There goes 23, here comes 24!
It was recently brought to my attention, that these are my last few hours as a 23 year old. I know! It caught me by total surprise, too. This is also the end of my early twenties, because tomorrow I take a huge step into my mid twenties. Such a big step to take in one night, I should have spent more time preparing for this. So much has happened this year, and I have so many things lined up for the next year. So I thought I would do a little recap, and fill you in on why 23 was such a great year. And why I expect 24 to be even better.
At 23...
v I ran my first 5k. For those who have known me awhile, know that this is huge. I have never ran any kind of distance in my entire life. I was so proud of myself when I crossed the finish line.
v I became a member of Peachtree Baptist Church, and began teaching a Missions class on Wednesday night. This was the first time I joined a church without my parents. Justin and I joined in August of 2009.
v I went to the Bahamas. I have never been there before, and I got to go with Justin on a cruise. Freeport has one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. I kick myself daily for not taking my swimsuit off the boat on that stop.
v I learned to knit. Who knew that two sticks and a ball of yarn could be so much fun? I have made bazillion scarves, a couple hats, and other things. I am excited about my new craft. It is hard not to be excited, when you think about the different projects, and all the soft beautiful yarn.
v I made my own jam. I have seen people canned tomatoes and squash, but I have never seen someone make jam. I made two kinds this year, peach and strawberry. They were so good.
v I saw Alabama have a perfect season. And that perfect season included winning the Iron Bowl decidedly, making Tim Tebow cry, and beating The Longhorns for the National Championship. What a season!
v I got a new addition to my family, Cooper! I knew I wanted him as soon as his profile hit the Atlanta Humane Society Website, even though there was no picture. We went downtown to meet him, and we fell in love right away. He is the absolute sweetest, and he loves to knit as well.
v I participated in the Running of the Brides. It was crazy, but a lot of fun. I took a team of 7 with me, and they got the job done. It took 7 teammates, 5 hours, 50 dresses, but I found the perfect wedding dress for a perfect price.
v I finished my first half marathon. (I think I may kick marathons of any kind to the curb with my early twenties.) But it was an incredible challenge and a lot of fun. In case you are wondering, 13.1 miles is FAR and driving is way faster.
v I was promoted to Underwriter. All those years in college and working in the insurance industry and it finally paid off. Now, I am able to put millions of dollars of my company’s money on the line. Geez, a lot of responsibility for a 23 year old. Good thing I am about to turn 24.
v I got a car all on my own. In the past, my dad has always played a big part in picking out a vehicle for me and helped me pay for it. This was the first time I have ever done something like that without his help. Man, looks like I am really growing up.
v I became a member of the Church Council at Peachtree Baptist Church. I am glad to be a part of the decision making body that will enable PBC to grow and flourish. Now I just have to figure out how to update the website that I am supposed to be in charge of.
v I have been to a lot of new places this year. I got to visit Kansas City, MO & KS, Durant, OK, St. Petersburg, FL and all kinds of new places in Georgia that I had never been before.
v I got a rocking chair for my back balcony. I know what you are thinking. Why is this making the recap list? Because I love it. And getting a rocking chair, another cat, and learning to knit in one year, lets you know that I am obviously ready to get older.
Now when 24 gets here, I have big plans...
v I am going to chapel, and I am going to get married. Justin and I have been together forever and we are busy making plans to make sure our wedding day is perfect. I cannot wait for my initials to be BB.
v I get to visit Memphis. Even better, I get to visit Memphis at Christmastime. I know, I am pumped, too. Justin has already promised that we can go to all the yarn stores in Memphis. And you know that will be visiting the zoo.
v Courtney has agreed to help me improve my swimming. I got this hare-brained idea to do a triathlon. (We will see about this...) She has seen what she has got to work with, and she has accepted the challenge.
v I want to take a class in order to learn how to make a sweater. I think it is time for to take my knitting to the next level. I keep watching for a great class to be scheduled, and then I am going to jump all over it.
v I am going to learn to make my own sushi. I love sushi, and it would be really impressive if I could make it at home. Don’t worry, I am going to start with the safe ones before I go to any that are raw or that can kill you.
v I am going to Jacksonville, FL. I have never been there before, but I have made plans to go in less than two weeks and return often. I miss Alyce and Kate very much.
v I am going to finish my CPCU designation. I have been working on this for years. 7 tests down and one to go. I can do it, but I should probably be studying instead of typing this.
v I am going to move in April. Justin and I plan to move deeper into the city. I am really excited about getting to decorate a whole new place with all our new stuff. Maybe I will be able to put all Justin’s stuff in a nice little corner. Just joking, of course.
v I want to go back to Mexico, who wants to go with?
I am sure 24 is going to hold some surprises, so stay tuned...
