Every year I do this to highlight some of the many things this past year has brought me. As always I’m thankful for new friends and old and all the challenges I’ve faced and new adventures that will come. This year has been simply amazing and I can't wait for 2016.
January
· My final semester at UW and as an undergraduate. I officially hold a bachelor’s degree and will have two more in 5 months. I start the hardest classes of my undergrad with human osteology and the anthropology capstone class but I’m certain I’ll finish strong.
· Grad school applications are starting to come due. Most due this month and a few such as Montana state due in February. I don’t know where I’ll be in 6 months, let alone a year. I can hardly fathom it.
February
· A third trip to San Marcos, Texas with Karen Taylor at the F.A.C.T.S. facility. I know these classes will take me somewhere but I can only dream of where.
· I turned 26 and birthdays sure loose that glimmer of excitement after 25.
March
· Spring Break- another trip to Santa Fe and this time they had me drive. It was an adventure and a half with a lot of memories made. It was the official hand down of seniors to freshmen and I can’t be happier for who we are leaving the group too.
· The first acceptance letters began to come in (Lancashire) and so the pro/con lists began.
April
· I have been accepted into the University of Dundee and the University of Montana. For whatever reason I thought that there was a choice. Texas formally rejected me and the choice was made.
May
· Graduation tradition Wyoming style= snows the weekend of….every year. But I’m done. Two more degrees, 8 years and I’m ready to continue this educational journey.
· Getting everything together to move around the world is the most stress full thing in the world. I think I’ve spent more time filling in the same forms over and over again than anything else
June and July
· I’m got out of my lease early and I am so thankful to be taking the small step to leaving Laramie before the big step of leaving the country. I still spend 90% of my time at Travis’ and buds but at least it’s a step. Moving out of a city after 5 years and 3 years in the same unit is insane. It’s also crazy how much shit I own.
· When I’m not home or in Laramie I’m traveling and visiting friends. Jaella and Abi. Between these two months we took numerous trips around the state.
· Abi and I went to Devils Tower and Thermopolis before car trouble but us back home.
· Jaella and I used Laramie Brewfest and the Cheyenne 125 Celebration as a good kick off too an around the state road race going to Yellowstone then back in 3 days.
· My 12th year at Barb’s. She keeps telling me I can't leave, I can't not work for her. I hope I can do another year at least but everything is dependent on Dundee.
· I have lists of lists that I need to make. Things to pack, do before, after, food, clothing, music to download, books to buy. My world is now over whelmed by lists and I can’t even think about how soon I’m leaving.
August
· Slowly it’s all starting to come together, all documents, forms, tickets, everything is ready all I have to do is pack, weigh my suitcases and go.
· The going away party at Buds was a hit with many friends.
· We didn’t do Warrior Dash for numerous reasons maybe next year.
· In all my plans for Scotland I had to stay for Wynn and Frank’s wedding. I’m so glad I got to see them be together
September
· I moved to Scotland!
· 5 roommates from 3 continents the next near will be a great adventure.
October
· An international Halloween for those who want to experience the American version. The night started off amazing and ended in a disarray with a layer of puke and flat mate disrespect.
November
· I’m counting down the days till home and I finals. The UK system is kicking my ass hard and though I enjoy it I would enjoy different things.
December
· Finals kicked me in the face and that is the nicest thing I can say. I didn’t do amazingly but I passed and that’s what matters so now I can move into 2nd semester and what I actually want to do.
· Home for the HOLIDAYS!!!!! Travis, Natalie, Cori, Win and Jason all came down to see me home and I can’t express how much I miss them. Even Win. The three short weeks home are going by far faster than expected.
Somewhere in all of this I quit smoking. But that isn’t important because I don’t need the likes from everyone for something I should do for my own health.
A few dates....some terrible, some awkward and some just dates I'm finishing out the year just as it started single and loving it. So many friends have gotten married, engaged and or pregnant, and I wish them nothing but the best, but I am not ready for that. I am in the same love boat I’ve been in and I love myself. So one day, one step and one more year to see where life will lead me next.