2008 was a great year. I think it might go down as one of the best years I have ever had. Here it is... the reader's digest version... but you know I don't do short very well, so here it is!
TRAVEL: I had the greatest travel experiences in 2008.
- I went to India for a month and had the most amazing experience. One that I still learn from, reflect about and talk about. I grew a lot and my view of the world has changed for the better. I also made lifelong friends who are always going to have a special place in my heart. It is something I will never, ever, forget.
- I traveled to New York with one of my best friends and had my first "real" spring break trip. We had so much fun and got to see all the sights.
- Me and Nick had a wonderful end of the summer vacation to Duluth for my best friends wedding. We haven't ever vacationed together on our own and had so much fun exploring Northern MN.
SCHOOL: 2008 was the end of my academic career... for now.
- I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of St. Catherine with my B.A., double majoring in Social Work and English writing. I am pleased to say I also graduated with the honor of Phi Beta Kappa, along with the Phi Alpha, Sigma Tau Delta and Kappa Gamma Pi honor society memberships. I worked so hard throughout my four years at St. Kate's and it really paid off. It was one amazing chapter closed in my life with another one soon to open.
- Senior year I was editior in chief of the Wheel and saw the newspaper the best it has ever looked. I am so proud of the team I worked with and learned so many great lessions managing the paper that I will always carry with me.
WORK: I officially was offered my first big person job.
- Before graduation I received a call from the Cooperating Community Programs, Inc., asking me to join their Case Management division. I started my first real person job as a case manager for home and community based waiver programs on June 2, 2008. At the end of June I passed my social work boards and became a licensed social worker.
- I was also hired on as a speech coach at Eastview High School. The speech team has always been a huge part of my life since my sophomore year of high school. I can guarantee I would not be who I am today if it hadn't been for the speech team.
WEDDINGS: So many special people in my life were married in 2008
and myself and Nick were lucky enough to witness it.
- Emily and Mike
- Molly and Chris
- Sean and Daniella
- Katie and Mike
PURCHASES: I finally have an income now and was able to make grown up purchases.
- I traded in my 1999 Dodge Intrepid for a 2004, sparkley blue, VW Beetle. I have never had a newer car, especially one fully loaded with all the extras. I love my new car!
FRIENDS: My friendships in 2008 grew stronger, even as geography moved us.
- With college ending a lot of friends seem to be all over the place (Duluth, Chicago, Sweden, Iraq, California, Wisconsin, etc...). I had the opportunity to see Emily up north quite a few times and in 2009 I have plans to visit my other faraway friends. My social work girls were a constant and although throughout the summer we lost Serena to Chicago and Michelle to Sweden, I like to think that one day we will all be together and catching up on our busy, chaotic lives. The friendships with my high school friends has become the greatest blessing I have, and I don't think many are as lucky to have such great people that they have know for over eight years. I also learned in 2008 that it is completely, 100% possible for old feuds, hurt feelings, silly gossip and even years without speaking, to be mended . We are always growing and that means that old friends and past friends can grow into new friends once more.
LOVE: 2008 I think I fell more in love.
- Me and Nick spent our second year on Bay St. and I love him more and more. We began talking wedding plans more definitely in 2008 but don't expect to be ready for a wedding until 2010. I look forward to more and more years with my love.
LOSS: In 2008 I was very blessed to not lose many people.
- During my senior year internship I met an extrodinary woman. She taught me a lot and helped me become a social worker, taking my learning and applying it to life. She passed away before Christmas and I am so thankful to have had her in my life.
FAMILY: My family had a great 2008.
- Last year there were ups and downs and a lot of transitions to make. In 2008 my family really came together and we sort of sealed the deal with our first family picture since the summer before college. In my extended family both my grandfather, and Nick's grandfather, celebrated their 80th birthdays in 2008. We are both so lucky to have such wonderful grandparents and families in our lives.
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