2012 has been such a memorable year, if not the best year I’ve had in my adult life. It has been full of so many milestones, new faces, and adventures.
January was kicked off with an incredible New Year’s celebration that helped me solidify that my friends are beautiful, wonderful, and mine–and that 2012 was destined to be my year (as cliche as that sounds).
My beautiful princesses with our funky legs
January also brought a mega-reunion for my best friends from college & I to celebrate my bestie, Treesh, turning 24. It was an early reminder of the constant love, joy, and light that these women bring to my life on a daily basis. These girls are my soul mates, and 2012 was a big reminder as to why we are connected for life.
Fly girls
Me, birthday girl, my Botzis
I also started a brand new job–teaching pre-school has been a beautiful, wonderful, & important decision. I feel so fortunate to go into work every day and get paid to laugh, play, and teach such unique spirits.
My difficult job
In February, I met Craig–definitely the highlight of my year. I can’t believe we have only been together for a year–it feels like we have been together our entire lives (I mean that in a totally positive, awesome way).
One of our earlier pictures together
In March, I had the most wonderful, beautiful birthdays of my entire life. Between being flooded with love and gifts from family and Craig, I had the surprise of my life when all my girl friends from college reunited. It was such an incredible birthday–I think I smiled for five days straight.
So much love packed into such a small space!
Some of my favorite people in the entire world
Super serious girlfriends that never have any fun, obviously.
How many guys will wear an amazing American flag tank top for your birthday?
Also in 2012, there have been great times with family:
Father’s Day
Living in the same city as your sister/best friend has its benefits.
Trips to visit friends all over the south:
Celebrating Skylar’s birthday in Atlanta in September
DC bears reunite in Nashville
Goofy Greensboro times with JED & Treesh
Training & running my first 5k with Craig & my bestie, Ashley:
My best friend since age 14 drove from Winston-Salem to come run my first race with me!
Pretending not to be nervous at the starting line
Saying farewell to some of my best friends with parties, concerts, and love as they set out on their new adventures:
Saying “adios” to my Miss Ali & Mr. Matt at a Dirty Projectors concert
My bestest friend since I was 13 moved to Boston, so I baked her a Boston Creme pie from scratch
Miss those two goofballs
Craig & I taking our first trip together to Virginia Beach, VA…full of sand, sun, and so much seafood:
nom nom nom
Our first vacation of many
Handsome boy on the beach
And, of course, enjoying everything that Asheville has to offer:
Happy Halloween from Hank & Peggy Hill
Asheville Oktoberfest
Memorial Day at McCormick Field: Asheville Tourist games are a hoot
Barley’s for pizza and any beer you could ever dream of
Enjoying a stroll downtown in May
The Southern for good food with great company
Bowling at Sky Lanes
The Wedge Brewery!
Mt. Mitchell in June
WNC Nature Center….OTTERS!!
My kitten faced tiger at Troy & Sons Distillery
The Bywater is my favorite place to be from April-September
Being simultaneously silly & supportive of LGBTQ rights at the Gay Pride Rally downtown
Watching Dr. Dog at Bele Cher!
Sky Bar is essential.
Not to mention seeing some of my favorite musicians in concert (The Avett Brothers, Feist, Dirty Projectors, Dr. Dog, and probably more) and all the other countless memories.
Probably the best part about 2012 has been the growth I have seen in myself–I am so excited for the future, and am planning accordingly. 2013 is going to bring so many more adventures: a new house, hopefully a new kitten, new reasons to laugh, and more reminders of why my life is full of so much joy and light. Thank you to everyone who has made this the best year of my entire life.
freckled and joyful 