2010 - out with a bang

September 29 was a long time ago. It has been so long since I've been around, that I don't even know where or how to start. In fact, I have typed and retyped the beginning of this entry 5 or 6 times I think, trying to get it right. I have a lot to say, and I don't really know how to do it.
I have so much enjoyed these last couple of months. The summer, and few weeks that followed, were hard for me. Living back home was hard. I felt trapped in my old teenage body and mindset. It was frustrating to see myself digress, into the person I was so happy to grow out of. I am so glad to know now that that was a minor and temporary set back. Being back out on my own has been so wonderful, and completely liberating. I finally got the chance to see that I have grown up, that I am my own person, and I that I am independent and mature (in my own ways). So many wonderful things, both small and simple and great and marvelous, have blessed my life as of late. Here is what the last quarter of 2010 handed me (that I can remember):
- a childhood friend and former roommate marries the man of her dreams, becoming Mandi Schmale
- the man of my dreams realizes he loves me (again) and comes crawling back to me, with kisses and apologies (more to follow)
- I leave behind my teenage years, turning 20 on the 20th
- I finish writing 3 huge papers in a week (one taking me 24 hours straight to do), officially earning my status as a crazy university student
- I get added to Elder Persson's family email list, and get to hear all about his mission in California
- I set up my very first roommate Christmas tree, lights and all
- little Verona learns how to say Katherine, and by the way she loves me
- I go home for Christmas, bringing a boy with me
- my youngest sister Hannah is baptized
Just to name a few. As you can see, 2010 ended much better than it was there for a bit in the middle. October was a beautiful month of golden leaves and a wonderful wedding. November was a fun month of birthday celebrations and of school work accomplishments. December was a encouraging month of Holiday spirit and love.
The first quarter of 2010 was hard. The middle to quarters were confusing and frustrating. Then the last quarter came along to make this past year a memorable one.
Goodbye 2010, you were great while you lasted.