The Past Year

So I am approaching the end of my first year at college. Its hard to believe I will be a sophomore next year! It amazes me how quickly time goes by, because it definately feels like just yesterday I was a sophomore in high school. I am kind of in amazement when I survey the past year and realize the growth and progress I have made as a woman. I look at pictures of myself in the early days, and I realize that that girl is vanishing, and a new woman is taking her place. So many of my experiences this year have shaped me tremendously. Most importantly, I have learned the true value of friends and family. In high school, I always appreciated and loved my friends and family; but, this year has taught me that these people ground me. My family, dysfunctional and (occasionaly) annoying as they may be, are my roots. They taught me what I know and what I believe. There are things we all disagree about, but we all agree that we love each other, which at the end of the day is all we really need. I run cross country, and it taught me that no matter how badly something hurts, the pain won't last forever. I think this is metaphoric for life; some things are extremely painful and difficult to overcome, but we must all remember that the pain will not last forever. I finally overcame my fear of allowing myself to fall for a boy. That situation is a near disaster area at the moment, but I'm at peace with the situation for now. We will see where it goes. I have dealt with some disappointments, wheter from other girls, or in myself. I cant wait to see what the next year has in store, but for right now, I am going to love the day that I have.

Learning to Live

I have spent my teenage years in the "tough economy" and I have learned how to live a lifestyle that reflects the times. I consider myself to be a pretty frugal gal, sometimes I like a new outfit here and there (what girl does'nt?) but I am always price conscious. Even when I do have money to spend, I don't like to. Sometimes I always feel like the "chepskate" of my friends, but I hate frivolous spending. So in high school, I could never manage my money. If I had it, I spent it. Looking back, I dont wear or use half the things I just could not have lived without. Since looking back on it, I just always try to watch what I spend. I see no shame here. I am also saving to study abroad in Europe (namely France) next spring, which is a huge contributor to my frugality. I am a firm believer in saving. I didn't always think so, but in the past year I have seen that small things can add up to big things if you wait patiently. I have also become a much more "green" person since starting college. To be clear, Im not that girl who looks like an environmentalist, Im not perfect at it, but I realy do try. Most people see me and think wow, shes just a stupid preppy girl. But what I wear does not reflect who I am or what I believe. I went vegetarian this January, partially for environmental reasons, partially for personal reasons. I try to use as little paper products as possible, and I am a recycling nazi. I believe in re-using things till they are just worn out. Now, all this is fine and well; however, I see some things that are just "trendy" green, and I fear seeing caring for the environment coming and going as a trend. I believe in doing the small, everyday things to make a difference.

Just some food for thought that has been on mind lately.