Walking outside was something I was happily doing a few weeks ago, and now I absolutely dread it for the most part. I can't believe how fast this year has gone by. It seems like it was just March, and I was at the small concert venue watching my favorite band with my friends and giggling about things that now I have no choice but to be serious about. It seems like it was only a few days ago that I was in Florida with my friends, finding seashells and meeting the man has now become more than just my best friend. It seems like a few moments ago I was in the very arcade where my parents met with him, wondering what exactly he felt... and now...
We've been together for 5 months. Almost half a year. And I'm a college student who just got done with her first semester and is now awaiting Christmas.
I've learned that I have a lot to learn. I've learned that high school has prepared me for NOTHING that matters. There are no cliques. There is no reputation to uphold, and it's up to me now to control my future.
It's all gone by so fast, but these images and feelings are still very fresh in my mind, and I hope that they never fade.
Next weekend I'm going to a Michigan State basketball game with my boyfriend, and then a few hours after leaving to Chicago with my family. I honestly cannot wait, I'm going to Shedd Aquarium, one of my all time favorite places in the world. If it seems like I've been obsessed with aquatic life lately, that would be partially correct. I've always had a deep passion for saltwater life, and now I have to opportunity to apply that love to my future profession as a aquarium photographer. My professor taught me lots of new tricks that I am VERY excited to try out.

And then Christmas eve will be spent with my boyfriend's family, who is becoming more of a family to me than my own.
I hope that everyone is keeping warm and spending time with the people that they love. Reflect on this year. What lessons have you learned? What was the best part about this year? I think that for me at least, 2009 has been the best year of my life so far.

What are you doing for the holidays?
Hope to hear from you soon,
Christa