision for Young Designs to be launched, 2 Couple' wedding showers, MSU/Arkansas Football game, Thanksgiving, and then Dec. 1 was here.

December, the last month of 2009, and a great time spent with friends and family. I realized more than ever, that I wouldn't be half of the person I am without the friends and family I have. December was a fun, FUN month! And ohhh so busy (more posts on Dec. look on the sidebar). A road trip with Ashley to Nashville allowed me to see some of my family. Working and helping Wendi at Limehouse has been very beneficial to both of us (as well as becoming super close)! Chelsea and Gail being in LR for certain things allowed us to have a fun lunch with Natalie and to all hang out, add a wedding in LR, then throw in a road trip to Memphis for girls Christmas, Chelsea's shower, and to see the munchkins... and I have been able to spend quality time with my best friends all this month! (Including Molly and Lacey who are back in town..Shout out HA) Christmas allowed celebration with family, both sides, and my sister being home, it was such a fun Holiday season. And now....it is time to turn the page again and bring on a new year......

Hope you enjoyed my recap of 2009, it has been a special year! But Goodbye 2009 and cheers to 2010.

I'm Ready to see what 2010 has to offer : )

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WISHING YOU THE BEST YEAR EVER!!!