December 31st, 2011 (Day 365)

Happy New Year's Eve! Annmarie, Annie, and myself went down to the Rosie's in Ferndale to celebrate.


We had drinks (mine virgin since I was the DD for the night).


Rachel and Christina split their time between two bars to celebrate the New Year (partially) with us as well!


And Rosie's passed out gear to get everyone in the spirits to ring in the new year! I had really nice time spending the new year with some of my favorite people!

So, this is my final blog post. I have been putting it off for a couple of days because I am sad that this is it! I'm proud of myself for sticking with my blog and actually taking a posting pictures for 365 days in a row.

This past year has been a really good one. I've traveled to new places (New Orleans, Chattanooga, Mammoth Cave, Las Vegas...) and returned to old favorites (Dallas, northern Michigan, Toronto)! I've learned a lot about myself and continued to grow as a person and become more comfortable with who I am. I lived in a new place for half of the year and had the experience of ultimate independence. I fell in love with living in a city that I had always been taught from society to fear. I have grown closer to amazing friends and met new people and formed relationships that I will never forget. I became one year closer to finishing my undergrad degree and did so with honors. I've learned to fully embrace and love my life. It might not be perfect at times, but I know I am really lucky to have so much awesomeness surrounding me! 2011 was a really great year and I am really excited and looking forward to 2012! I know so many life-changing things will happen this upcoming year!

December 30th, 2011 (Day 364)

Today I babysat my neighbors again! I love those little girls.


Natalie got an iPod Touch for her Birthday (last month) and was just discovering all of it's cool perks! I tought her how to use the video recorder and she was having a blast making videos of her little sisters!

It was a very chill night since I had to work at 6am on New Year's Eve. Boo!

December 29th, 2011 (Day 363)

Today was a sad day! Everyone slept in and then we made a late lunch/early dinner for everyone to enjoy before our departure! I loved our up north trip and could have happily stayed longer. It was the best break from life, it was a busy/hard/long/stressful semester with a lot on my plate, so a nice getaway from everything was very appreciated!


It was snowing as we were packing up to leave, so of course we were dorks and went out on the deck and took some pictures!


My car was hilariously packed to the brim for the ride home. Annie and Corinne were so squished in the backseat.

After the drive home, Rachel was impatiently waiting for her fwends to come home! I hadn't seen her in like a week, and we all missed her up north, so it was very nice to come home and hang out with her! We had a silly night.

December 28th, 2011 (Day 362)

Today spent up north was so awesome! We all slept in, woke up and made a huge breakfast of eggs, pancakes, bacon, toast, etc. After we ate, some of us decided to go outside and explore. We went down to the lake and walked around the beach and then walked through some trails. Everything was so gorgeous and snowy and frozen! The sun was out and it was just a beautiful day!




Me and Annie exploring northern Michigan!


After our exploration, we did more drinking/smoking/eating, board games, Catchphrase, etc. I can't even put into words how it nice and warm and fuzzy feeling it is to be in a cabin up north in the woods, sitting around a fire, and with good friends!

We also had our memorable discussion on ghosts, paranormal things, and aliens. It was pretty spooky! I may or may not have cried. :P

December 27th, 2011 (Day 361)

Today was pretty fun! Annie, Corinne, and myself all headed up north late this morning/early afternoon. We had a slow start to getting on the road, but we were in no hurry. We stopped to have Panera for lunch and then drove up 75 to Great Lakes Crossing to do a couple of hours of outlet shopping! I got some awesome deals. After that slight detour, we headed up north!




The first night we just lounged in comfy clothes and hung out drinking, smoking, and eating by the fire!




Haha Laura aka the drinking champ.

December 26th, 2011 (Day 360)

Today I worked 11-7. It was a little crazy busy at the beginning of the shift but not bad towards the end. We were double staffed in preparation for being busy, so it was nice to actually work with someone (my sister!) and have someone to talk to! After work, we met up with Mupa at Brio to exchange Christmas presents and spend some time together!


We got him the new Lady Gaga CD (which he wanted). I love that he likes Lady Gaga!

After dinner Lauren and I went to the store to buy groceries/supplies for up north! We leave tomorrow! I am super pumped to get away from society and have a few days of R&R with close friends. Yay!

December 25th, 2011 (Day 359)

Christmas is here! I love Christmas. I woke up, took a shower, and then mom came over and we opened "Santa" (aka family) presents. I love that my mom can come over and spend the holidays with my dad even though they're divorced. They get each other presents and it isn't all weird typical awkward divorced parents situation!


The dogs got very excited about their stockings.


Mom (and dad) both loved their personalized photo calendars with silly pictures of our pups in them!


We went to Mina and Papa's house and opened presents with them and had a yummy late lunch/early dinner.


Then we went out to Mina Jan and Bob's house in Oxford and did the same!


Oh and I got my new LL Bean Boat & Tote bag! YAY!

I still can't believe Christmas has come and gone again! It seems surreal almost. It was a good couple days spent with loved ones!