Hello world. It's me, Amanda.

The past few weeks went by in a blur.  Kind of like the entire year of 2010.  When I reflect back on last year I am definitely met with mixed emotions.  While there was the biggest high ever (marriage!) there were many lows (loss).  I try to do my best and look at the positives in the good and the bad.  While it is not always easy, overall I was incredibly blessed in 2010.  Below are some highlights and things I learned along the way.

• Planning a wedding can be incredibly exhausting… if you let it be.  I chose not to let it overwhelm me and instead enjoyed each moment of the process.  I learned there are far too many things you can get worked up about that just are not worth it.  In the end it made the experience fun and a day that I will forever hold close in my heart.
• Graduate school is great!  I had a few people express their feelings about me starting graduate school around the time I was getting married and in the years that we may consider starting a family (graduate school will take between 2 1/2 - 3 years).  While all of these thoughts were extremely valid I know myself well and know that I thrive on chaos.  I would much rather be in school now than in the years my children are in activities and have busy lives of their own.  Plus, I feel confident that I have a great husband who will be able to help me. In the end, I felt that if I didn’t do it at this point in my life I probably never would and that ultimately I would be creating a brighter future for myself and my family.  Two classes in and two A-’s later I am happy that I took this leap of faith.
• I love traveling.  I had the opportunity to take a few trips and loved each one.  Even the long drives to Ohio. :)  Vegas was also a blast but the honeymoon definitely wins.  A week of doing nothing in Antigua with my new husband was more than I could have wished for.  I can’t wait for another beach vacation.
• Oh yeah, I have a great husband. We balance one another.  We bring out the best in one another.  We push one another to be better and to work harder.  We make each other laugh.  I am happy to have him to go home to.
• Friendships change…and than change again.  There were times people disappointed me.  But in the end I learn who will truly be there for me; through the good and the bad.  It is not always about knowing what to say.  It is more about knowing when to be there.
• Family is important.  I now have many new family members.  I am so blessed that they are all such great people.  I also have realized even more this past year how important my family is.  We all went through a lot together and helped one another through it all.  The losses we experienced brought us closer.  While it was not always easy, the light at the end of the tunnel is stronger relationships.

2010 brought moments that will live with me forever.  I am excited to see what 2011 will bring.  I wish for happiness, laughter, and joy for everyone.  While I am sure that the year will throw us curveballs, it is ultimately how we react and deal with it all.  Here’s to a happy 2011 for all of you.