It is now a few days into 2016, but I want to share some of the memories I have from 2015. This past year was full of ups and downs. I had so many crazy happy moments that I want to remember forever, but there are also bits of 2015 that I would not mind if I forgot. Here are a few of the cool (and some uncool) things I experienced this past year... I moved into Lawson Hall on the EIU campus, and I lived on my own for the very first time. I got very acquainted with shower shoes and community bathrooms. I signed a lease for an apartment I will be living in next fall with two sweet girls, Emily and Kayla, which is probably the most "big girl" thing that I have done in my life. I paid off my first car. I got a 4.0 GPA. I met Nactuce, Amanda and Ashley, aka "the twins," and my awesome RA, Earl. I learned how to live with a roommate who was a complete opposite of me. I visited Louisville, Kentucky two times. (The second trip was way better). I learned how to be a better listener. I got pulled over for the first time but was let off with a warning. I went on a family road trip to Jekyll Island, Georgia for my cousin's wedding. I swam in the Atlantic Ocean. It was the first year I wasn't a camper at church camp. I was able to be a part of one of my dearest friend's wedding celebration. I attended a life changing youth congress in Oklahoma City. I went to my second Taylor Swift concert. I ate at Portillo's for the first time. I found myself calling on the name of Jesus more times than I can count...and He never let me down. I realized how truly blessed I am with this life that I have. Regardless of any hurt I felt in 2015, with God's help I was able to forgive and move on. "I owned every second that this world could give. Saw so many places, the things that I did. With every broken bone, I swear I lived." Thanks for a fun and memorable year, 2015, and for the life-lessons you have taught me. Ready for you, 2016!
xoxo LS
