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.
