A more elaborate take on Facebook's 'Year in Review'

Yes.....the blog site. The one I never use anymore. Albeit somewhat neglected these days - it's still here. :)

I'm quite average anymore. A title I'm proud to take. None of the chaos and drama from a life I'm trying to forget. Things are just - good. I see many of my friends on Facebook summarizing their year, and I didn't feel that the Facebook Year in Review would even do mine justice. While it might not have been the most exciting, it was probably one of the best I could have asked for. The number of 'likes' might not automatically choose these moments for me, but I wanted to be able to pick out my favorite photos.....days......whether they be at the lake with the family, or sitting alone at 2am on the hood of my jeep photographing a meteor shower.

2014 has been nothing short of amazing for me. Work kept me busy and I can gladly say I supported myself this entire year by doing nothing but taking photos. Having escaped from my previous life with nothing in my pocket, I wasn't sure if I'd even make it. I have the most amazing bosses who stuck by my side and kept me busy, and sent me to the most beautiful (and sometimes interesting) properties you can imagine - I couldn't have gotten through this year without them. :)

I've had a few 'toys' this year - I still have the boat I purchased last year, which I'm so happy almost everyone got to use this summer. I bought it not for myself, but my family - to enjoy yet another season on the water - making memories with their families. My Grandparent's house on Lake Nottely holds years and years of magical summers. Cooking out, lounging on the dock, racing across the water. This place is where love lives - and grows with each summer.

I bought (and sold) the Jeep as well. Few things in life make me as happy as cruising the backroads here at dusk, listening to music, doors and windows off, with the warm summer air flowing through the cabin of the jeep. I can tell you now - at some point there will be a Jeep #3. Jeep = happy. One of my favorite days this year was when Jamie had a rare weekend day off - it had to be at least 90* out, but we didn't care. We grabbed some pizza, roamed the local car show, and the best part of that day was doing nothing but driving through the backroads of town. It's the little things in life. (and who you can share them with)

Jamie.....the most unexpected addition to this chapter in my life. They always say 'the right person comes along when you least expect it'. I wouldn't trade this man for anything in the world. For just over a year now he has been nothing but perfect. Respectful, caring, patient.....and just as weird as me. I already can't wait for next year's adventures with him.

The adventure phase of my life no longer contains 2 week beach vacations or (miserable) road trips. Instead it means more time with family, friends, and the outdoors. I get to hike again at my leisure. I've found a love with the rivers - I love kayaking and canoeing and was so grateful for the opportunity to do it so much this summer. Next year the boat will get sold (for a down payment on a house) and in that garage will be a pair of kayaks.

I'm blessed to have had so much time with family this year - most recently I thoroughly loved that my Grandad got such a kick out of our Christmas 'group selfie'. Many birthdays, holidays.....time that we sometimes take for granted.

...and I can't forget all my friends - crazy, maybe half lit at times......it's been one fun friggin' year, and I cannot wait for next!! Between canoeing, brew bus tours, shiki sushi sundays, beer fests, you all are the absolute best, and for those that stuck with me through all this, I can't thank you enough. You are all so awesome. :D

...and most of all. I'm thankful I have time for 'me' again. The ability to allow me to roam and explore when and where I want is the most valuable of all. I will never again lose who I am in this world.

......Since my epic changes:

It's been 10 months since I took control of my life and signed a lease on this apartment. Many of you have read what all I went through. From time to time I also read through it. It makes me appreciate all that much more what I have now. I was so terrified I wouldn't make it on my own. I'm not only surviving, but thriving in my new beginning.

It was a daring change. One that made me question every single thought and aspect of my life. Once that house was empty of my belongings, and were into this refreshingly simple 2BR apartment, I knew immediately, and without doubt I'd made the right choice. One that so many others are terrified to make. I will tell you right now - if the thought is there, do it.

I cannot begin to express the joy and happiness that flooded my life once I left that toxic situation. I learned who my real friends were (and some that weren't). This included bidding farewell to my best friend of 11 years, but everything in life happens for a reason.

I have flourished. I had no idea life was this outstanding. I spent years in misery trying to impress a person of whom I'd never be worthy. Trying to keep up with the Jones' and not anger anyone, all while keeping up appearances to what I was supposed to be. In trying to conform to this persona, I lost 'me' along the way. Reading back into past blog entries I'm reminded that last year my only resolution was to do what makes me happy. When I set that goal I had absolutely no idea how BIG that would be. And how epic of changes were coming. Change in job, change in residence, change in status, and every other single aspect of my life. I went from a life of 'things' to a very simple environment, selling off 1/3 of everything I owned. Suddenly, it was so easy to let things go.

I'm proud to report that amidst all that chaos, I quickly found 'me' again. I became happy as could be doing very little, but spending time at work and at home with the dogs. If that weren't an amazing enough difference, things only got better. Now - I'm not usually cheesy and romantic by any means, but a couple months after my transition, I met by far, the most amazing and respectful man that has ever entered my life. I have never found another person that not only accepted me for just what I am, quirky habits and all.....but one that I am this compatible with. That was 7 months ago and I'm thankful every day that he's still in my life. I had no idea a happiness like this existed.

I don't know what tomorrow will bring - I don't think about it either. I take things one day at a time now and appreciate every enjoyable detail that I possibly can. And now I have someone to share that with. Life shouldn't ever just be a routine. Love who you are with. Love what you are, and most of all - love yourself.